Since 1625Outreach arrived in Derby in 2022, DCG has been a key partner in supporting young people and young adults with specialist advice and intervention services.
In 2024, this relationship was further strengthened when Derby College agreed to host a new project, funded by Derby City Council, embedding a targeted full-time outreach worker within the college.
Jade Watts, Targeted Intervention Coordinator for 1625Outreach, now works directly with students across DCG sites, offering one-to-one support, harm reduction advice, and running regular drop-in sessions addressing drugs, alcohol, and associated risks.
Students also benefit from referrals to agencies such as Aquarius, First Steps, Breakout, and DDARS when more intensive or specialist support is needed.
Reflecting on the past year, Jade Watts said:
“I’ve supported students across Derby College through one-to-one, brief, targeted interventions around different substances and have made referrals to various agencies where needed.
“Alongside this, I’ve delivered drop-ins throughout the terms providing information, advice and harm reduction resources, including anti-spiking kits.
“I’ve been so impressed with how the support teams at DCG have allowed me to integrate seamlessly into college life.
“Communication and collaboration have been crucial, especially as this was a new offer, and every team has been on board every step of the way, which has been amazing.
“I’m really excited to see how this partnership continues to develop in the next academic year.”
DCG has also recently welcomed Compass into its Joseph Wright Centre, working as part of the Mental Health Support Teams initiative.
This complements the work already underway, providing additional mental health provision and ensuring students can easily access advice, guidance, and support when needed.
Lauren Stewart, Cluster Manager at 1625Outreach, said:
“Since 1625Outreach landed in Derby city in 2022, Derby College have been a key partner in our work with young people and young adults.
“Last year we were delighted when the college agreed to collaborate on a new project, supported and funded by Derby City Council.
“1625Outreach now has a dedicated full-time worker embedded within the college, supporting students seeking advice and information around drugs, alcohol, and associated risks.
“Collaboration is key in creating a space where students feel aware, safe, and well — and we’ve been incredibly impressed by the college’s compassionate, proactive approach.
“We’re really excited to continue working together into the next academic year and to build on the fantastic progress made so far.”
A recent student who accessed the service shared:
“I have a lot of gratitude towards you (Jade). You literally gave me some life-altering advice and helped me switch my perspective.
“I cannot thank you enough for that — thank you for everything!”
Seraya Cliff, Team Manager- Student Experience at Derby College Group, added:
“We’re extremely proud of the partnerships we’ve built with 1625Outreach, Grow, Change, Live and Compass.
“These collaborations are vital to the wellbeing of our students — providing specialist advice, timely intervention, and a safe space for those who need support.
“The positive feedback we receive is testament to the value and importance of this work, and we’re committed to continuing this journey together, developing new ways to support and empower our students.”
The partnerships will continue into the next academic year, with plans to further develop services and adapt provision in response to the evolving needs of young people in Derby.
