Young People's Plan 2003/4 Summary

A wide range of programmes exists across Cambridgeshire to support the education, prevention and treatment needs of young people in relation to substance misuse. This work is overseen by the Young People Substance Misuse Group, which advises the DAATs in both Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Education
Much of the work in education is coordinated through the Personal, Health and Social Education Unit, based at Brampton. Work in substance misuse education is closely allied to other programmes, notably the National Health Promoting Schools programme, and linked to other aspects of the school curriculum.

The PHSE service provides teacher and school support in drug education, and also oversees programmes of additional support in Pupil Referral Units, and countywide health behaviour surveys of secondary school students (most recently in 2002) and drugs knowledge among primary pupils. The Data from these surveys is used both by schools to enhance their educational programmes, and also by the DAAT to gauge the level of drug knowledge and opportunity.

All Cambridgeshire County Council supported schools have drug education policies and agreed procedures. All children attending these schools receive drug education, in primary schools this is supported through the Life Education Centre programme managed through the PHSE service.

Drug education entitlement is published through the Community Drug Policy, an approach that aligns drug education in communities of schools and the communities in which they operate, and will cover all of Cambridgeshire by the end of 2004.

All parents have access to drug education events that are held in all schools: in primary schools every three years; every other year in secondary schools.

The experience of the PHSE Unit has also led to the development of Community Drugs Policies, which form an important link with the community safety agenda.

We know that there are particular factors that make some young people more vulnerable to drug misuse and work continues to support young people in Pupil Referral Units, those looked after by the Local Authority and those in trouble with the law. In particular, during 2002, an assessment of staff's training and support needs was undertaken and plans are now advanced to introduce a drug training strategy for those working with young people, backed up by resources in the specialist agencies to provide additional advice and informal supervision to these key workers.

At Risk Groups
Youth work programmes targeting 'at risk' groups of young people operate through mainstream youth services and also through programmes funded under the Communities Against Drugs initiative of Community Safety Partnerships.

The Youth Offending Service Substance Misuse team continues to assess substance misuse in all young people coming to the attention of the Youth Offending Service, and offer particular support to those in greatest need.

Specialist drug and alcohol advisory services exist in all the main towns of Cambridgeshire, with satellite services in the market towns. All these services offer points of contact for information, advice and support to young people and their parents.

Funding
During 2002/3 new funds have been invested to create a new, specialist treatment service for young people. This service will become fully operational during 2003/4 and is hosted by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. Recruitment difficulties caused an underspend against the allocated budget which has enabled further funds to be allocated through the Youth Offending Service to support young people's accommodation needs.

The rise of crack cocaine, crack houses and the serious risk to families has been a particular cause for concern in 2002/3. Organised criminal gangs have particularly targeted Cambridge and the response from Police and other welfare agencies has been crucial. The 'IMPACT' programme of intensive support to families where there are children at risk or in need has been effective in reducing harm. It will be extended throughout Cambridgeshire during 2003/4.

The Cambridgeshire DAAT is aware of national plans for a 'pooled budget' to tackle drug misuse among young people. In order to prepare, it has been agreed that funds from the Young People Substance Misuse Grant will be used during 2003/4 to establish an effective model for commissioning such services from 2004, in line with the County's Children and Young People Strategic Partnership.

The following organisations can help you get all the information you need on the effects, potential risks and legal status of drugs, alcohol and solvents.

The FRANK Help line
www.talktofrank.com
A one-stop shop for up to the minute Drugs information - Tel: 0800 77 66 00

Trashed
www.trashed.co.uk
NHS drugs information site dedicated to young people

Re-Solv
www.re-solv.org
Specialist advice on solvents Tel: 0808 800 2345

Puke
www.asc-puke.co.uk
An Alcohol Service for the Community (ASC) project with information for young people - Tel: 01582 723 434

Drugscope
www.drugscope.org.uk
Drug information from the UK's leading drugs charity and centre of expertise on drugs

Alcohol Concern
www.alcoholconcern.org.uk
The National agency on alcohol misuse