The project will support young adults living in Lambeth and Southwark who are suffering their first episode of psychosis and currently using cannabis.
It will develop and run regular peer group sessions facilitated by mentors with lived experience of both psychosis and cannabis use, to support people to achieve a significant reduction/cessation of their cannabis use.
Evidence shows that reducing or stopping cannabis use leads to a significant improvement not only in symptoms, but also in social functioning, helping people to return to education or and employment.
In 2019 the Maudsley Charity provided funding for Europe’s first clinic to treat first episode psychosis in cannabis users following hospital admission. Read about it here.