SECTION 4 PHASE TWO 4.1 Summary
4.5 Services – Use, Perceptions and Need
4.5.4 Early Intervention
The principle of early intervention was embraced positively within all focus groups and interviews. For those participants with an established drug habit, views about the need for early intervention were particularly strong.
Information stood out as the key issue within all groups and individual interviews.
This extended to substances, their effects, harm reduction advice and information about services.
All participants agreed that young people should have universal access to information and advice as well as support services.
There were mixed views about the effectiveness of drug education in discouraging young people from using drugs, alcohol or solvents/aerosols. 93 participants reported their experience of school based drug education as being so insignificant they could recall no details. The exceptions to this were eight participants attending Portland High, the EBD school in Coatbridge, viewed as offering relevant education on drugs and alcohol, one participant who had attended school in Glasgow and those who had experienced an input from Calton Athletic. This input was universally viewed as powerful, credible and effective.
The added value of the ex-user led input was attributed to the experience of those delivering it.
‘they ve been there – they know what they’re talk ng about and it scared me’
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The researchers are aware that, in general, external inputs into a school curriculum are experienced positively by young people: a fresh face, a different approach, a different point of view. It may be difficult to distinguish between this ‘difference’ and the impact of the service user or ex-user approach expressed by participants.
However, participants could recall detail of their input as well as a general impression which, for some, has remained in their consciousness for over three years.
Other participants expressed the view that experimenting with substances is a normal part of growing up and that drug education is ‘a waste of time and money – people will try stuff anyway’.
The methods of delivering information and advice appear to be as relevant as the content.
4.5.4.1 Wha Would Work?
Participants were asked their views about what forms of early intervention would work. The following examples were suggested, some from individuals, some developed through discussion in a focus group:
Peer education. We have already outlined the value of using peer researchers for this assignment. Participants responded positively to this approach and proposed that it be adopted in drug education and awareness programmes. Proposals extended to young people being involved in producing videos and adverts screened at peak viewing times eg. during ‘Buffy’. This followed a discussion about the value of the current HEBS TV campaign, viewed as being accurate and ‘entertaining’.
Use of ex-users as educators. Together with peer educators, ex- drug users were viewed as a credible and valuable resource not currently being used effectively. This suggestion arose from participants relating the personal impact of this approach. Strong views were expressed in focus groups that the
‘best’ people to deliver drug and alcohol education are those people who have been directly affected and who understand the journey from experimentation to addiction to being drug free.
Increased youth work and leisure opportunities. All focus groups and all individual interviewees commented on the lack of choice over community based leisure and youth work activity: accessible, local and affordable. For those young people who participated in young peoples’ groups supported by youth workers, the group was seen, amongst other things, as a source of support and knowledge as well as a resource through which education/awareness about substance use could be routed.
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Published material. Leaflets, articles and ‘real life’ accounts of substance use and services used in magazines and information geared for different age groups, again with young people’s participation in the design.
Direct mailing. The suggestion was made that direct mailing of information packs could be sent to all young people in Lanarkshire at key transition stages.
eg. starting primary school, secondary school and on 16th birthday. Material would be age specific but all would include a map of services, outlining access routes. Postcards, videos and CD-ROM’s might also be included.
Outreach services. For those young people who do not access youth work or other community support as well as a response to the perceived fear or lack of awareness amongst staff in other services, adopting an outreach approach to service delivery is proposed. Outreach services could link with existing programmes and services operating in a range of community venues as well as in the independent sector eg. employment and training initiatives.
The Internet. Given the extensive use of the Internet for information about illegal drugs reported by participants, the Internet is proposed as a vehicle for drug education. A website dedicated to services for young people in Lanarkshire with links from key sites would reach those young people less likely to access services through social work, health services or community venues.
Telephone helplines. Although participants were aware of national telephone helplines, they did not expect to access local services or support through this route. A link to a Lanarkshire specific line through the national line or through a young persons’ substance use service may meet the needs of some young people seeking out services.
Diverse community based services. Information and advice points and counselling were proposed under the umbrella of a young person focused, discreet but accessible service throughout Lanarkshire. There were mixed views about where such services should be cited, from shop fronts in main streets to a discreet unit in Boots stores to community centres.