Drug Intervention Programmes are an integral part of the Government's strategy for tackling addiction and through the 2nd Chance Project, Durham is taking a lead in helping addicts on their road to recovery. With the delivery of weekly sporting activities, the 2nd Chance Project works with a diverse range of people aged 16 years and above who are not in education, training or employment.

The project has formed strong links with a host of partner organisations including drug and alcohol recovery centres, homeless organisations as well as probation and by working closely with the 2nd Chance team and the Drug Intervention Outreach Workers future participants can be identified and referred onto the program.

The sessions take place at Queen's Campus, Stockton and Maiden Castle once a week offering participants a plethora of sports and activities which vary from the usuals; football and tennis, to the more extreme; mountain biking, canoeing and fencing. Not only do the participants benefit greatly from the sessions, but the Team Durham volunteer students also find the sessions rewarding. With roles such as sessional coach, and project leader, getting involved in the project offers these students a superb opportunity  to develop their personal skills whilst working with some really interesting people.

Debra from Foundation UK has much praise for the scheme. "Since coming to Maiden Castle we have noticed a considerable change in some of our customers. They are eager to come and take part in the sports and excel at some of the more challenging ones. They particularly like the engagement with the staff and students. The customers regularly talk about what they have done and look forward to the next session. We have noticed that those who attend regularly have increased in self confidence, not only in the sessions but in their everyday lives. It is an opportunity for them to meet socially with other people and learn about new activities and cultivate ideas".

This acknowledgement led to the introduction of a group entitled ‘Sport Universities North East England’.  This unique structure has been endorsed by the Minister for Sport, Sport England, Universities for the North East, British Universities and Colleges Sport and the Regional Sports Board.  Specific funding to underpin the project is being provided by One North East, BUCS, Sport England, HEFCE and the Northern Rock Foundation. We aim to help transform the delivery of sport and physical activity across the region alongside our partners and believe that considerable progress has already been made.