Alcohol in the Vale - Can We Make A Change?
Last year, the Vale of Glamorgan held one of thee biggest surveys in Europe, the topic of discussion; drugs and Alcohol, with over 700 young people participating between he ages of 11-18 years old. The findings were pretty interesting; shocking to some, but not that much of a surprise to many!
So let me tell you a few facts and details to enlighten you on this article and just what it is we are doing.
*90% of young people interviewed have tried alcohol. 25% of those young people who have tried alcohol drink once a week or more.
*55% of the young people interviewed indicated that they obtained alcohol from family and friends. 32.5% of young people interviewed indicated that they obtained alcohol through proxy sales or purchasing it themselves.
*72% of young people interviewed indicated that they drink alcohol at home or in their friend’s home. 22% indicated that they drink in public spaces.
And from these pretty shocking facts:?*75% of 651 young people indicated that they had not accessed services in relation to drug and alcohol advice/support. 23% said they had accessed support/advice.
With these findings it was pretty obvious that there is not enough accessible services for young people across the Vale when in relation to drug & alcohol advice and support - particularly alcohol. The Vale of Glamorgan Safer Vale Partnership have now put together the 'Vale Alcohol Strategy' in which this situation could be helped.
Local voluntary youth organisation Vibe Experience have begun consultation workshops with groups of young people all over the Vale. Having looked at the 'Vale Alcohol Strategy' they decided to create a 'young people' friendly version and held workshops based on these findings. These workshops are being used to look at if the 'Vale Alcohol Strategy' fits with young people, what, if anything, the young people thought could be added or if their we're any changes that could be made. These activities are being run with three Vale youth groups, so far with the young people of the Vale Youth Forum and the Swoosh Editorial Team, the Penarth Youth Action next on the list.
Already these young people have given some great ideas to for to the strategy, including one idea where young people themselves could be trained as peer mentors on drug & alcohol services, support and advice. And of course, if you have anything to say about alcohol or drugs, or the Vale Alcohol Strategy, we would love to hear from you and any opinions and ideas you have.
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