Awareness of Substance Misuse - Level 1 | Blackpool and The Fylde College

Summary

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on individuals and communities affected by substance misuse? The NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in Awareness of Substance Misuse provides you with essential knowledge to understand the complexities of substance misuse and its effects.

The qualification provides a solid foundation to help you succeed in various professional settings related to substance misuse awareness and prevention where a variety of roles at both entry and more senior levels is available to support individuals and communities affected by substance misuse. It is a useful complementary qualification for those already involved in social care work who want to enhance their portfolio of knowledge and skills.

Next course dates

Start date	Location	Duration / Fees
24 Nov 2025	Bispham Campus	5 Hours / £151	Apply now

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

The NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in Awareness of Substance Misuse is an excellent starting point for those aspiring to work in various roles within child and youth settings, including early years and social care. This qualification is part of a comprehensive pathway designed to prepare individuals for a rewarding career in the children and young people's workforce.

The course is part of our Youth Social Worker Pathway, which includes a series of qualifications which are outlined in the 'Next Steps' section opposite and are designed to enhance your skills and knowledge:. Completing this course can lead to advanced qualifications and specialised roles, enhancing employability and providing opportunities for career progression in the sector.

Next steps at B&FC

Having successfully completed the NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in Awareness of Substance Misuse, students can progress to several courses within the Youth Social Worker Pathway at Blackpool and The Fylde College (B&FC). These include:

YOUTH SOCIAL WORKER PATHWAY

NCFE L1 AWARD AWARENESS OF SUBSTANCE MISUSE

NCFE L1 AWARD ALCOHOL AWARENESS

NCFE L1 AWARD STRESS AWARENESS

NCFE L1 AWARD INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH SOCIAL CARE AND CHILDRENS AND YOUNG PEOPLES SETTINGS

NCFE L2 CERT CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLES WORKFORCE

Completing these qualifications can lead to advanced studies and specialised roles. You can progress to:

Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce
Level 4 Apprenticeship in Children, Young People, and Families Practitioner
Practitioner in Children's Residential Care

These advanced qualifications and apprenticeships provide opportunities for leadership roles and specialised positions, allowing you to make a significant impact in the lives of children and young people.

Employment Opportunities

On completing the NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in Awareness of Substance Misuse, students can explore various entry-level employment opportunities, including:

Key information

Entry Requirements

Technical Entry Requirements:

Age: 19 years or over (19+)

Additional Non-Qualification-Based Entry Requirements:

DBS Check: While a DBS check is not required for enrolment on the course, it is essential for those seeking employment working with children, young people or vulnerable adults. This check is usually arranged through placement or employment.

These entry requirements ensure that students are adequately prepared for the course and any subsequent employment opportunities in settings involving children and young people. Additionally, students should have a basic level of proficiency in English and Maths.

Qualification obtained

Award in Awareness of Substance Misuse

Fees and funding

Whilst many adult courses are fully funded for 19+ learners, funding can depend both on the course itself and/or the learner's personal circumstances, including their current income levels and previous qualifications.

To find out if you might be eligible for full or partial funding or for an Advanced Learner Loan (Level 3 qualifications only), please visit our Financial Support section. You will also find more information here about additional financial support you might be entitled to such as help to cover childcare and equipment costs.

Extra costs and equipment

There are no additional equipment costs associated with this course. 

What will I learn?

The NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in Awareness of Substance Misuse is structured to provide comprehensive knowledge and practical skills essential for understanding and addressing substance misuse.

In the Develop an Awareness of Substance Misuse module, you will learn about different types of substances, their effects, the impact of misuse, support and prevention strategies, and the legal and social issues surrounding substance misuse.

By completing this unit, you will be well-equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to support individuals and communities affected by substance misuse, making a significant impact in various professional settings.

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

Guest Speakers: The programme is enriched by guest speakers from the industry, providing valuable insights and real-world perspectives. These industry experts share their experiences and knowledge, enhancing the learning experience and offering students a unique opportunity to engage with professionals in the field.

How will I learn?

Our courses are delivered through a blended learning approach, combining the flexibility of digital resources with the benefits of face-to-face teaching. While some elements of the course may be accessed online, this is not an online-only course—you will be required to attend in-person sessions at scheduled times throughout the programme. 

Teaching takes place in hybrid classrooms, allowing for interactive, tutor-led sessions that support both classroom-based and remote participation when appropriate. The programme primarily focuses on developing your theoretical knowledge, supported by practical, hands-on activities that help you apply what you’ve learned to real-world care scenarios. 

This flexible yet structured approach ensures that you receive the guidance, peer interaction, and practical experience needed to succeed in the health and social care sector. 

Expert tutors

All tutors involved in the delivery of adult courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich our students’ learning experience and enable them them to get the inside track on what working in the industry is really like.

How will I be assessed?

Students will be assessed through a combination of methods designed to evaluate their understanding and practical application of the course material. The assessment process is structured to ensure that students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills effectively.

Assessment Methods:

Portfolio of Evidence: Throughout the course, students will compile a portfolio of evidence that showcases their learning and achievements. This portfolio will include various forms of assessment such as written assignments, case studies, and practical tasks.
Written Assignments: These assignments will test students' understanding of theoretical concepts and their ability to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Case Studies: Students will analyse specific situations, demonstrating their problem-solving skills and ability to provide appropriate care and support.

Grading:

The course is assessed on a pass or fail basis. Students must meet all the assessment criteria for each unit to achieve a pass.
The portfolio of evidence is a crucial component of the assessment process, as it provides comprehensive proof of the student's competence and understanding.