National Assembly for Wales / Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru
Health and Social Care Committee / Y Pwyllgor Iechyd a Gofal Cymdeithasol

Inquiry into alcohol and substance misuse / Ymchwiliad i gamddefnyddio alcohol a sylweddau

Evidence from Pembrokeshire Youth Offending Team – ASM(Q) 30 / Tystiolaeth gan Tîm Troseddwyr Ifanc Sir Benfro – ASM(Q) 30

Inquiry into alcohol and substance misuse

Survey Consultation Response

Organisation: Pembrokeshire Youth Offending Team

Questionnaire

01. Which client group(s) do you work with? (For example, under 18s, older persons, homeless, or female only)

Under 18, involved with or at risk of being involved with the Criminal Justice System.

02. What are the main reasons why your clients take drugs or drink excessively?  Please tick all that apply.

If you work with more than one client group or you feel that there are other reasons as to why your clients take drugs or drink excessively, please comment in the box below.

§ Peer pressure;

§ A way to deal with stress;

§ Client(s) already substance reliant;

§ Mental Health;

§ Boost confidence;

§ Relieve social anxiety;

§ Environmental factors (for example – excessive drinking and/or drugs normalised in the home/community)

§ Relationship problems;

§ Financial concerns;

§ Self-medication;

§ Escapism.

03. Are there certain groups of people who are more likely to be affected by drugs and excessive drinking? If so, which groups might they be?

We are currently undertaking research into this area. Within the client group we work with around 2 thirds have drink or substances as aggravating factors. So young people who offend are often involved with drink and drugs. However young people who offend are members of other groups also.

04. Does a particular stage of your clients’ lives influence their likelihood of taking drugs or drinking excessively? If so, what stage might that be? (i.e. age, relationship breakdown, unemployment etc.)

Divisionary activities have a protective effect with regards to drink and drugs use. NEET

young people would be at risk as are those who are remote from youth support services. It is

also fair to say that environmental and familial issues also have an impact.

05. What barriers exist for your client(s) when trying to access support and services?

Services are often not available at weekends or holidays. Rurality is a big issue, getting to services is difficult. Awareness amongst young people and signposting agencies could be better.

06. What barriers exist for services when trying to access support for client(s)?

Young people’s willingness to engage and chaotic lifestyles. Availability and accessibility of

services.

07. What do you consider to be barriers for staff and frontline services in working with your client group(s), or substance misuse generally?

Training and understanding.

08. Where do you think efforts should be targeted to address the issue of alcohol and substance misuse in Wales?

It is my view that all youth workers should in effect become tier one substance misuse workers trained in assessment advice and signposting. Schools have a part to play but messages need to be consistent and appropriate and realistic.

09. In which local authority area do you work? If you work outside of Wales, please write your local authority area below.

Pembrokeshire.

Contact Details

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