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This report presents a summary of the findings of a qualitative study of drug services for young people aged 11-18 years in the Western Health and Social Services Board (WHSSB) area.

An approach combining interviews (group, paired and individual) and short self-completion questionnaires was employed to consult with 37 young people to elicit their views and experiences of current and future service provision. Semi-structured interviews (group, paired and individual) were used to consult with 18 professionals working in the WHSSB area. The in-depth interviews were not intended to be statistically representative.

The purpose was to elicit from young people and professionals a range of views and experiences of prevention, education and treatment services in the WHSSB area.

Main findings

• All of the young people agreed that drug education was an important part of prevention and commented on the need for credible sources of information about drugs. Most believed that young people have a right to adequate information to make informed decisions.
  "facts, honest and impartial", "pros and cons/the good and the bad", "speak about the future of drug users".
• Most of the young people believed that school-based education is an essential part of drug prevention. However, many were critical of the drug education they had received, perceiving it to be too formal and delivered by the wrong professionals.
• The participants suggested that future programmes should be more relevant to young people, reflecting their current youth culture.
• All of the young people interviewed expressed the need for alternative but complementary drug education outside the school setting.
• Suggestions for out of school programmes included peer education, mass media campaigns, detached youth workers, social workers, helplines and the internet.
• The young people agreed that the person delivering the programmes should have training and experience in working with young people, and have a credible knowledge of drug and youth culture.
• A number of participants commented on the difficulty experienced by young people in using support services and in seeking out help.
• Only a small number of the participants had used support services. Among those who had, experiences were mixed, ranging from a waste of time to extremely helpful. Suggestions for improvements to services included immediate access to services (walk in without referral) and a young person used alongside with trained staff.
• The awareness of drug treatment services among young people was low. Some of the young people were aware of specialised addiction services but perceived them to cater for adults with alcohol addiction problems.
• All of the young people interviewed commented on the need for a generic service which provides advice and support on a range of issues, in a venue where young people can meet and which is alcohol and drug free.

A full report is available from the Western Drug and Alcohol Coordinator.
 

Reference

1. Fullerton D and Casson K. Someone who knows. Views and experiences of drug services in the Western Health and Social Services Board Area: Young people and professionals. Londonderry: Western Drugs Coordination Team, 2000.