THINK HARD is a campaign led by young people in Derby, to raise awareness of alcohol and sexual health issues. The campaign encourages young people to make informed decisions on these issues, to avoid risky behaviour and keep themselves safe.
Derby Community Safety Partnership and QUAD have worked with local young people aged 8 – 19 years to create messages regarding safe, sensible and social drinking.
The project is a strong example of cross cutting partnership work to bring together the health and criminal justice agendas within alcohol misuse that puts the views of young people and their parents at the core.
This specific project builds upon the response to the recommendations outlined within both the Youth Crime Action Plan and the Youth Alcohol Action Plan. This involved providing a tiered approach to enforcement and intervention for young people with regards to alcohol related anti social behaviour. Through this delivery it was recognised that there was also need to address health associated consequences and safeguarding matters in relation to alcohol misuse. It was also agreed that this would be most effectively addressed through a variety of communication tools both audio and visual (e.g. posters, leaflets, stickers, key rings, sound bites) designed and developed by young people and parents. This was to ensure that the information was appropriate and had local relevance, thereby reflecting local need. It is intended that the images will be displayed and utilised in geographical hot spot area for alcohol related ASB.
There was a mixture of young people involved in creating the materials, including those attending voluntarily as part YOS Prevention activity and others on Statutory Court Orders as part of their reparation for alcohol related offences.
The project is a strong example of cross cutting partnership work to bring together the health and criminal justice agendas within alcohol misuse that puts the views of young people and their parents at the core.
Funding came from the DCSF as part of the Youth Crime Action Plan (YCAP).
For support or advice contact;
Addaction – www.addaction.org.uk or call 01332 254505
Frank – www.talktofrank.com
Free, confidential advice for young people on relationships, sexual health and alcohol issues is available from a range of local and national organisations. Here are just a few that you may find helpful:
The Space Derby - drop-in and appointment service for 12 to 25-year-olds offering information, advice, counselling, referral and support on a variety of subjects, including: health, smoking, drugs and Chlamydia screening.
Young Addaction – advice, support and information on alcohol and drugs issues, as well as fitness and general well being for under-18s.
Talk to Frank – advice and information on drugs issues, available 24-hours-a-day.
‘R U Thinking?’- support and advice for young people on all aspects of relationships and sexual health.
fpa (Family Planning Association) – advice and information on puberty and sexual health.
GUM Clinic
London Road Community Hospital
London Road
Derby
DE1 2QY
“The number of young women treated for alcohol poisoning has increased by 90 per cent in the past five years”
(Source: Department of Health 2008)
