The Substance Aware School (SAS) Award has been developed to recognise and reward consistent, ongoing approaches to prevent substance use among young people across the Highlands. This initiative is a joint partnership between the Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (HADP), Highland Child Protection Committee, the Highland Council, NHS Highland, and Police Scotland. By sponsoring this award we aim to:
- Support and promote evidence informed substance education and prevention in the Highlands
- Celebrate and showcase good practice of substance education and prevention in the Highlands
- Encourage and sustain healthy attitudes and behaviours among young people in the Highlands
The 2023/2024 SAS Award will be presented to three successful applicants on a tiered basis. Successful applicants will receive funding to spend on further substance education and prevention approaches, such as positive or diversionary activities, or family centred activities.
- Gold SAS Award winners will receive a prize of £1,000
- Silver SAS Award winners will receive a prize of £500
- Bronze SAS Award winners will receive a prize of £250
Successful applicants must plan evaluation of their activities, for example describing the three main benefits of the activities, and who they would benefit (e.g. young people, parents / carers, the local community).
Successful applications will achieve the following criteria:
- Demonstrate how the Highland Substance Awareness: Education and Prevention Framework has informed substance prevention and / or education (e.g. use of accompanying lesson plans)
- Describe ways in which the Highland Substance Awareness Toolkit (H-SAT) has been accessed, utilised, or promoted
- Develop or review the school substance policy, ensuring it is up to date and complied with
- Encourage, support, or provide positive / diversionary activities
In addition, there is a Flag Award and certificate available for each school that applies with a policy for the school, which has been developed in conjunction with pupils.
We welcome applications from:
Primary Schools | Secondary Schools | Special Schools
How to apply: Please complete this application form.
Applications will be open from: Wednesday 19th November and close on Friday 7th March 2025 .
Details of award winners announcement to follow.
We look forward to receiving your applications. Good luck!