In November 2018, Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC) welcomed the Daniel Spargo-Mabbs (DSM) Foundation for talks and workshops, informing about the risks of substance misuse.

Founded in 2014 by Tim and Fiona Spargo-Mabbs after their son Dan’s sudden death, the foundation offers drug and alcohol education programmes, training and workshops for students, parents and carers. Through interactive and engaging sessions, the DSM Foundation informs about effects and risks of taking drugs, laws and peer pressure.

In addition to informing students, the DSM Foundation delivered its first ever parents event at a further education college. RuTC student Nia Shaw, our college’s very first DSM Foundation Youth Ambassador, supported the foundation during their visit and will continue to do so in the future.

Cait Orton, Safeguarding and Equalities Officer at RuTC, says: “Nia came to help with the parent’s talk and we were all extremely impressed by her maturity, professionalism and insight in to such a complex issue.”

RuTC student and DSM Foundation Youth Ambassador, Nia Shaw, says: “I chose to be involved in the Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation because of how and why the organisation was set up and because I understand the importance of drug awareness amongst young people. As a young person myself who has seen a number of drugs and know how accessible they are, yet never felt pressured or intimidated to take any, I want to encourage my peers to have the same attitude.”