Volunteer With Aquarius
Birmingham Young People’s Service
Support that fits your life – when and how you need it
Click Here!
We’re here for anyone under the age of 25 in Birmingham affected by drugs or alcohol. Whether you're using substances yourself, feeling pressure from friends, or impacted by someone else's use at home.
You don’t need to be in crisis to reach out. We’re here to listen and support you without judgement, working at your pace and building on your strengths. Everyone’s journey is different- we’re here to support you in a way that fits your life.
Our service is free and confidential for anyone under the age of 25. Wherever you're starting from, we're with you every step of the way.
What the Young People Service looks like
We provide free, confidential, and person-centred support to children and young people across Birmingham who are affected by drug or alcohol use—whether it’s their own or someone else’s. Our service is designed to meet young people where they are, both emotionally and physically, offering flexible support at home, in schools/college/university, youth hubs, community spaces, and online.
We recognise that substance use often crosscuts with other challenges—such as mental health, trauma, peer pressure, or family instability. That’s why we take a holistic, trauma-informed approach that builds trust, resilience, and self-efficacy.
Our team works with young people to:
- Reduce harm and risky behaviours
- Build coping strategies and emotional regulation skills
- Improve relationships and communication
- Access wider support for housing, education, employment, or safeguarding concerns
In 2024/2025, we saw over 83% of clients in Birmingham after a referral was made. Of those, 59% successfully completed their treatment.
Who We Support
- Children, young people and young adults up to age 25 using substances or at risk of doing so
- Children, young people and young adults affected by a parent or caregiver’s substance use
- Those facing additional vulnerabilities such as exclusion, homelessness, exploitation, or involvement with the care system
Why It Matters
Early intervention can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. By offering non-judgmental, youth-led support, we help young people make informed choices, stay safe, and build a future they can be proud of.
How We Work with Young People
Community-based assessments For young people showing signs of drug or alcohol use Helps us understand what support is needed
1:1 structured support sessions. For those needing help to reduce risk and make positive changes. Tailored, ongoing support at the young person’s pace
Brief advice and information. For young people experimenting or at risk. Early support to build knowledge and confidence.
Awareness-raising in the community. Sessions in youth clubs, schools, and other local spaces. Focused on prevention, harm reduction, and staying safe
Co-producing positive activities with young people. We work with other Aquarius services to design meaningful opportunities. Includes creative projects, events, and wellbeing activities.
Volunteering and training opportunities. For young people using our service to build skills, confidence, and connections for the future
Talk to us wherever feels right for you at school, in the community, at home, or in places you already know, like youth centres or Youth Justice services.
We also have spaces you can visit, including:
- Kingstanding Leisure Centre
- Bristol Road office
- Evolve Recovery Hub at the Adam and Eve in Digbeth
Additional wrap around support provided:
For Professionals
We work with schools, youth justice, social care, mental health, housing and other services to support young people.
We offer:
- Advice and consultation
- Staff training
- Joint working and referrals
- Workshops within your setting for YP
Want to Connect?
Get in touch – we’re always happy to talk.
Download our referral form: Birmimgham Young People Referral Form