NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE DRUG ACTION TEAM

YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT

FINAL REPORT

Gill Davidson Lyn Dodds Kate O’Brien December 2001 NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

INTRODUCTION...... 1 1.1 THE YOUNG PEOPLE’S DATASET...... 1 1.2 DEFINITIONS USED IN THIS REPORT...... 2 1.2.1 DRUG...... 2 1.2.2 SUBSTANCE...... 2 1.2.3 YOUNG PEOPLE ...... 2 1.2.4 VULNERABLE ...... 2

2 RESEARCH METHODS ...... 3 2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW ...... 3 2.2 QUESTIONNAIRE...... 3 2.3 PARTICIPATORY APPRAISAL WITH YOUNG PEOPLE...... 3 2.4 INTERVIEWS WITH VULNERABLE YOUNG PEOPLE...... 5 2.5 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION COLLECTION ...... 5

3 A PROFILE OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE...... 6 3.1 NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE ...... 6 3.2 AGE AND GENDER ...... 6 3.3 ETHNIC BACKGROUND ...... 6 3.4 GEOGRAPHICAL SIZE AND URBAN/RURAL MIX...... 7 3.5 SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS ...... 7 3.5.1 INDICES OF DEPRIVATION 2000 ...... 8 3.5.2 LEVELS OF CHILD POVERTY ...... 8 3.5.3 ELIGIBILITY FOR FREE SCHOOL MEALS ...... 8 3.5.4 TAKE-UP OF BENEFITS...... 9 3.6 EDUCATION...... 10 3.6.1 CHILDREN IN SCHOOL...... 10 3.6.2 16 AND 17 YEAR OLDS IN EDUCATION ...... 10 3.6.3 EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT ...... 11 3.7 EMPLOYMENT ...... 12 3.8 PATTERNS OF CRIME AND DISORDER ...... 13 3.8.1 RECORDED CRIME IN GENERAL ...... 13 3.8.2 DRUG OFFENCES ...... 13 3.8.3 RESIDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF CRIME AND DISORDER AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE .....14 3.8.4 THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SUBSTANCE MISUSE AND CRIME ...... 14

4 VULNERABLE YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE DAT AREA...... 16 4.1 VULNERABILITY...... 16 4.2 METHODOLOGICAL CONCERNS...... 17 4.3 HOMELESS PEOPLE ...... 18 4.4 ARRESTEES ...... 19 4.5 YOUNG OFFENDERS...... 19 4.6 CHILDREN IN NEED ...... 21 4.7 YOUNG PEOPLE IN LOCAL AUTHORITY CARE ...... 21 4.8 YOUNG PEOPLE IN NEED BUT NOT IN LOCAL AUTHORITY CARE...... 23 4.9 CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE ON THE CHILD PROTECTION REGISTER ...... 24 4.10 CARE LEAVERS...... 25 NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

4.11 YOUNG PEOPLE CARING FOR ANOTHER PERSON ...... 25 4.12 YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE EXCLUDED FROM SCHOOL ...... 25 4.13 TRUANCY ...... 26 4.14 YOUNG PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES...... 26 4.15 YOUNG PEOPLE WITH BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS...... 27 4.16 CHILDREN NOT IN THE MAINSTREAM SCHOOL SYSTEM ...... 27 4.17 YOUNG PEOPLE WITH A PHYSICAL DISABILITY OR LONG TERM ILLNESS...... 27 4.18 YOUNG PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESSES OR DISORDERS ...... 28 4.19 SUFFERING A BEREAVEMENT...... 29 4.20 LIVING IN A RURAL AREA ...... 29 4.21 ETHNIC MINORITIES...... 30 4.22 SPEAKING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE ...... 30 4.23 CHILDREN OF SUBSTANCE MISUSING PARENTS ...... 30 4.24 TRAVELLERS ...... 30 4.25 ASYLUM SEEKERS AND REFUGEES...... 31 4.26 YOUNG PEOPLE INVOLVED WITH PROSTITUTION ...... 31 4.27 YOUNG PREGNANT GIRLS AND YOUNG MOTHERS ...... 32

5 AREAS OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE WITH PARTICULAR NEEDS...... 34 5.1 WARD LEVEL DATA...... 34 5.1.1 BENWELL ...... 34 5.1.2 BLAKELAW...... 34 5.1.3 BYKER ...... 34 5.1.4 CASTLE ...... 34 5.1.5 DENE ...... 35 5.1.6 DENTON ...... 35 5.1.7 ELSWICK ...... 35 5.1.8 FAWDON ...... 35 5.1.9 FENHAM ...... 36 5.1.10 GRANGE ...... 36 5.1.11 HEATON ...... 36 5.1.12 JESMOND...... 36 5.1.13 KENTON...... 36 5.1.14 LEMINGTON ...... 36 5.1.15 MONKCHESTER ...... 37 5.1.16 MOORSIDE...... 37 5.1.17 NEWBURN...... 37 5.1.18 SANDYFORD ...... 37 5.1.19 SCOTSWOOD ...... 37 5.1.20 SOUTH GOSFORTH...... 38 5.1.21 WALKER ...... 38 5.1.22 WALKERGATE ...... 38 5.1.23 WEST CITY ...... 38 5.1.24 WESTERHOPE...... 39 5.1.25 WINGROVE ...... 39 5.1.26 WOOLSINGTON ...... 39 5.2 AREAS OF SPECIAL ACTION...... 39 5.2.1 THE EAST END ...... 39 5.2.2 THE NORTH WEST ...... 39 5.2.3 THE WEST END ...... 40 NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

6 YOUNG PEOPLE’S DRUG USE...... 41 6.1 YOUNG PEOPLE’S DRUG USE IN THE UK...... 41 6.1.1 GENERAL LEVELS OF DRUG USE AMONG UK YOUNG PEOPLE...... 42 6.1.2 ACCESS TO DRUGS ...... 44 6.1.3 DRUGS AND NORMALISATION ...... 44 6.1.4 DRUG USE AND GENDER ...... 44 6.1.5 DRUGS AND HEALTH...... 44 6.2 YOUNG PEOPLE’S DRUG USE IN NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE...... 46 6.2.1 DATA SOURCES ...... 46 6.2.2 YOUNG PEOPLE’S DRUG USE...... 46 6.2.3 ACCESS TO DRUGS ...... 48 6.2.4 DRUG USE AND GENDER ...... 49 6.2.5 CANNABIS ...... 49 6.2.6 AMPHETAMINES ...... 51 6.2.7 COCAINE ...... 52 6.2.8 ECSTASY...... 53 6.2.9 HEROIN ...... 54 6.2.10 LSD ...... 55 6.2.11 MAGIC MUSHROOMS...... 56 6.2.12 SOLVENTS ...... 56 6.2.13 PRESCRIPTION DRUGS...... 57 6.2.14 OTHER DRUGS ...... 58 6.3 REASONS FOR DRUG USE...... 58

7 YOUNG PEOPLE’S ALCOHOL USE...... 60 7.1 SAFE ALCOHOL LIMITS...... 60 7.2 YOUNG PEOPLE AND ALCOHOL: THE LAW ...... 60 7.3 ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION IN THE UK...... 60 7.4 ALCOHOL AND SEX ...... 61 7.5 CRIME ...... 61 7.6 YOUNG PEOPLE’S ALCOHOL USE IN NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE...... 62 7.6.1 REASONS FOR DRINKING ...... 62 7.6.2 ALCOHOL AND HEALTH ...... 63 7.6.3 ALCOHOL AND GENDER ...... 63 7.6.4 ACCESS TO ALCOHOL ...... 64 7.6.5 YOUNG PEOPLE SEEKING HELP FOR PROBLEMATIC ALCOHOL USE...... 64

8 POLY-DRUG USE ...... 65 8.1 POLY-DRUG USE IN THE NORTH EAST...... 65 8.2 POLY-DRUG USE IN NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE ...... 67

9 TOBACCO AND CIGARETTES...... 68 9.1 YOUNG PEOPLE’S SMOKING IN THE UK ...... 68 9.2 SMOKING IN THE NORTH EAST ...... 68 9.2.1 ADULTS AND SMOKING ...... 68 9.2.2 YOUNG PEOPLE AND SMOKING ...... 69 9.3 YOUNG PEOPLE’S SMOKING IN NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE ...... 69 NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

10 YOUNG PEOPLE IN DRUG TREATMENT ...... 71 10.1 AGE OF DRUG USERS ...... 71 10.2 GENDER OF USERS ...... 73 10.3 ETHNICITY OF DRUG USERS ...... 73 10.4 MAIN DRUG OF USE ...... 74 10.5 INJECTING BEHAVIOUR ...... 76

11 STRATEGY AND POLICY ...... 78 11.1 STRATEGIC LINKS ...... 78 11.2 DAT JOINT COMMISSIONING GROUP...... 80 11.3 FINANCE ...... 80 11.3.1 TOTAL EXPENDITURE ...... 80 11.3.2 EXPENDITURE ON SERVICES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE ...... 80 11.3.3 EXPENDITURE ON SERVICES FOR COMMUNITIES ...... 82 11.3.4 EXPENDITURE ON TREATMENT SERVICES ...... 83 11.3.5 EXPENDITURE ON REDUCING THE AVAILABILITY OF DRUGS ...... 83

12 CHILDREN’S SERVICE PLANS ...... 84 12.1 CHILDREN SERVICES PLANNING GROUP ...... 84 12.2 QUALITY PROTECTS PLAN ...... 84 12.3 AREA CHILD PROTECTION PLAN...... 85 12.4 EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT PLAN...... 85 12.5 BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT PLAN...... 86 12.6 YOUTH JUSTICE PLAN...... 86 12.7 TYNE AND WEAR CONNEXIONS BUSINESS PLAN...... 87 12.8 CAMHS (CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES) PLAN ...... 88 12.9 NEWCASTLE HEALTH PARTNERSHIP: HEALTH ACTION ZONE ...... 89 12.10 HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLAN (HIMP)...... 90 12.10.1 SMOKING ...... 90 12.10.2 CHILDREN ...... 90 12.10.3 DRUGS AND ALCOHOL...... 91 12.10.4 VULNERABLE GROUPS...... 91 12.11 PRIMARY CARE GROUP (PCG) PLANS ...... 91 12.12 NEWCASTLE COMMUNITY HEALTH COUNCIL ...... 92 12.13 HEALTHWORKS BUSINESS PLAN...... 92 12.14 POLICING PLAN...... 93 12.15 PROBATION PLAN ...... 93 12.16 WEST GATE: NEW DEAL FOR COMMUNITIES (NDC) DELIVERY PLAN ...... 93

13 DIRECTORY OF SERVICES...... 94 13.1 ADFAM NATIONAL...... 94 13.2 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS...... 94 13.3 BASELINE...... 94 13.4 BODY POSITIVE NORTH EAST ...... 94 13.5 BRUNSWICK YOUNG PEOPLES PROJECT...... 95 13.6 BYKER BRIDGE HOUSING ASSOCIATION LTD...... 95 13.7 BYKER SANDS FAMILY CENTRE...... 96 13.8 CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES (CAMHS)...... 96 NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

13.9 CHOOSE LIFE ...... 97 13.10 CONNEXIONS ...... 97 13.11 DRUG ACTION TEAM ...... 98 13.12 DPAS (DRUG PREVENTION ADVISORY SERVICE)...... 98 13.13 DRUGS AWARENESS PROGRAMME ...... 98 13.14 EAST END YOUTH INFORMATION PROJECT ...... 99 13.15 EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT TEAM/LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN ...... 99 13.16 EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY SERVICE ...... 100 13.17 EDUCATIONAL WELFARE SERVICE ...... 100 13.18 FAIRBRIDGE...... 100 13.19 FAMILY LINK PROJECT ...... 101 13.20 GOVERNORS TRAINING AND SUPPORT CO-ORDINATOR ...... 101 13.21 THE GREENLINE...... 101 13.22 HARM REDUCTION NURSES ...... 102 13.23 INLINE NEWCASTLE...... 102 13.24 JOSEPH COWEN HEALTHCARE CENTRE ...... 102 13.25 LEA HEALTH AND DRUG EDUCATION...... 103 13.26 LEAVING CARE SUPPORT TEAM...... 104 13.27 NACRO COMMUNITY REMANDS PROJECT ...... 104 13.28 NEWCASTLE AND NORTH TYNESIDE DRUG AND ALCOHOL SERVICE ...... 105 13.29 NEWCASTLE AND NORTH TYNESIDE HEALTH PROMOTION DEPARTMENT...... 105 13.30 NEWCASTLE AND NORTH TYNESIDE SHARED CARE SCHEME...... 106 13.31 NEWCASTLE INDEPENDENCE NETWORK (NIN) ...... 106 13.32 NHS PATIENT INFORMATION CENTRE...... 106 13.33 NORTH EAST COUNCIL ON ADDICTIONS (NECA) ...... 107 13.34 NORTHERN FORENSIC MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE ...... 108 13.35 NORTHUMBRIA POLICE YOUTH ISSUES OFFICERS ...... 108 13.36 OUTPOST HOUSING PROJECT ...... 109 13.37 PHOENIX HOUSE ADULT RESIDENTIAL UNIT...... 109 13.38 POKIT (PARENTS OF KIDS IN TROUBLE) ...... 109 13.39 PRAXIS...... 110 13.40 PUPIL REFERRAL UNITS (PRU)...... 110 13.41 PRISONS AND YOUTH OFFENDERS INSTITUTIONS (YOIS) ...... 111 13.42 SAFER NEWCASTLE PARTNERSHIP ...... 111 13.43 SCHOOL HEALTH ...... 111 13.44 SCOTSWOOD WOMEN’S DRUG SUPPORT GROUP ...... 112 13.45 STEPPING STONES ...... 112 13.46 STREETWISE...... 112 13.47 THEM WIFIES ...... 113 13.48 TURNING POINT ARREST REFERRAL SCHEME...... 113 13.49 TYNESIDE CYRENIANS ...... 114 13.50 WAVELENGTH ...... 114 13.51 WEST END YOUTH ENQUIRY SERVICE ...... 115 13.52 WESTON SPIRIT ...... 115 13.53 WHITLEY BAY SUBSTANCE MISUSE PROJECT...... 116 13.54 YMCA STUDENT PROJECT ...... 116 13.55 YOUNG CARERS PROJECT...... 116 13.56 YOUNG PEOPLE’S DRUG AND ALCOHOL SERVICE ...... 117 13.57 YOUTH OFFENDING TEAM (YOT) ...... 118 NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

14 TIERS OF SERVICE ...... 119 14.1 TIER 1 SERVICES...... 119 14.1.1 TIER 1 SERVICES IN NEWCASTLE ...... 119 14.2 TIER 2 SERVICES...... 120 14.2.1 TIER 2 SERVICES IN NEWCASTLE ...... 120 14.3 TIER 3 SERVICES...... 120 14.3.1 TIER 3 SERVICES IN NEWCASTLE ...... 120 14.4 TIER 4 SERVICES...... 121 14.4.1 TIER 4 SERVICES IN NEWCASTLE ...... 121 14.5 PARTNERSHIP WORK...... 122 14.5.1 WAYS OF JOINT WORKING ...... 122 14.6 YOUNG PEOPLE’S PERCEPTIONS OF SERVICES...... 123 14.6.1 THE NEED FOR SERVICES AROUND DRUGS ...... 123 14.6.2 KNOWLEDGE OF LOCAL SERVICES ...... 124 14.6.3 VULNERABLE YOUNG PEOPLE AND THEIR PERCEPTIONS OF SERVICES...... 126 14.6.4 IDEAL SERVICE ...... 127

15 THE YOUNG PEOPLE’S DATASET FOR NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE...... 130 15.1 YOUNG PEOPLE IN NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE ...... 130 15.2 ETHNICITY DATA ...... 130 15.3 DRUG EDUCATION: OUTPUT 1...... 131 15.4 INFORMATION TO PARENTS AND CARERS: OUTPUT 2...... 132 15.5 TARGETED EDUCATION, ADVICE AND INFORMATION: OUTPUT 3 ...... 136 15.6 INTERVENTION, CARE PACKAGE OR TREATMENT: OUTPUTS 4 AND 5 ...... 137

16 INDIVIDUAL WORKERS...... 141 16.1 TRAINING RECEIVED...... 141 16.2 TRAINING NEEDS...... 142 16.3 SUPPORT RECEIVED...... 143 16.4 SUPPORT NEEDS...... 144

17 GAPS IN SERVICES...... 145 17.1 INFORMATION SOURCES ...... 145 17.2 TIER 1 AND 2 SERVICES...... 145 17.3 TIER 3 AND 4 SERVICES...... 146 17.4 CO-ORDINATION OF SERVICES ...... 147 17.5 NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM ...... 147 17.6 GROUPS OF YOUNG PEOPLE ...... 148 17.7 AGE ...... 148

18 GOOD PRACTICE ...... 150 18.1 DRUG AND ALCOHOL EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS ...... 150 18.1.1 DELIVERY OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL EDUCATION ...... 150 18.1.2 DRUG EDUCATION POLICIES ...... 153 18.1.3 DRUG-RELATED INCIDENT POLICIES ...... 153 18.1.4 THE ROLE OF THE LOCAL EDUCATION AUTHORITY (LEA) ...... 155 18.2 DRUGS AND ALCOHOL EDUCATION IN YOUTH WORK ...... 155 NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

18.2.1 PEER EDUCATION ...... 156 18.3 WORKING WITH PARENTS ...... 157 18.4 TRAINING FOR WORKERS...... 158 18.5 SUBSTANCE MISUSE TREATMENT...... 159

19 SUGGESTIONS FOR SERVICE DEVELOPMENTS ...... 161 19.1 TIER 1 AND 2 SERVICES...... 161 19.1.1 INFORMATION TOOLS ...... 162 19.2 TIER 3 AND 4 SERVICES...... 163 19.3 CO-ORDINATING SERVICES AND INTER-AGENCY WORK ...... 164 19.4 DEVELOPING APPROPRIATE INTERVENTIONS ...... 165 19.5 GENERAL SERVICES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE ...... 166 19.6 NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM ...... 166 19.7 ALCOHOL ...... 166 19.8 CIGARETTES AND TOBACCO ...... 167

20 BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 168 NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

1 Introduction

Drug Action Teams (DATs) across the UK have been advised by the United Kingdom Anti-Drugs Co-ordination Unit (UKADCU) to develop Young People’s Substance Misuse Plans. These plans will demonstrate how each DAT plans to work with local children’s service providers to develop an integrated approach to the strategic planning and co- ordination of drug service provision in response to local needs.

Service developments will be monitored by the UKADCU against five operational outcomes, which are to be achieved by 2004: Output 1: All young people to receive substance misuse education in line with DfEE guidance. Output 2: All parents/carers to receive information on substance misuse and on local services. Output 3: All young people identified as vulnerable will receive appropriate education, advice, information and support on substance misuse both in and out of school settings. Output 4: All young people identified as having problems with substance misuse will receive an appropriate intervention or care package, with support for parents/carers. Output 5: All young people assessed as being in need will be referred to appropriate treatment programmes and facilities. Progress towards these targets will be reported to the UKADCU via the Young People’s Substance Misuse Plans.

Newcastle upon Tyne DAT has commissioned this Young People’s Needs Assessment in conjunction with Newcastle Youth Offending Team (YOT). It is anticipated that the information contained within it will help the DAT to formulate its Young People’s Substance Misuse Plan, as well as providing useful information and recommendations that will help the YOT to further develop its work.

1.1 The Young People’s Dataset The Young People’s DAT Dataset has been developed to encourage the routine collection of data about the local situation in each DAT area. This will enable UKADCU to monitor each DAT’s progress towards the operational outcomes. It includes information about the number and ethnicity of young people in each area, as well as numerical data relating to progress towards Outputs 1 to 5 listed above.

The first Dataset for Newcastle upon Tyne DAT is included within this report along with explanatory notes. It contains the most recent information available during June- September 2001, when the Dataset was completed.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 1 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

1.2 Definitions used in this report

1.2.1 Drug The term ‘drug’ is used to refer to any psychotropic substance, including illegal drugs, illicit prescription drugs and volatile substances.

1.2.2 Substance The term ‘substance’ is defined as all illegal and legally obtainable drugs including tobacco, alcohol, volatile substances and medicines obtained without prescription. The use of tobacco and correct use of prescription medicines form an important part of education programmes for young people.

1.2.3 Young people For the purposes of the DAT Young People’s Plans, a ‘young person’ is defined as a person under 19 years of age. However, little of the available data reflects this. It is more customary to use a definition in which only people under 18 years of age are defined as young people. This is the UK legal definition, and accords with the definition used in Article 1 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1995). In many cases, the available data reflects this definition, although in some cases 16 years is the upper age limit.

1.2.4 Vulnerable The UKADCU definition of ‘vulnerable’ refers to children and young people whose life chances will be jeopardised unless action is taken to meet their needs better, and reduce the risk of social exclusion. This action may include the provision of drug-specific services. Most children and young people will not be vulnerable throughout their childhood, but will go through periods of vulnerability. This definition is the same as that recommended for use in developing Children and Young People’s Strategic Plans.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 2 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

2 Research methods

The Young People’s Needs Assessment is based on information gathered from a variety of local and national sources. The following methods were used to gather data.

2.1 Literature review An extensive literature review was undertaken around the area of substance misuse and young people. Information from secondary sources, including local and national statistics, past reports and research findings, was collated and analysed. Data collected during the initial scoping exercise carried out for the DAT Young People’s Group, which preceded this Needs Assessment, was also re-analysed. The full list of reports reviewed is included in the bibliography.

2.2 Questionnaire A semi-structured questionnaire was designed in conjunction with the DAT Young People’s Group to enable the collection of quantitative and qualitative information from groups and individuals working with young people and/or substance misuse in Newcastle upon Tyne. This included questions relating to current service provision details, information about service users (where available), and the views and opinions of individual workers regarding gaps and the development of future work.

95 agencies and groups working with young people and/or substance misuse in Newcastle upon Tyne were approached. They were accessed in the following ways: 1. Through contacts provided by the DAT. 2. Through contacts already known to members of the research team. 3. Through local directories of services, e.g. Newcastle Health and Social Care Directory, and the Newcastle Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) Directory. 4. Agencies being approached via these methods were asked to provide contacts for other local groups they worked with or were aware of. Using the questionnaire as a basis, information was collected using a variety of methods, including face-to-face and telephone interviews, and contact via post and email. These methods were used flexibly and interchangeably, according to what was most appropriate and convenient to each group or representative.

2.3 Participatory appraisal with young people The research team carried out a number of sessions using participatory appraisal (PA) methods, involving a total of 32 local young people aged between 11 and 21 years of age. 24 were male and 8 were female. Seven local youth workers also took part in PA sessions. The projects or venues where sessions were held are described below: 1. Walker YMCA project (3 sessions) 2. YMCA drop-in at Blakelaw Health Centre (2 sessions) 3. Nacro Community Remands Project (1 session) 4. Praxis (2 sessions) 5. West End of Newcastle (1 street-based session) 6. YMCA in Sandyford (1 session).

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 3 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

A further PA session was scheduled to take place at Streetwise, a City Centre youth information project, during their weekly drug and alcohol session. However, no young people elected to take part.

A number of PA tools were used with participants to investigate their understanding of substance misuse and their knowledge of local services aimed at helping young people who have problems relating to substance misuse. These included: Brainstorming: identifying participants’ perceptions of substance misuse and other related issues. This helped to clarify boundaries and definitions for subsequent discussion. Mapping: participants were asked to ‘map’ their local area and identify where they would go to (for instance a place or person) if they needed help with relation to substance misuse. They were also asked to highlight what they thought were the good and bad points of each of these places or people. Timeline: Participants were asked to draw a timeline of how drugs had affected their lives, showing significant events and experiences. Ideal drug service: participants were asked to design their ‘ideal service’ for help with substance misuse issues. This exercise helped to identify young people’s recommendations for the type of service they would find acceptable and useful.

The complete findings of this part of the overall project have been collated into a PA report, which has been sent to all of the venues in which PA sessions were held. Selected findings are also included within this Needs Assessment. Because of the small number of young people involved in this part of the work (due to finance and time restraints, more sessions could not be carried out), it is not suggested that the findings are fully representative of the views and opinions of young people in the area. In addition, some of the young people were over 19 years of age, and more males than females took part. However, the findings are included to give some consideration to the various perspectives of local young people.

Two other projects were being carried out using PA methods while the Needs Assessment was taking place. These were: i. An investigation by West End Youth Enquiry Service into the health needs of young people aged 11-25 years living in the New Deal for Communities (NDC) West Gate area in the West End of Newcastle. This work was funded by NDC West Gate, and was carried out by local young people who were trained and supported to take part. The research team provided help and support for this project, and in return were able to incorporate findings relating to drugs and alcohol into the Needs Assessment. ii. A similar piece of work carried out in the East End of Newcastle by the De Paul Trust. This also explored health needs and was also carried out by local young people using PA methods, supported by youth workers and others. Working connections between research team members and the De Paul Trust enabled permission to be granted for some of the findings of this work to feed into the Needs Assessment.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 4 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

2.4 Interviews with vulnerable young people One of the researchers carried out a discrete piece of research in which she attended drop-in sessions at a local young people’s project. This gave her the chance to interview and observe young people who are vulnerable or have substance misuse problems, and to find out more about their needs.

Fifteen unstructured interviews were carried out with young people aged between 15 and 25 years of age. Thirteen were male and two were female. Over half of these young people had been looked after by the Local Authority, and most were living, or had previously lived, in hostels or supported accommodation. A few had been homeless for short periods. Most were regular users of alcohol and illegal drugs, with some insight into local drug markets and behaviour.

The researcher was also able to consult the youth workers involved in an in-depth manner, and find out more about their perceptions of young people’s needs and ideas for potential development of services.

2.5 Additional information collection Additional relevant information was collected from a number of other sources. These included: i. Contact with members of the DAT young people’s group via regular scheduled meetings. ii. National and Local Government, usually via Internet sources. iii. Information and guidance for substance misuse work provided by education and drug agencies, usually via Internet sources. iv. Telephone and face-to-face contact with Newcastle City Council and other local agencies. v. Telephone, face-to-face, and email contact with a number of other local individuals and groups. vi. Attendance at a local information days around drugs and alcohol.

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3 A profile of young people in Newcastle upon Tyne

3.1 Number of young people In 1999, there were 67,800 young people aged 19 years and under in Newcastle upon Tyne, out of a total area population of 273,100.

3.2 Age and gender Table 1 shows the age and gender spread of residents of Newcastle upon Tyne. The proportion of young people in the area, compared to other age groups, is similar to the UK average. It can be seen that there are rather more males than females among the 19 years and under age group.

Table 1: Newcastle upon Tyne resident population by age and gender (1999)

Age Males Females Total % UK %

0-4 years 7,800 7,300 15,100 5.6 6.0 5-15 years 19,500 17,800 37,300 13.7 14.1 16-19 years 7,400 8,000 15,400 5.6 5.0 Total 19 years and 34,700 33,100 67,800 24.9 25.1 under 20+ years 100,100 105,100 205,200 75.1 74.9 Total 134,900 138,200 273,100 100 100 [Source: Office of National Statistics, 1999]

3.3 Ethnic background Table 2 shows levels of ethnicity across the North East in 1999-2000 for residents of all ages. 98.5% of the population is white, with the majority of ethnic minority residents being either Pakistani or Bangladeshi. The minority ethnic population in the North East is proportionately rather smaller than in the rest of the country.

Table 2: Levels of ethnicity in the North East population (1999-2000)

Ethnic origin North East UK Black - 2.1 Indian - 1.7 Pakistani/ 0.6 1.6 Bangladeshi Mixed/other 0.4 1.4 Total ethnic 1.5 6.7 White 98.5 93.2 [Source: Labour Force Survey, 2000]

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 6 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

Table 3 shows figures supplied by the Department for Education about the ethnicity of school pupils in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1999. 92% are white, and the majority of pupils of other ethnic origin are either Pakistani, Bangladeshi, or Indian.

Table 3: Levels of ethnicity among school pupils (1999)

Ethnic origin Newcastle upon Tyne England Number % % White 31,462 92.1 88.3 Black Caribbean 18 0.05 1.5 Black African 88 0.2 1.1 Black other 76 0.2 0.8 Indian 284 0.8 2.5 Pakistani 931 2.7 2.5 Bangladeshi 659 1.9 1.0 Chinese 171 0.5 0.4 Other ethnic origin 402 1.1 2.9 Total 34,153 100 100 [Source: DfES]

In 1999, English was an additional language for a total of 2385 pupils (8% of primary school pupils and 6.1% of secondary school pupils) in Newcastle upon Tyne. Across England, English is an additional language for 8.4% of primary pupils and 7.8% of secondary pupils. The other recognised community languages in Newcastle are Hindi, Cantonese, Punjabi, Arabic, Urdu and Bengali.

3.4 Geographical size and urban/rural mix Newcastle upon Tyne covers an area of 112 square km. With a total population of 273,100 residents living in 119,000 households (an average of 2.2 people per household), there are approximately 2,471 residents per square km. The City is roughly split into 40% built area and 60% open land. Of the built area, the major land use is housing (66%), with 18% used for industry and commercial purposes. The majority of open land is in agricultural use.

Most of the City can be described as either urban or suburban; however, in the northern part of the City there are some rural areas, mainly enclosed within the electoral wards of Castle, Westerhope and Woolsington to the north and west of the City. These areas account for approximately one third of the geographical area of the City, but they contain only around 32,000 residents (around 11% of the total population).

3.5 Socio-economic status There are various measures available which indicate the socio-economic status of the area. Included below is information from the Indices of Deprivation 2000 relating to

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 7 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 general levels of deprivation and child poverty in particular, data relating to eligibility for free school meals, and information about benefit claimants in Newcastle upon Tyne.

3.5.1 Indices of Deprivation 2000 Each Local Authority area in the UK has been ranked according to its constituent wards’ scores on a number of measures of socio-economic deprivation. The ranks below indicate that Newcastle upon Tyne is a relatively deprived area of the UK. i. Employment: showing how many people in the area are employed. The rankings show that Newcastle upon Tyne is the 10th most deprived out of 354 districts. ii. Income: showing how many people in the area are income deprived. The rankings show that Newcastle upon Tyne is the 18th most deprived out of 354 districts. iii. Rank of average ward scores: taking the scores for all the wards in the area across all of the deprivation measures used, weighted by population, Newcastle upon Tyne is the 26th most deprived of 354 districts in the UK. [Source: DTLR]

3.5.2 Levels of child poverty The Indices of Deprivation 2000 also give figures for individual wards in Newcastle upon Tyne. Average scores have been calculated below, which combine figures relating to child poverty from all wards of Newcastle upon Tyne.

The score for each ward represents the percentage of the resident population affected by this type of deprivation. The average score for all of the wards of Newcastle upon Tyne is 46.9, indicating that 46.9% of children and young people live in poverty. The lowest score is 5.62 (in Jesmond) and the highest is 84.74 (in West City, which has the 7th highest level of child poverty in the UK). This shows that levels of child poverty are variable throughout the area, with some pockets of high deprivation and others of relative wealth. It is also important to note that variations in levels of deprivation can exist within wards.

3.5.3 Eligibility for free school meals Table 4 shows the proportion of young people in Newcastle upon Tyne that is known to be eligible for free school meals. A considerably larger proportion in Newcastle is eligible than in the rest of the UK. This is a further indicator that children and young people in the City are economically deprived.

Table 4: Percentage of school pupils eligible for free school meals (1999)

School type Newcastle upon Tyne UK Primary 35.7% 18.9% Secondary 26.8% 16.9% SEN 62.1% 40.4% [Source: DfES, 1999]

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 8 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

3.5.4 Take-up of benefits Take up of benefits is a key indicator of the economic status of residents. In 1996, 33% of children in Newcastle lived in households with no earner, and the latest figures show that 20% of Newcastle households receive income support or family credit, compared to 15% of households in the UK as a whole. There were 41,075 benefits claimants living in the City in 1999-2000. Table 5 gives information regarding the number of children and young people who live on benefits in Newcastle.

Table 5: Number of children and young people dependant on benefits (1998)

Type of benefit Newcastle upon Tyne Jobseekers Allowance claimants aged under 20 years 930 Child dependants of people receiving Income based Jobseekers Allowance:

Child dependants aged under 5 years 725 Child dependants aged 5-10 years 820 Child dependants aged 11-15 years 570 Child dependants aged 16+ years 220 Total 2,335

Income Support claimants aged under 20 years 835 Child dependants of people receiving Income Support:

Child dependants aged under 5 years 5,000 Child dependants aged 5-10 years 5,935 Child dependants aged 11-15 years 4,375 Child dependants aged 16+ years 940 Total 16,250

Child dependants of Family Credit claimants:

Child dependants aged under 5 years 2,070 Child dependants aged 5-10 years 3,080 Child dependants aged 11-15 years 2,605 Child dependants aged 16+ years 745 Total 8,500 [Source: Neighbourhood Statistics]

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 9 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

3.6 Education

3.6.1 Children in school The total number of pupils in Newcastle upon Tyne schools is 45,623. Of this number, 20,963 pupils are aged 5-11 years and 21,470 are aged 11-16 years. Table 6 gives further details about local schools and the number of pupils attending.

Table 6: Information about local schools (2001)

Type of school Number of Number of pupils schools in Newcastle upon Tyne LEA nurseries 7 592 Primary schools 76 20,963 Secondary schools: LEA secondary schools 21 17,874 Middle schools (counted as secondary) 9 3,596 LEA special schools 4 439 Other special schools 1 89 Independent schools 13 5,559 Pupil Referral Units 2 107 Total 119 45,623 [Source: DfES]

3.6.2 16 and 17 year olds in education Tables 7 and 8 show the proportion of 16 and 17 year olds in Newcastle upon Tyne in further education in the academic year 1998/1999. In 2000, a total of 8,148 young people aged 16 to 18 years were in further education, including 2,866 in mainstream secondary schools, 5,282 at Newcastle College, and 35 in special schools.

Table 7: Percentage of 16 year olds in further education (1998/1999)

% Newcastle Tyne and Wear UK upon Tyne

In full time education 67 60 70 In Government supported - 12 9 training In part time education 7 7 5 In education and training - 79 83 [Source: DfES]

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 10 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

Table 8: Percentage of 17 year olds in further education (1998/1999)

% Newcastle Tyne and Wear UK upon Tyne

In full time education 53 46 57 In Government supported - 16 11 training In part time education 10 10 6 In education and training - 72 74 [Source: DfES]

3.6.3 Educational achievement The average Key Stage 2 score for primary school pupils in the wards of Newcastle upon Tyne was 3.75 in 1998 (the target level is 4). The lowest local score was in Byker ward (score = 3.53), while the highest was in Jesmond (score = 4.19). In 2000, 68% of Newcastle pupils gained level 4 or more at English, compared to 75% nationally, and 65% gained level 4 or more at maths, compared to 72% nationally. This indicates that educational achievement at primary level is below target levels. Table 9 shows that secondary level educational achievements are rather lower in Newcastle than across the UK.

Table 9: Examination achievements by gender (1999-2000)

North East England Male Female Male Female GCSE/GNVQ: Percentage of pupils in last year of compulsory education achieving:

5+ passes at grades A*-C 31.7 38.4 41.6 52.5 1+ passes at grades A*-C 53.3 64.1 67.5 77.9 5+ passes at grades A*-G 78.6 85.7 87.8 91.4 1+ passes at grades A*-G 86.9 91.0 94.0 95.6

Percentage of 18 year olds in post-compulsory education 19.4 25.7 26.5 33.2 achieving 2+ A levels (1999) [Source: DfES]

In 1998 745 University applicants aged under 20 in Newcastle upon Tyne successfully found a place. In 1997, this figure was 825.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 11 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

3.7 Employment 31,000 16 and 17 year olds in the North East region are in employment [Source: Labour Force Survey]. This breaks down as 17,000 males and 14,000 females. As a proportion of the total number of 16 and 17 year olds, 44% are employed (males = 46.1%, females = 41.9%).

Table 10 shows unemployment in Newcastle upon Tyne in June 2001, compared with regional and national figures. Local unemployment levels are almost double that of the UK as a whole.

Table 10: Unemployment levels (2001)

Area % Number Newcastle 5.8 7,182 Tyne and Wear 5.8 29,006 North East Region 5.6 63,887 UK 3.3 980,898 [Source: Office of National Statistics]

Table 11 shows levels of economic activity among 16 to 19 year olds in Newcastle upon Tyne and Tyne and Wear. It can be seen that almost 60% of this age group are economically inactive in Newcastle, compared with just over 40% for Tyne and Wear and the UK as a whole.

Table 11: Economic inactivity among 16-19 year olds (2000)

% economically active % economically inactive Newcastle upon Tyne 40.5 59.5 Tyne and Wear 57.8 42.2 UK 57.9 42.1 [Source: Labour Force Survey. NB: 2001 figures were suppressed as they were statistically unreliable]

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 12 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

3.8 Patterns of crime and disorder

3.8.1 Recorded crime in general Northumbria Police Force covers the counties of Northumberland and Tyne and Wear, including Newcastle upon Tyne. Northumbria Police made a total of 142,279 arrests in the twelve months ending March 2000.

Table 12 shows the proportion of persons found guilty or cautioned for indictable offences in 1998 by age, for the North East and England and Wales. It shows that many more young people are found guilty or cautioned for offences than any other age group, including a particularly large proportion of 15-20 year olds. It also indicates that a larger proportion of young people is involved in crime in the North East than in England and Wales as a whole (over 6% of 15-17 year olds, compared with 4.2% across England and Wales). The Newcastle Crime and Disorder Audit (1998) reported that 24% of all arrests made in Newcastle in between April 1997 and March 1998 involved young people aged under 18 years of age, and that more than eight out of every ten arrests among this age group involved young men.

Table 12: Number of persons found guilty of or cautioned for indictable offences per 100,000 population by age (1998)

Age North East England and Wales 10-11 years 1056 414 12-14 years 3485 1998 15-17 years 6179 4238 18-20 years 6471 4993 21+years 867 799 [Source: Home Office]

In Newcastle itself, however, youth crime has recently fallen. Levels of youth offences fell by over 16% during the period from April 2000 to April 2001, compared with the previous year. The total number of crimes committed by young people that received a police reprimand, final warning, summons or charge during this period was 3,235. Again, it is crucial that these figures are treated with caution. They refer only to crimes that are recorded. The 'hidden' nature of crime is not reflected in these statistics.

3.8.2 Drug offences Northumbria Police made a total of 4,209 arrests for drug offences in the year ending March 2000, just under 3% of the total number of arrests. In 1998-1999, there were 248 recorded drug offences per 100,000 population in the North East, compared with 260 per 100,000 in England and Wales overall [Source: Home Office]. This indicates a slightly lower than average incidence of drug crime.

Table 13 shows the number of arrests for drug offences among under 19s in the area throughout the year 2000. Over the past decade or so, drug crime in the area has risen dramatically. The Newcastle Crime and Disorder Audit (1998) reported that between 1993 and 1997/98 the number of arrests for drug offences had increased by a factor of

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 13 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

26, rising from 44 in 1993 to 1,175 in 1997/1998. The most common charge for young people arrested in 1997/1998 for drug-related crimes was that of possessing cannabis, and only 11 out of 172 arrests were for possession of Class A drugs. There were only 18 arrests for supplying drugs, 13 of which were for supplying heroin.

Table 13: Arrests among under 19s in Newcastle upon Tyne (2000)

Area Total number of Arrests for drug offences arrests Number % of total arrests Central 2,315 212 9.15 East 1,566 72 4.5 West 1,585 105 6.6 North 1,839 119 6.4 Total 7,305 508 6.9 [Source: Northumbria Police]

In local consultations about community safety in the West End, City residents described how, although people often know whom the drug dealers are in their area, they are afraid to notify the police for fear of reprisals. The Newcastle Crime and Disorder Audit (1998) states that: ‘Parents are concerned for their children’s safety and the possibility of them being drawn into a drug culture because of pressure from their friends. Communities suffer from decline when drug pushers operate in the area, leading to an increased fear of crime’.

3.8.3 Residents’ perceptions of crime and disorder among young people The 1998 Newcastle Residents survey showed that 19% of residents perceived disruptive or threatening behaviour among young people to be a serious problem in Newcastle upon Tyne. In some parts of the City, as many as 37% of residents felt this was a serious problem. Noisy children were perceived to be a serious problem by 15% of City residents, and by over 30% of residents of certain areas. Graffiti on walls and buildings is a nuisance issue commonly associated with young people; 21% of City residents and up to 40% of residents of particular wards felt that this was a serious problem.

However, actual levels of youth disorder in the City have recently fallen. The number of incidents of disorder among young people reported to the police between April 2000 and April 2001 were down 10.75% compared to the previous year. For information about patterns of crime and disorder in particular areas of the City, see Section 5 of this report.

3.8.4 The relationship between substance misuse and crime Research and anecdotal evidence confirms the link between substance misuse and crime. Recent Home Office findings from NEW-ADAM (New English and Welsh Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring) show that 65% of arrestees in England and Wales test positive for at least one drug, and 29% test positive for opiates (e.g. heroin) or cocaine/crack (Bennett et al, 2001). However, it has been estimated that up to 78% of assaults and

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 14 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

88% of incidents involving criminal damage are committed under the influence of alcohol (Home Office, 2000). In addition, the Newcastle Crime and Disorder Audit in 1998 stated that:

‘A high proportion of anti-social and criminal behaviour is seen to be drug-related, particularly stealing, which is seen as a way to get money to support a drug habit’.

A research report on the subject of crime in Newcastle discussed other links between substance misuse and crime:

‘There is a huge drug and alcohol problem which leads to crime to support these habits. This in turn leads to homelessness, more crime, drugs and alcohol, due to poverty – vicious circle’ (Fuller, 2000)

Consultation studies with young people in Newcastle show that they also feel that the use of drugs and alcohol is a cause of committing crime:

‘When you take some drugs they make you a bit crazy’. (The words of a young person quoted in Fuller, 2001)

‘Well we’ve all been grafting (stealing) to get money for tac (cannabis), and other things’ (The words of a young person quoted in Freeman, 2000)

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 15 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

4 Vulnerable young people in the DAT area

4.1 Vulnerability There are a number of risk factors that make some young people more vulnerable than others. Based on UK Anti-Drugs Co-ordination Unit (UKADCU) guidance and discussions with local youth workers, these factors include: Homelessness Being involved in criminal behaviour Being looked after by the Local Authority Being in need and receiving help from children’s services Leaving care Caring for another person Exclusion from school Truancy Being involved with prostitution Having learning difficulties Having behavioural problems Not being in mainstream education Having a physical disability Having a mental disorder Living in a rural area Being from an ethnic minority or speaking English as a second language Having substance misusing parents or other family members Unstable family life, e.g. asylum seekers, travellers Pregnancy Suffering a bereavement

Gentile (2000) found that vulnerable 12-18 year olds in South Tyneside were more susceptible than other young people to drug use:

‘Overall levels of drug use, of all those involved in the research, appeared to be much greater amongst the young people who may be described as vulnerable.’ (Gentile, 2000)

It has also been suggested that if they do misuse substances, vulnerable young people are likely to start doing so at a younger age than others (Evans and Alade, 2000). In a UK-wide study, Melrose and Brodie (2000) found that 89% of 13-18 year olds classed as vulnerable had taken drugs. These young people included young offenders, looked after children, excluded pupils, and truants.

It must be stressed that young people who are vulnerable will not always end up misusing substances. Equally, young people with no particular vulnerability factors will not always abstain from doing so. However, a key difficulty where vulnerable

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 16 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 young people are concerned is that they are often outside of the mainstream education system and isolated from other social systems, so drug-related education and other forms of help and support fail to reach them.

This section attempts to quantify the number of children and young people in Newcastle upon Tyne who may be described as vulnerable, using the categories above. Specific reference is made to the particular problems each group may be susceptible to, supported where available by qualitative information.

4.2 Methodological concerns In assessing the number of vulnerable young people in Newcastle upon Tyne, it is important to note that there may be many young people that experience more than one of the factors listed above. Melrose and Brodie (2000) describe a number of combinations of vulnerability factors. Taking offending behaviour as an example, several different vulnerable groups were identified: i. Young offenders ii. Young offenders who have been looked after by the local authority iii. Young offenders who have been excluded from school or not attended school iv. Young offenders who have been looked after and been excluded from school (Melrose and Brodie, 2000)

There are several other vulnerability factors that are linked. For instance, many children who are looked after by local authorities are also on the Child Protection Register, and children with a disability would usually be included within the overall number of young people receiving services from the Local Authority. Any available information about young people who experience more than one vulnerability factor is highlighted in this section.

However, vulnerability is not always a permanent or even a long-term condition. Young people’s experience of factors - or combinations of factors - that make them vulnerable may be short lived. Many young people may experience short periods of extreme vulnerability, with a smaller number remaining vulnerable over the longer term.

Counting the numbers of young people who are thought to be at particular risk of substance misuse is a highly problematic exercise. Figures are not always readily available and sometimes have to be based on subjective estimates. Sources of data may be several years out of date, or be based on inaccurate data gathering methods. It is crucial to treat the figures reported below with caution.

In addition, any attempt to arrive at a cumulative total of vulnerable young people by adding together the number of young people experiencing each factor at any one time, will potentially lead to errors. It is likely that the overall number of vulnerable young people in the area will be over estimated, while the extent of vulnerability for many young people will be underestimated.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 17 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

4.3 Homeless people: ~550 (ages unknown) It has been estimated that somewhere between 43,000 and 80,000 young people under 19 years of age become homeless every year in the UK (Adamczuk, 2000).

Counting the number of homeless people in an area is difficult. By the nature of homelessness, these people are usually excluded from conventional social systems and so it is unlikely that accurate information about them can be gathered. This means that it is not just difficult to find out the overall number of homeless people, but also the proportion of homeless people who are under 19 years of age. Moreover, there exists a problem with the term 'homelessness' in that some young people can be 'roofless' and others can be in housing need and living in supported accommodation.

Performance indicators show that the City Council provided temporary hostel accommodation for an average of 5 homeless individuals or families at any one time during a one-year period from 1999-2000. The average number of homeless households or individuals in other temporary accommodation during this period was 46. However, no information was recorded about the age of individuals.

The Newcastle Homeless Liaison Project (NHLP) monitors the availability and take- up of accommodation available to homeless people in Newcastle. Around 82% of referrals made to NHLP are for males, and around half of all referrals are for young people under 25 years of age.

NHLP reports that there are currently around 600 available bed spaces for homeless people of all ages in the City. In addition to these, there are also bed and breakfast establishments that house long term homeless people, but these are not generally available to young people aged under 19 years because of the restricted housing benefit available to this age group. NHLP records occupancy rates for all types of accommodation available to homeless people. The figures show that 7-9% of bed spaces are unoccupied at any one time. This take-up level of just over 90% would indicate that the number of homeless people in Newcastle who are seeking accommodation through these sources (as opposed to sleeping on friends’ floors, sleeping rough etc) is around 550. However, NHLP figures also show that for nine nights out of ten there was no available accommodation for young males under 25 years, as many of the bed spaces are for females only. This suggests that there are more homeless young people than is indicated by the number and take-up of homeless accommodation beds.

An East End health centre works with homeless people across the City aged 16 years and over, providing point-of-access health care. Over a six-month period in 2000/2001, the centre received 2,818 visits from a total of 582 homeless people. A drop-in centre for homeless people of all ages in the West End is attended by an average of 70 people per day.

A study by Adamczuk (2000), which involved 63 homeless young people in Newcastle upon Tyne, showed that 83% of them had used one or more drug in the past 12 months, including 91% of young men and 73% of young women. The average age at which these young people had taken their first illicit drug was 12.7 years. The most common drug of use was cannabis (which was used by 79% of respondents) followed by amphetamines (used by 62%). Other findings from this research were: i. 73% of females and 61% of males had drunk alcohol in the last week. The average age of starting drinking was 13 or 14 years.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 18 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 ii. 79% were smokers. The average age of starting smoking among the group was 12 years. iii. 49% had high levels of anxiety, and 19% had high levels of depression. This suggests a high level of undiagnosed mental health problems among homeless young people in the City. iv. 46% had been excluded from school, and 44% had no educational qualifications.

4.4 Arrestees: 7,305 Northumbria Police reported 7,305 arrests among young people aged under 19 years in the year 2000 in the City. Of these, 508 (6.9%) were for drug offences.

Turning Point Arrest Referral worked with six clients aged 17 years, and 36 aged between 18 and 20 years, in the first six months of this year. Asked about their primary substance of use, 22 of these 17-20 year olds cited heroin, 11 cited alcohol, 2 each cited Ecstasy, cannabis, and cocaine, and one each cited amphetamines, Methadone and Valium. It is not known whether this substance use could be described as problematic among any of these individuals.

4.5 Young offenders: 1,716 Data recorded by the Youth Offending Team shows the number of young people aged 10 to 17 years who went through the Youth Justice system in Newcastle between June and December 2000. Table 14 shows this information by age and gender of young people. It can be seen that the majority of young offenders – over 75% - are male. For boys, the likelihood of being involved in offending behaviour tends to increase during these years and is highest at age 17. For girls, meanwhile, offending increases to a peak at the age of 15 years, and thereafter is reduced in 16 and 17 year olds.

Table 14: Young offenders in Newcastle upon Tyne by age and gender (June*- December 2000)

Age Males Females Total 10 years 40 8 48 11 years 50 15 65 12 years 70 39 109 13 years 124 55 179 14 years 186 74 260 15 years 247 99 346 16 years 257 71 328 17 years 326 55 381 Total 1,300 416 1,716 [Source: YOT] [* = Information relating to offending for which remand decisions were made relates to the period April- December 2001]

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 19 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

Table 15 gives details of outcomes for the young people shown above.

Table 15: Outcomes for young offenders by gender (June*- December 2001)

Outcome Males Females Total Pre-Court Decisions: Police reprimand 362 274 636 Final warning without 142 52 194 intervention Final warning and offending 20 13 33 programme

Sub-total 524 339 863 Remand: Unconditional bail 640 60 700 Conditional bail 33 10 43 Bail supervision and support 47 5 52 Local Authority 16 1 17 Accommodation Remand in custody 40 1 41 Sub-total 776 77 853 Total 1300 416 1716 [Source: YOT] [* = Information relating to offending for which remand decisions were made relates to the period April- December 2001]

It can be seen that just over half of young people involved in offending behaviour received only a warning, although a small number of these were referred to an offending programme. Of those young people whose cases were taken further, the vast majority – 700 - was given unconditional bail, and 43 were given conditional bail or bail supervision and support. Seventeen young people were placed in Local Authority accommodation, and 41 were remanded in custody. Of these latter two groups, only two individuals were female.

The YOT also records information about the ethnicity of the children and young people it deals with. During the period shown above, a small number of young people reported to be involved in offending behaviours were from minority ethnic backgrounds. 32 of these young people were Asian or Asian British, six were Black or Black British, three were Chinese and six were of mixed race.

During this same period, the Youth Justice Plan records that of 191 looked after children aged between 10 and 17 years in Newcastle upon Tyne, 33 (16% of looked after children in this age group) were involved in offending behaviour during this time.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 20 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

4.6 Children in need: 1,554 A Children In Need census was carried out by Local Authorities in England during one week in February 2000. 1,554 children and young people living in Newcastle were identified as being ‘children in need’ who received services during this particular week. This represents 25 children per 1,000 of the total population of young people aged 18 years and under in the City. This proportion is rather more than the national average. Only 19 per 1,000 0-18 year olds in England were classified in the same census as being children in need.

The term ‘children in need’ may refer to various different areas of need. Table 16 shows numbers and proportions of children in need and receiving services in Newcastle upon Tyne, the North East, and England, by area of need. It can be seen that Newcastle upon Tyne has unusually large proportions of young people who are being abused or neglected, who are disabled, or whose parents are absent. Most other categories of need appear to be underrepresented in the City.

Table 16: Areas of need for children in need and receiving services (2000)

Area of need Newcastle North East England upon Tyne Number % Number % Number % Abuse or neglect 765 49.2 5,321 40.7 79,740 34.8 Disability 270 17.4 1,551 11.9 30,310 13.2 Parental illness or disability 54 3.5 733 5.6 13,800 6.0 Family in acute distress 158 10.2 1,470 11.2 26,685 11.6 Family dysfunction 92 5.9 2,039 15.6 31,155 13.6 Socially unacceptable 89 5.7 1,065 8.1 14,045 6.1 behaviour Low income 33 2.1 272 2.1 14,195 6.2 Absent parenting 76 4.9 327 2.5 7,340 3.2 Cases other than children in 17 1.1 290 2.2 12,065 5.3 need [Source: Office of National Statistics]

Information was collected during the census about the ethnicity of children and young people in need. Of the 1,554 Newcastle upon Tyne children in need, 1427 were White, 61 were Asian, two were Black, 46 were of mixed race, and ten were of other ethnic minority origin. Ethnic background was not recorded for eight others.

The total number of children in need includes 437 children and young people who live in Local Authority care, and 1,117 who do not. These two groups will now be examined in turn.

4.7 Young people in Local Authority care: 437 The Local Authority looks after 437 children and young people in Newcastle upon Tyne. This represents 7 children per 1000 population of this age group, or 28% of the total number identified as being children in need.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 21 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

Table 17 classifies the children and young people looked after by the Local Authority in Newcastle upon Tyne by area of need, compared to the North East and England as a whole. A much larger proportion of children in the City are looked after because of abuse or neglect, compared to national figures. In addition, a larger percentage of children and young people are placed in care in Newcastle because of socially unacceptable behaviour than in the rest of the country. For all of the other areas of need listed, a smaller proportion of children and young people in care are represented than in England as a whole.

Table 17: Areas of need for children in need and receiving services in Local Authority care (2000)

Area of need Newcastle North East England upon Tyne Number % Number % Number % Abuse or neglect 323 73.9 2,125 62.5 32,095 55.4 Disability 14 3.2 310 9.1 5,985 10.3 Parental illness or disability 12 2.7 138 4.1 3,345 5.8 Family in acute distress 16 3.7 91 2.7 2,600 4.5 Family dysfunction 34 7.8 389 11.4 6,850 11.8 Socially unacceptable 25 5.7 194 5.7 2,350 4.1 behaviour Low income 1 0.2 5 0.1 315 0.5 Absent parenting 12 2.7 129 3.8 2,805 4.8 Cases other than children in - - 20 0.6 1,555 2.7 need [Source: Office of National Statistics]

Table 18 shows the age spread of looked after children and young people, showing that the majority of looked after children in Newcastle upon Tyne are aged 10-15 years. This is similar to the pattern for England as a whole.

Table 18: Looked after children by age (2000).

Age Under 5 years 5-9 years 10-15 years 16+ years Newcastle 20 23 41 16 upon Tyne England 23 21 39 17 [Source: Department of Health]

Given the above percentages, it can be calculated that the approximate age spread of looked after children in Newcastle in February 2000 was as follows: 87 were aged under 5 years 101 were aged between 5 and 9 years 179 were aged between 10 and 15 years 70 were aged 16 years or over

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 22 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

The 2000 Local Authority census collected information about the ethnic background of children in need. Of the 437 children living in Local Authority care in Newcastle upon Tyne, 413 were White, two were Asian, 21 were of mixed race, and one was from another minority ethnic group.

Tables 19 and 20 show the legal status and placement for looked after children in Newcastle upon Tyne, compared to that for England as a whole.

Table 19: Legal status for looked after children (2000)

Legal Status Care orders Voluntary Other Other % agreements compulsory orders Newcastle 54 41 3 2 upon Tyne England 63 33 1 3 [Source: Department of Health]

Table 20: Placement of looked after children (2000)

Placement % Foster Children’s Placed Placed for Other homes homes with adoption parents Newcastle 68 11 11 5 7 upon Tyne England 68 14 11 5 2 [Source: Department of Health]

An audit of need for looked after children in Newcastle is currently being undertaken. Results will be available in due course.

A study into substance misuse in South Tyneside in 2000 involved young people living in Local Authority care. It was reported that the use of cannabis is fairly common in some Family Group Homes, while patterns of alcohol use tend to vary among homes according to who is resident at any one time. The impact of some young people’s substance misuse on their peers was a major issue. Young people said they sometimes felt unsafe because of others’ erratic behaviour while under the influence of drugs. Young people did not tend to report such incidents to staff members, possibly to avoid getting others into trouble, which meant that such situations were seldom resolved. Linked to this, staff experienced conflict between the policy of involving the police in cases of illegal drug use and their ‘in loco parentis’ duty of care to the young people themselves (Gentile, 2000).

4.8 Young people in need but not in Local Authority care: 1,117 1,117 children and young people classified as children in need by the 2000 Local Authority census were not in Local Authority care. This represents 72% of the total number of children in need, or 18 children per 1,000 population of this age group.

Table 21 shows these children and young people according to their area of need, for Newcastle upon Tyne, the North East, and England. Once again, a larger proportion of children in need in Newcastle upon Tyne suffers from abuse or neglect, compared

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 23 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 to England in general. Larger percentages also suffer from disability or have absent parents compared with the rest of the country. Other areas of need are underrepresented in the City.

Table 21: Areas of need for children in need and receiving services, but not in Local Authority care (2000)

Area of need Newcastle North East England upon Tyne Number % Number % Number % Abuse or neglect 442 39.6 3,196 33.1 47,645 27.8 Disability 256 22.9 1,241 12.8 24,325 14.2 Parental illness or disability 42 3.8 595 6.2 10,460 6.1 Family in acute distress 142 12.7 1,379 14.3 24,080 14 Family dysfunction 58 5.2 1,650 17.1 24,300 14.2 Socially unacceptable 64 5.7 871 9.0 11,695 6.8 behaviour Low income 32 2.9 267 2.8 13,880 8.1 Absent parenting 64 5.7 198 2.0 4,535 2.6 Cases other than children in 17 1.5 270 2.8 10,510 6.1 need [Source: Office of National Statistics]

The 2000 Local Authority census collected information about the ethnic background of children in need. Of the 1,117 children in need who were not living in Local Authority care in Newcastle upon Tyne, 1,014 were White, 59 were Asian, two were Black, 25 were of mixed race, and nine were from other minority ethnic groups. No information about ethnicity was given for a further eight children.

4.9 Children and young people on the Child Protection Register: 383 At 31st March 2000, 383 children and young people in Newcastle upon Tyne were on the Child Protection Register. This represents six individuals per 1,000 population aged 0-18 years, compared to 2.5 per 1,000 in England as a whole. Of this number, 20% had been on the Register for two years or more, indicating a long term risk of child protection incidents. In addition, 17% of children who were entered in the Register during the year 1999-2000 had been on it before. As at March 2000, 122 children and young people on the Child Protection Register in Newcastle upon Tyne were also looked after by the Local Authority. Tables 22 and 23 show the age and gender spread of the children and young people on the Child Protection Register.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 24 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

Table 22: Children on the Child Protection Register by age

Age Newcastle upon North East England Tyne Number % Number % Number % Total 383 100 2,106 100 30,300 100 Under 1 year 34 9 196 9 2,800 9

1-4 years 107 28 659 31 9,200 30 5-9 years 113 30 613 29 9,100 30 10-15 years 112 29 583 28 8,400 28 16+ years 9 2 34 2 600 2 [Source: Department of Health]

Table 23: Children on the Child Protection Register by gender

Gender Newcastle upon North East England Tyne Number % Number % Number % All 383 100 2,106 100 30,300 100 Boys 205 54 1,096 52 15,400 51 Girls 170 44 989 47 14,600 48 Unborn 8 2 21 1 200 1 [Source: Department of Health]

4.10 Care leavers: ~140 The Leaving Care Support Team in Newcastle upon Tyne estimates that in any given year, around 60 young people in the area will be leaving Local Authority care. The team is currently working with around 140 young people who are soon to be leaving care or are recent care leavers, aged between 15 and 21 years.

4.11 Young people caring for another person: ~100 The results of the 1996 Inter Censal Survey carried out in Newcastle upon Tyne indicate that there were 100 young people under the age of 16 years who were caring for another person in this year. The figures suggest that there were proportionately more young carers in certain parts of the City than others. 2% of young people under 16 years of age were carers in Jesmond ward, and 1% in Elswick, Scotswood, Fawdon, Kenton, Newburn, South Gosforth and Walker. In all other wards, less than 1% of young people were carers.

4.12 Young people who are excluded from school: 72 Over 100,000 pupils in the UK are temporarily excluded each year, and over 12,000 are permanently excluded. Evidence shows that young people who are excluded from school are more likely than other young people to be users of alcohol and other drugs. Rates of offending and anti-social behaviour are also higher among this group. The Youth Justice Board (2000) reports that 20% of pupils excluded from

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 25 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 school in the UK are suspended for drinking alcohol at school. 16% of excluded pupils drink alcohol every day, and 20% do so three or four times a week, compared with only 3% of non-excluded pupils.

In the academic year 1999-2000, a total of 72 pupils were permanently excluded from school in Newcastle upon Tyne. This is a proportion of 1.96 pupils per 1000. The City’s Best Value Performance Plan indicates that the target number of permanent exclusions per year is 85 pupils or less. Information about the number of temporary exclusions from school is not available to the public.

City Council figures state that four of the 72 permanent exclusions in Newcastle during this time were directly related to pupils’ substance misuse. However, it is thought that substance misuse plays a larger role than this figure indicates. The LEA has commissioned research into the relationship between substance misuse and school exclusions in Newcastle upon Tyne. The findings will be available in due course.

4.13 Truancy: ~3,800 Over one million children truant from school each year across the UK. The Education Welfare Service in Newcastle upon Tyne reports having received around 3,800 referrals of young people involved in truancy during the academic year 1999/2000.

Table 24 gives details about levels of school attendance in the academic year 1999- 2000. Truancy figures are represented by the percentage of unauthorised absences during this time – absences for which there was no note or reason given. The Newcastle figures are the same as the national figure for primary schools, and slightly higher for secondary schools. Overall school attendance figures for secondary schools are over two percentage points below the UK average, with a larger number of authorised absences in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Table 24: Attendance at Newcastle upon Tyne Schools (1999-2000)

Newcastle upon Tyne UK Primary Secondary Primary Secondary School attendance % 94 89.3 94.3 91.4 Authorised absence from 5.5 9.4 5.2 7.6 school % Unauthorised absence 0.5 1.3 0.5 1.0 from school % [Source: Newcastle City Council]

The Family Support Team in Newcastle upon Tyne conducted a recent ‘snapshot’ of a hundred current cases, and found that 24 of these children and young people aged 9-15 years were truanting from school.

4.14 Young people with learning difficulties: 7,712 1.6% of all children in Newcastle upon Tyne have a statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN). 0.7% of all Newcastle children are placed in ‘special’ schools. A total of 443 pupils aged 11 to 18 years attend special schools in the area.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 26 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

Of mainstream primary school pupils in Newcastle upon Tyne, a total of 240 pupils have a statement of SEN (1.24% of the total). However, a further 4514 primary school pupils have been identified by the DfEE as having special educational needs (23.4% of the total), despite having no statement of SEN. Among primary schools in the area, SEN pupils are clustered; while some have no pupils with a statement of SEN, in others up to 5.7% of pupils do (as many as 22 pupils in one school). Taking into consideration pupils who have been identified as having SEN but have no statement, in several schools over half of all pupils have SEN (in one school, over 57% of pupils have SEN).

Of mainstream secondary school pupils in Newcastle upon Tyne, 284 pupils have a statement of SEN (1.5% of the total). In addition 2,674 pupils have been identified by the DfEE as having special educational needs (14.1% of the total), despite having no statement of SEN. Again this number is unevenly spread among secondary schools in the area. In some schools there are no pupils with SEN, while in others over 30% of pupils have SEN (although not all of these have a statement of SEN).

4.15 Young people with behavioural problems: ~520 The Special Educational Needs, Teaching and Support Service (SENTASS) in Newcastle upon Tyne includes an EBD Team, which works specifically with pupils who have emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD). In January 2001, the team had a caseload of 520 children with EBD.

4.16 Children not in the mainstream school system: 121 The Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) service in Newcastle upon Tyne provides education for children who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to attend mainstream schools. This includes children who are permanently excluded from school or who are at risk of permanent exclusion. As at May 2000, 121 children in this group were in contact with the EOTAS service, of whom 97 were taught in Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) and 24 were on outreach programmes. Parkway PRU provided education for young people in this group.

Other groups receiving educational provision from EOTAS include: Approximately 800 children who are in hospital every year. Children of school age receive educational provision if they stay in hospital for more than five days. Around 50 children each year on home tuition. Children may receive home tuition on medical grounds following referral by a consultant paediatrician. 12 pupils with psychiatric difficulties including school phobia during 1998-1999. The Harbour West unit, based in West Denton High School, teaches pupils with this type of problem. As at July 2000, 21 pregnant girls and young mothers.

4.17 Young people with a physical disability or long term illness:~1,300 The 2000 Children in Need census reported that of all of the children in need and receiving services from the Local Authority in Newcastle upon Tyne during a particular week in February 2000, 270 had a disability, although it is possible that not all of these were registered disabled. Of this number, 14 were looked after by the Local Authority, and 254 were supported to live independently or with their families.

The 1996 Inter-Censal Survey showed that 3% of boys and 2% of girls under 16 years of age suffer from a limiting long-term illness in Newcastle upon Tyne. This

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 27 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 would indicate a total number of approximately 1,300 children and young people in this age group suffering from some kind of limiting long-term illness. It is assumed that this figure includes young people suffering from a disability.

In 2000, fifteen 0-17 year olds in the City were registered blind [Source: DoH].

4.18 Young people with mental illnesses or disorders: ~3,600 A 1999 survey in Great Britain showed that approximately 10% of children and young people aged 5-15 years (8% of 5-10 year olds, and 11% of 11-15 year olds) have a mental disorder (Meltzer et al, 1999). Such disorders are more prevalent among those living on a low income; up to one fifth of 11 to 15 year olds living in households with an income of less than £200 suffer from a mental disorder. No geographical differences were found in the prevalence of mental disorders among children and young people; therefore it is possible to estimate the approximate number of children and young people in the City suffering from mental disorders, as a percentage of the total number in this age group.

The information contained in table 25 indicates that approximately 3,569 Newcastle upon Tyne children and young people aged 5 to 15 years suffer from mental disorders, including 2,145 boys and 1,424 girls.

Table 25: Estimated local prevalence of mental disorder by age and sex

5-10 years 11-15 years 5-15 years Boys Girls Boys Girls Boys Girls % suffering mental 10 6 13 10 11 8 disorders (GB) Approximate number in - - - - 2,145 1,424 Newcastle upon Tyne [Source: Meltzer et al, 1999]

Three particular groups of disorder were identified in the 1999 survey: conduct disorders characterised by awkward, troublesome and anti-social behaviour (5% of children suffer from these); emotional disorders such as anxiety, depression and obsessions (4% suffer from these); and hyperactivity disorders involving inattention and overactivity (1% suffer from these). It can be estimated that around 1,865 of these children and young people suffer from conduct disorders, 1,492 from emotional disorders, and 373 from hyperactivity disorders.

The Young People’s Unit at Newcastle General Hospital, which is part of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, works with adolescents aged 13-19 years who have psychiatric or psychological problems. The Unit reports that around 500 new cases are presented each year among this age group. The Fleming Nuffield Unit does similar work with 4-14 year olds, and reports a caseload of around 600 referrals per year. This figure relates only to those young people in contact with this service.

Table 26 shows the prevalence of various mental problems suffered by young people by age and gender. The available figures are for England as a whole, compared to the North and Yorkshire.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 28 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

Table 26: Prevalence of mental health problems in young people by age and gender (1994-1998)

North and Yorkshire England Males Females Males Females Incidence of treated anxiety per 1,000 population: 0-4 years 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 5-15 years 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.6 16-24 years 11.2 23.2 8.1 17.6 Incidence of treated depression per 1,000 population: 0-4 years 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 5-15 years 0.2 0.8 0.3 0.8 16-24 years 17.3 47.3 12.9 39.0 Incidence of treated schizophrenia per 1,000 population: 0-15 years 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 16-24 years 1.0 0.3 1.1 0.3 [Source: Key Health Statistics from General Practice]

4.19 Suffering a bereavement: unknown Professionals working locally with young people who have substance misuse problems, particularly young offenders, have reported that many of these young people suffered a bereavement early in their lives. It is thought that this may be one of the underlying causes of such young people’s drug and alcohol use. In particular, many young people who have suffered a bereavement turn to alcohol to help them cope, and this can lead to long-term dependency.

No figures are available regarding the number of children and young people in Newcastle who have suffered a bereavement. However, Barnardo’s Orchard Project works with children and young people who have been bereaved or are affected by serious illness. The project worked with a total of 177 young people during 2000, most of whom were aged 11-15 years. Other organisations that provide support for people suffering bereavements include Cruise and local hospices.

4.20 Living in a rural area: ~5,900 Newcastle is a largely urban area; however, there are some rural areas. These areas broadly correspond to the three electoral wards of Castle, Westerhope and Woolsington to the north and outer west of the City. These areas cover around a third of the area of the City, but contain only a small proportion of the total number of inhabitants. Figures are available for the number of residents aged under 16 years in each of these wards, indicating that a total of 5,900 of the City’s 32,000 rural residents are in this age group (1996 Inter-Censal Survey). However, the close

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 29 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 proximity of these three wards to the urban centre means that it is unlikely that they share the characteristics of other, more isolated rural communities.

4.21 Ethnic minorities: 2,629 Detailed information about the ethnic population of Newcastle upon Tyne is included in section 3. Around 1.5% of the total North East population is from a non-white background. Of the 34,153 school pupils in the City in 1999, 2,629 were from an ethnic minority background. Ethnic minority groups in the area include Black Caribbean, Black African, Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Chinese, among others. The proportionately largest minority groups in the area are Pakistani (931 pupils) and Bangladeshi (659 pupils).

4.22 Speaking English as a second language: 2,385 English was a second language for a total of 2385 pupils (8% of primary school pupils and 6.1% of secondary school pupils) in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1999. The six commonly recognised community languages in Newcastle are Hindi, Cantonese, Punjabi, Arabic, Urdu and Bengali.

4.23 Children of substance misusing parents: unknown It has been reported that 920,000 children and young people in the UK live in a home where one or both parents abuse alcohol (NACOA, 2000). The NSPCC (1997) reported that up to 23% of child neglect cases involve parental alcohol misuse, and heavy drinking by parents has been identified as a factor in over half of child protection case conferences (Davidson, 1994).

The Family Support Team in Newcastle upon Tyne conducted a recent ‘snapshot’ of a hundred current cases to assess areas of need. They found that there were nine families with children aged 15 years or under, in which parental substance misuse was a problem. Several non-statutory support groups and family centres also report working with a small number of young people whose parents are known to misuse substances.

Children North East run a Young Carers Project in Newcastle upon Tyne. The project works with between 20 and 30 young carers, several of whom have parents or siblings with have alcohol or drug problems. A report produced earlier this year (Robinson and Wilding, 2001) estimated that up to 1,000 people in Newcastle and North Tyneside who are problematic substance misusers are likely to have children under the age of 18 years. This figure was based on the age of people contacting services for help with substance misuse problems. There may also be an unknown number of parents who are misusing substances but have not sought help.

4.24 Travellers: ~150-250 The total number of travellers in Britain has been estimated at around 120,000. This total includes ethnic Gypsies and Travellers (such as Romanies, Kale, Roma, Irish and Scottish Travellers) and New Travellers. In 1999 there were estimated to be 13,000 gypsy caravans in England, including unauthorised sites, council sites, and private sites (Kenrick and Clark, 1999).

In January 2001 a DETR survey reported that there were five authorised council Gypsy caravan sites in Newcastle upon Tyne. There were no private or unauthorised sites. Another DETR survey carried out at the same time reported only one site in the area. This was in Lemington, in Newburn ward. This site was reported to have a total

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 30 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 of 26 caravans, all of which were pitched there long term. In August 2001 the City Council Community and Housing Directorate reported that this site had since closed.

However, informal sources suggest that there is a local Traveller community. Settled communities of Gypsies and Travellers, who have a house ‘base’ and only tour in the summer months are located across the City, and concentrated in Newburn, Lemington and Throckley in particular. There are also some unofficial and private campsites in the area. It has been estimated that there are between 150 and 250 children and young people aged up to 18 years from Gypsy and Traveller families in Newcastle upon Tyne. However, it must be stressed that this is a very rough estimate.

The use of illegal substances is frowned upon among most ethnic Gypsy and Traveller groups (Kenrick and Clark, 1999), and families are very strict regarding their use. This means that within these communities the availability of drugs is very low and so young people are less likely to have access to them. Within New Traveller communities, however, there is a more tolerant attitude, especially regarding the use of cannabis.

4.25 Asylum seekers and refugees: 659 Over the past year, the UK has received between 5,000 and 7,250 applications for asylum per month. Most of these cases involved people from Afghanistan, Iraq, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Pakistan or Iran.

While the majority of asylum seekers arrive in the UK in London or Kent, there has been some voluntary dispersal to other Local Authority areas, including Newcastle upon Tyne. A number of others have also moved to the area without Government assistance, and the North of England Refugee Service estimates that the total Newcastle population is around 2,500. These include a number of Iranians, Afghanis, and people from African countries, among others. Refugees in the City speak a total of 34 different languages. However, it is stressed that this is a transient population, and many refugees may stay in the City for only a year or less. The Refugee Service reports that levels of anxiety and depression are very high among the refugee community, and this may lead to individuals becoming dependent on alcohol and other substances.

The Asylum Seekers and Refugees Health Team keeps a register of the number of children and young people in Newcastle upon Tyne. As at August 2001 there were 501 asylum seekers and refugees aged 18 years and under on the register, with another 158 waiting to be confirmed. This gives a total of 659 children and young people in the City from asylum seeker and refugee families.

4.26 Young people involved with prostitution: unknown It is generally assumed that there is a link between prostitution and drug use among young people. Young people who are misusing drugs may get involved in prostitution to fund their drug use, or young people already involved in sex work may start misusing substances. There is also a link between prostitution and leaving local authority care. This extract from a UK-wide police report highlights some of the key issues:

‘We have interviewed a large number of young people who routinely sell sex for the price of a rock of crack. Half started sex work while still minors. Over half graduated to sex work from being looked after by the local authority’. (May et al, 1999)

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 31 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

It is hard to estimate the total number of young people who are involved in prostitution in Newcastle upon Tyne. Northumbria Police report that very few arrests are made for prostitution in the City, and suggest that few men or women of any age are involved in sex work. Unlike many other cities, there is no particular ‘red light’ area of Newcastle in which prostitution is known to take place. In addition, there are no children or young people currently on the Child Protection register because of prostitution.

However, this does not mean that prostitution is not happening. Anecdotal reports suggest that sex work is informal and hidden, and some young men and women are involved in prostitution. A city centre-based housing project working with young lesbian and gay homeless people estimates that some of the young people it currently has contact with are involved in prostitution, and it is likely that there are other young prostitutes who are not in contact with any projects. Similarly, workers at a city centre outreach project suggest that prostitution is a growing problem. Young people are becoming involved in sex work in exchange for drugs and/or shelter.

A particularly vulnerable group is young women who are drug users and have become involved with sex work to finance this. Local workers report that they believe some young women are in this situation, but these young women have little or no contact with any of the youth centres or other support services.

4.27 Young pregnant girls and young mothers: ~525 According to the Health Education Authority (1998) there is a link between alcohol consumption and risky sexual behaviour among young people. 40% of 13 and 14 year olds in the UK were drunk or 'stoned' when they had sex for the first time. One in seven 16-24 year olds have had unprotected sex, while 25% have had sex they later regretted, and 10% have not been able to remember if they had sex the night before. 40% of young people believe they are more likely to have casual sex after drinking (Health Education Authority, 1998). It is therefore likely that substance misuse contributes to the number of teenage pregnancies, rather than teenage pregnancy being a cause of substance misuse.

In 1998, there were 1,200 conceptions among women aged 18 years and under in Tyne and Wear. This is a proportion of 58.9 pregnancies per 1,000 women aged 15- 17 years. Given that there are 8,000 young women aged 16-19 years in Newcastle (as shown in Section 3), it is estimated that the total number of pregnancies among 16-19 year olds in 1998 was approximately 470.

Table 27 shows the number of underage conceptions for females aged 13 to 15 years of age in the City in the two years between 1996/1997 and 1998/1999. During this period, Byker ward in the East End had the highest rate of underage pregnancies in Newcastle, at 23 per year, per 1000 female population of this age group.

Table 27: Underage conceptions in Newcastle upon Tyne (1996/97-1998/9)

Area Number of Total number Rate per 1000 conceptions in of females females aged aged 13-15 13-15 years years Newcastle upon Tyne 113 4,629 8.1 (Based on numbers of deliveries and terminations in under 16s) [Source: Newcastle and North Tyneside Health Authority]

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 32 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

The total annual number of pregnancies among young women aged 19 years and under is therefore estimated as 525. This is based on the 1998 estimate of 470 for 16-19 year olds shown above, plus 55, which is just under half the total number of pregnancies among 13-15 year olds during the two-year period shown in table 27.

In 1998 there were 42 live births per 1,000 women aged under 20 years in the North East [Source: Office of National Statistics].

In Newcastle and North Tyneside in 1999, 9 girls aged under fifteen years, 18 fifteen year olds, 46 sixteen year olds, 83 seventeen year olds, and 98 eighteen year olds had legal abortions [Source: Office of National Statistics].

As at July 2000, 21 pregnant girls and young mothers aged 16 years and under were receiving education from the Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) service in Newcastle upon Tyne. Ashlyns Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) provides education for girls of school age who are mothers or who are at or beyond the 12th week of pregnancy.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 33 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

5 Areas of Newcastle upon Tyne with particular needs

This section provides profiles of the different areas within Newcastle upon Tyne. It includes information about concentrations of young people, ethnicity, levels of social deprivation, clusters of drug use and availability, access to facilities, the incidence and fear of crime, and other relevant local factors.

5.1 Ward level data Below are brief profiles of each of the electoral wards that make up Newcastle upon Tyne, including the categories of information shown above. City averages are also given for comparison.

5.1.1 Benwell Population: 7,980 Benwell is in the West End of the City, and is an area with very high levels of multiple deprivation (183rd most deprived of 8414 wards in the UK). There are high proportions of children living in one-parent households (33%, compared to the City average of 25%), and living in households with no earner (49%, compared to the City average of 33%). It is an area of high unemployment, especially among 16-24 year olds.

5.1.2 Blakelaw Population: 12,750 Blakelaw is north west of the City Centre, and has a high level of multiple deprivation (785th most deprived of 8414 wards in the UK). A high proportion of the population is aged under 16 years (21%, compared to the City average of 18%) but there are fewer young adults (16-24 year olds) than average. The area has a particularly high level of education deprivation (68th highest ward in the UK). A high proportion of children lives in one-parent households (30%) and households with no earner (44%). Blakelaw residents feel that there is a serious drug problem in the area, but that it is under-reported because of the low level of youth work and community development in the area.

5.1.3 Byker Population: 8,810 Ranked by the City Council as the third most deprived ward in Newcastle upon Tyne. Byker is in the East End of the City, and has very high levels of multiple deprivation (78th most deprived of 8414 wards in the UK). The ward has an unusually high proportion of children under 16 years of age, large numbers of whom live in one- parent households (43%) and in households with no earner (50%). There is particularly high unemployment in Byker, especially among young men aged 16 to 24 years. Regarding crime and disorder, a high proportion of residents feels that disruptive or threatening behaviour in young people and noisy children is a serious local problem.

5.1.4 Castle Population: 12,750 Castle is a rural ward to the north of the City. It has a low level of multiple deprivation (4429th most deprived of 8414 wards in the UK). A high proportion of the population is aged under 16 years (21%, compared to the City average of 18%). However, a

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 34 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 particularly low proportion of the children in Castle live in either one-parent households (10%), or households with no earner (8%). There are low levels of unemployment in general compared to City averages, and in particular for 16-24 year old males.

5.1.5 Dene Population: 15,730 Dene is a relatively affluent ward to the east of the City. It has a fairly low level of multiple deprivation (4371st most deprived of 8414 wards in the UK). There are proportionately fewer young adults living in Dene than in the City as a whole. A low proportion of children live in households with no earner (16%, compared to the City average of 33%), or in one-parent households (10%, compared to the City average of 25%). There is also lower than average unemployment among 16-24 year old males.

5.1.6 Denton Population: 10,380 Denton is situated to the west of the City. It has a relatively high level of multiple deprivation (1129th most deprived of 8414 wards in the UK). The area has a low concentration of young people aged under 16 years (15%, compared to the City average of 18%).

5.1.7 Elswick Population: 7,750 Elswick is in the West End of Newcastle. It has very high levels of multiple deprivation (36th most deprived of 8414 wards in the UK) and a very high level of employment deprivation (45th highest ward in the UK, with 33.86% of the population suffering employment deprivation). Elswick has a high ethnic population. The area has an unusually high concentration of young people (25% of residents are under 16, compared to the City average of 18%). There is also a high proportion of children living in households with no earner (56%, compared to the City average of 33%). There is high unemployment in the ward, particularly among young women. A high proportion of residents feels that disruptive or threatening behaviour in young people and noisy children are serious local problems. Elswick is one of the areas covered by the West Gate New Deal for Communities (NDC) programme. The NDC delivery plan reports that drug use is more common in West Gate than in other areas of the City.

5.1.8 Fawdon Population: 10,570 Fawdon is north of the City Centre. It suffers high levels of multiple deprivation (755th most deprived of 8414 wards in the UK). The area has a high concentration of young people aged under 16 years (21%, compared to the City average of 18%) but a low proportion of 16-24 year olds. There is very high unemployment among 16-24 year old males, and a high proportion of residents feels that disruptive or threatening behaviour in young people is a serious local problem. Housing officers in Fawdon reported in 1999 that heroin had recently re-emerged as a significant issue after a lull of around 18 months. This may have been due to known dealers moving back into the area. Signs of ‘hard’ drug use have been found in empty properties.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 35 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

5.1.9 Fenham Population: 11,290 Fenham is situated in the West End of the City. The area suffers a high level of multiple deprivation (979th most deprived of 8414 wards in the UK). There is high unemployment in Fenham, particularly among young men. Local reports suggest that there is a high presence of drug dealers in Fenham.

5.1.10 Grange Population: 11,800 Grange is to the north of the City. It has a fairly low level of multiple deprivation (3154th most deprived of 8414 wards in the UK). A low proportion of children live in one-parent households (16%, compared to the City average of 25%) or households with no earner (15%, compared to the City average of 33%). There is particularly high unemployment among young women.

5.1.11 Heaton Population: 11,640 Heaton is situated to the east of the City. It has a fairly low level of multiple deprivation (3671st most deprived of 8414 wards in the UK). A low proportion of the local population is aged under 16 years (10%, compared to the City average of 18%), but there is a very high proportion of 16-24 year olds (23% compared to a City average of 12%). Many of these young people are students. A low proportion of children lives in one-parent households (16%, compared to the City average of 25%) or in households with no earner (12%, compared to the City average of 33%). The ward features low unemployment levels, especially among young people.

5.1.12 Jesmond Population: 12,840 Jesmond is one of the most affluent wards in the City. Situated to the north, it has a very low score for multiple deprivation (6941st most deprived of 8414 wards in the UK). A low proportion of the population is aged under 16 years (10%, compared to the City average of 18%), but a high proportion are aged 16-24 years (26%, compared to the City average of 12%). A very low proportion of children live in one parent households (5%, compared to the City average of 25%) or in households with no earner (4%, City = 33%). Unemployment levels are very low among 16-24 year olds. A relatively large proportion of young people care for a parent or other family member.

5.1.13 Kenton Population: 11,100 Kenton is in the north west of the City. It suffers from high levels of multiple deprivation (803rd most deprived of 8414 wards in the UK). There are proportionately fewer young people aged 16-24 years than in the City as a whole. The area also features high unemployment among young men aged 16-24 years. Workers in Kenton feel that the drug problem is substantial but is quite hidden in its nature. There is also some local disruption caused by dealers.

5.1.14 Lemington Population: 10,630 Lemington is located in the outer west of the City. It suffers high levels of multiple deprivation (1460th most deprived of 8414 wards in the UK), and has a high proportion of residents aged under 16 years (22%, compared to the City average of

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18%). There are proportionately fewer young people aged 16-24 years than in the City as a whole.

5.1.15 Monkchester Population: 8,580 Monkchester is in the East End of Newcastle. The area suffers very high levels of multiple deprivation (31st most deprived of 8414 wards in the UK), and a very high level of health deprivation (56th highest ward in the UK). Monkchester has been ranked by the City Council as the fourth most deprived ward in the City. A high proportion of the local population is aged under 16 years (22%, compared to the City average of 18%), but there are proportionately few young people aged 16-24 years. A large number of children live in one-parent households (41%, compared to the City average of 25%) and in households with no earner (50%, compared to the City average of 33%). There is a high level of unemployment among 16-24 year old males. A high proportion of residents feels that disruptive or threatening behaviour in young people and noisy children are serious local problems.

5.1.16 Moorside Population: 10,100 Moorside is located both within and directly north of the City Centre. It features a high level of multiple deprivation (537th most deprived of 8414 wards in the UK). Although the proportion of residents aged under 16 years is low, many of these children and young people live in one parent households (more than double the City average at 51%) or in households with no earner (67%, compared to the City average of 33%). The 16-24 year age group is over-represented (21% compared to 12% in the City as a whole). There is high unemployment among 16-24 year olds, and a high proportion of residents feels that disruptive or threatening behaviour in young people is a serious local problem.

5.1.17 Newburn Population: 9,310 Newburn is a semi-rural ward situated at the outer west of the City. It has a high level of multiple deprivation (984th most deprived of 8414 wards in the UK). The area has an unusually low proportion of 16-24 year old residents (one third less than the City as a whole) and features low unemployment levels among 16-24 year old males

5.1.18 Sandyford Population: 11,960 Sandyford is in the inner east of the City, close to the city centre. It has a fairly low level of multiple deprivation (2231st most deprived of 8414 wards in the UK). A relatively low percentage of the population is aged under 16 years of age; however, the young adult population (16-24 year olds) is relatively large. Many children and young people live in one-parent households (43%, compared to the City average of 25%).

5.1.19 Scotswood Population: 6,800 Scotswood is in the East End of the City. It suffers very high levels of multiple deprivation (131st most deprived of 8414 wards in the UK). A high proportion of the local population is aged under 16 years (23%, compared to the City average of 18%).A high proportion of local children live in one parent households (34%, compared to the City average of 25%) and in households with no earner

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(55%,compared to the City average of 33%). There is a relatively low proportion of residents aged 16-24 years, although there is high unemployment among this age group. A high proportion of residents feels that disruptive or threatening behaviour in young people is a serious local problem. Studies carried out with young people in Scotswood indicate that the use of illegal drugs is very common.

5.1.20 South Gosforth Population: 11,800 South Gosforth is the most affluent ward in the City, featuring very low levels of multiple deprivation (7251st most deprived of 8414 wards in the UK). It is situated north of the city centre. A very low proportion of children in the ward lives in one- parent households (6%, compared to the City average of 25%), or in households with no earner (2%, compared to the City average of 33%).

5.1.21 Walker Population: 8,360 Walker is located in the East End, and suffers very high levels of multiple deprivation (30th most deprived of 8414 wards in the UK). It also has an extremely high level of income deprivation – with 57.6% of the local population suffering from income deprivation (49th highest ward level in the UK). It has been ranked by the City Council as the second most deprived ward in the City. A high proportion of local children lives in one-parent households (46%, compared to the City average of 25%) or in households with no earner (59%, compared to the City average of 33%). The area has a very small population of 16-24 year olds (7% of the total population, compared to the City average of 12%), but there is high unemployment among this age group, particularly among young men. A high proportion of residents feels that noisy children are a serious local problem.

5.1.22 Walkergate Population: 10,730 Walkergate is situated in the West End of the City. It suffers high levels of multiple deprivation (1037th most deprived of 8414 wards in the UK). It has a low proportion of residents aged 16-24 years, and a low proportion of children lives in one-parent households (17%, compared to the City average of 25%).

5.1.23 West City Population: 7,120 West City is in the West End, and suffers very high levels of multiple deprivation (40th most deprived of 8414 wards in the UK). The ward has an extremely high incidence of child poverty (7th highest ward in the UK, with 84.74 of children experiencing poverty). A high proportion of children lives in one-parent households (46%, compared to the City average of 25%) or in households with no earner (74%, compared to the City average of 33%). There is high unemployment, especially among 16-24 year old females. A high proportion of residents feels that disruptive or threatening behaviour in young people is a serious local problem. West City is one of the areas covered by the West Gate New Deal for Communities (NDC) programme. The NDC delivery plan reports that drug use is more common in West Gate than in other areas of the City. Local reports suggest that there is a high presence of drug dealers in West City.

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5.1.24 Westerhope Population: 14,270 Westerhope is a partially rural ward to the outer west of the City. It has a low level of multiple deprivation (3774th most deprived of 8414 wards in the UK). A low proportion of the children and young people in the ward lives in one-parent households (8%, compared to the City average of 25%) or in households with no earner (12%, compared to the City average of 33%).

5.1.25 Wingrove Population: 10,560 Wingrove is in the West End of the City. It suffers high levels of multiple deprivation (842nd most deprived of 8414 wards in the UK). A high proportion of the local population is aged 16-24 years (22%, compared to the City average of 12%). There is also high unemployment among this age group. The ward has a high ethnic population. Wingrove is one of the areas covered by the West Gate New Deal for Communities (NDC) programme. The NDC delivery plan reports that drug use is more common in West Gate than in other areas of the City.

5.1.26 Woolsington Population: 8,110 Woolsington is a rural ward to the outer west of the City. It has high levels of multiple deprivation (436th most deprived of 8414 wards in the UK). A low proportion of residents is aged 16-24 years (8%, compared with the City average of 12%). There is also low unemployment among this age group, particularly among young women. A high proportion of residents feels that disruptive or threatening behaviour in young people is a serious local problem.

5.2 Areas of Special Action Newcastle Health Partnership, as part of Tyne and Wear Health Action Zone (HAZ), has identified three particular geographical areas of the City as Areas of Special Action. These are areas in which it is felt that the socio-economic and health status of residents is particularly poor, and in which it is recommended that efforts to improve health and social status should be concentrated. These three areas are described below.

5.2.1 The East End The East End of Newcastle covers the wards of Byker, Monkchester, Sandyford, Walker and Walkergate. In the East End, drug abuse is perceived by residents as a serious local problem affecting the wellbeing of the whole community [Errington, 2000].

5.2.2 The North West The North West covers all of Fawdon ward, parts of Blakelaw, Newbiggin Hall estate (which lies in Woolsington ward) and in Kenton ward, Cowgate, Montagu and parts of North Kenton estate. Residents in this area have identified both smoking and drug use as being particular problems among young people. A community consultation exercise in 1999 revealed that one of the top local priorities was ‘to get rid of drugs and drug dealers’. The misuse of legal and illegal drugs among young people is seen

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 39 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 by residents as a major cause of anti-social behaviour, and is thought to have contributed to what is viewed as the decline of this area.

5.2.3 The West End The West End of Newcastle includes the wards of Benwell, Elswick, Moorside, Scotswood and West City. Recent reports by Sure Start and New Deal for Communities suggest that drug use is unusually high in the West End compared with other parts of the City. This is also the area of the City that houses the largest proportion of asylum seekers and refugees.

The report ‘Health Inequalities Action Plan Research’, produced by Cunningham et al (2001) for Newcastle Health Partnership, contains further detailed information about the health needs of these specific areas, including patterns of drug and alcohol use and smoking.

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6 Young people’s drug use

Information about the prevalence and incidence of drug taking amongst young people both nationally and locally is usually gathered using self-report surveys, often administered within the school setting. The illicit nature of drug taking makes this method of gathering information problematic. Some young people understate their use of drugs for fear of reprisals, while others may exaggerate. Importantly, young people not in school will not be surveyed. However, prevalence studies are useful in providing baseline data that highlight trends and patterns of use. The information that follows must be understood in the context of these points.

6.1 Young people’s drug use in the UK The 1998 Government paper ‘Tackling drugs to build a better Britain’ describes some of the main recent trends regarding young people’s drug use. These are summarised below: i. The average age at which young people first try drugs is becoming younger. ii. Almost half of young people will take drugs at some time in their lives, although only one fifth will become regular misusers. iii. The earlier young people start using drugs, the more likely they are to develop serious drug problems over time. iv. Most young people who take drugs do so out of boredom, curiosity, or peer pressure. v. There is a strong correlation between the use of illegal drugs and the use of other volatile substances, tobacco and alcohol in young people. vi. For early to mid teenagers there are strong links between drug use and school exclusion or truancy, family break-up, and criminal activity. vii. For older teenagers and people in their early 20s, there are links between drugs problems and homelessness, unemployment, prostitution and other areas of social exclusion.

At the time that ‘Tackling drugs…’ was produced, the percentage of young people that had tried an illegal drug was increasing. The figures rose steadily through late 1980s and 1990s, reaching a peak in 1996-1997. However, SHEU (2000) report that since then numbers have stabilised, and may have actually come down.

Although young people tend not to develop serious problems related to substance misuse until later in their lives, drug use often starts at an early age. Jones et al (1998) studied problematic drug users in the UK who had received treatment. Although users were on average 22 years old when their drug use was perceived as problematic, and 26 when they first sought help, the mean age at which users reported first having used drugs was 16 years. Other studies report that first drug use is even earlier at around 13 years (OFSTED, 2000). This suggests that early interventions may be effective in reducing the overall number of problematic drug users.

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6.1.1 General levels of drug use among UK young people Studies suggest that as many as one fifth of young people aged 11-15 years have tried an illegal drug. 1999 research by Goddard and Higgins revealed that 13% of 11- 15 year olds have tried an illegal drug at some time in their lives, while a 2000 study by the Schools Health Education Unit put this figure at 21%. Among 16-19 year olds, up to half have tried an illegal drug at some time in their lives, and 31% have used drugs in the past year (British Crime Survey, 1998). Table 28 shows information about experimentation with drugs by age.

Table 28: Young people who have ever taken an illegal drug (2000)

Age % who have ever taken an illegal drug 11-12 years 2.6 13-14 years 13.3 15 years 31.4 16-19 years 49 [Source: UK Drug Report 2000]

A 1999 study showed that 7% of 11-15 year olds had used illegal drugs in the last month (Goddard and Higgins, 1999), while a Department of Health survey reported this figure to be 9%. 3.3% of 11-16 year olds report using drugs on a weekly basis for at least the past three months (Gluck, 2000). Goddard and Higgins (1999) report that 12% of 11-15 year olds have used drugs in the last year. Table 29 shows recent drug use among this age group.

Table 29: Recent drug use among 11-15 year olds (2000)

Age % who have used drugs in past month Boys Girls Total 11 years 3 2 2.5 12 years 2 3 2.5 13 years 6 5 5.5 14 years 14 11 12.5 15 years 23 19 21 [Source: Department of Health]

Table 30 summarises patterns of drug use among young people in the UK by age. While a small percentage of 11 year olds (2-3%) report experimentation with drugs, proportions increase throughout the teenage years, and usually hit a peak at 16-24 years. Around a half of 16-24 year olds have ever taken drugs, compared to only one third of 16-59 year olds overall. The British Crime Survey (1998) reported that 16-19 year olds were more likely to have used drugs in the last year than 20-24 year olds (31% had done so, compared to 28% of 20-24 year olds) or in the last month (22%, compared with 17%).

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Table 30: Drug use among UK young people by age

Age Drug use

11 years 0.8% of 11 year olds have used drugs weekly over the past three months (Gluck, 2000)

2-3% of 11-12 year olds have taken an illegal drug (Ofsted 2000) 12 years 2.6% of 11-12 year olds have ever taken illicit drugs (UK Drug Report 2000)

13 years 13 is the age at which experimentation with drugs usually starts (OFSTED, 2000).

13.3% of 13-14 year olds have ever taken drugs (UK Drug Report 14 years 2000)

8% of 14-15s do or have in the past used cannabis regularly. 1% do or have used speed and solvents (SHEU, 2000)

23% of 14-15 year olds have taken an illegal drug in the last year, 13% have done so in the last month (OFSTED, 2000). 15 years 31.4% of 15 year olds have ever taken an illegal drug (UK Drug Report 2000)

28% of 15 year olds have used cannabis in the past 12 months. 9% have used stimulants such as cocaine, ecstasy or amphetamines, and 1% have used heroin (DoH, 2000) 16 years 7.7% of 16 year olds have used drugs weekly over the past three months (Gluck, 2000)

17 years 49% of 16-19 year olds have ever used drugs, 31% have done so in the last year and 22% in the last month (UK Drug Report 2000)

Drug experimentation peaks at 16-24 years. 29% of 16-24 year olds 18 years have taken an illegal drug in the past year, 14% in the past month (Ofsted, 2000).

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6.1.2 Access to drugs The Schools Health Education Unit (2000) reports that large numbers of young people in the UK have easy access to illegal substances. Table 31 shows that 16% of 12-13 year olds and almost half of 14-15 year olds have been offered illegal drugs, and similar percentages know where to go to obtain drugs. A large proportion of young people report that they know a drug user - 20% of 9-11 year olds, 28% of 12- 13 year olds, and 58% of 14-15 year olds were fairly sure that they knew at least one person who used drugs.

Table 31: Young people’s access to drugs in the UK (2000)

Age % who have been % who know % who know a offered an illegal where to obtain drug user drug an illegal drug 12-13 years 16 18 28 14-15 years 44 39 58 [Source: SHEU, 2000]

A 1998 ONS study found that 34% of UK 11-15 year olds had been offered illegal drugs (36% of boys and 32% of girls). Regarding the availability of specific types of drug, 26% of 11-15 year olds had been offered cannabis, 8% had been offered glue, 7% amphetamines, 6% cocaine, and 4% heroin.

6.1.3 Drugs and normalisation Some commentators have suggested that drug taking amongst young people has become normalised (Parker et al 1998). In research carried out in the north west it was found that 90% of young people had been offered drugs, and that drug trying rates increase with age. Parker and colleagues found that 52% of 18 year olds reported using drugs in the past year. They also found that nearly two thirds of abstainers of this age group held tolerant or approving attitudes of drug takers.

6.1.4 Drug use and gender Research has shown some gender differences for drug use. The Department of Health (2000) found that patterns of recent drug use are similar for boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 13, but among 14 and 15 year olds, more boys than girls report having used drugs in the past month. Of the 3.3% of 11-16 year olds who report using drugs on a weekly basis over at least a three-month period, 3.8% of boys report weekly drug use, while only 2.9% of girls do so. However, some other studies have found few gender differences in drug use, although boys are more likely than girls to report having been offered drugs (SHEU, 2000).

6.1.5 Drugs and health The following information is from the UK Drug Report 2000.

In 1998, there were 2,922 drug-related deaths in England and Wales, with a gender ratio of 2 males to every one female. The majority of these deaths were among the 20-34 years age group, with drug-related deaths accounting for 44% of all deaths among this age group. There were two male deaths for every one female death.

Only about 1% of injecting drug users in England (excluding London) has HIV. In 2000, the Department of Health reported that new diagnoses of HIV attributed to

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 44 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 injecting drug use are falling. In 1999 there were 43 deaths from AIDS in England and Wales that were attributed to injecting drug use. In June 2000, only 9% of the 42,125 individuals with HIV in the UK were classified as acquiring their infection through injecting drug use.

Cases of acute infection with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) attributed to injecting drug use have tripled through 1990s, though on the whole the number of HBV cases has gone down. Up to 38% of injecting drug users in England and Wales have Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). The likelihood of users contracting HCV increases with the number of years spent injecting. For instance, around 75% of users who have been injecting for 15 years or more have HCV, compared to 7% of those injecting for less than two years. Between April and August 2000, there were 25 cases of serious unexplained illness among injecting drug users, among whom 12 died. Injection site inflammation was the main type of illness.

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6.2 Young people’s drug use in Newcastle upon Tyne

6.2.1 Data sources Statistical information about young people’s drug use in Newcastle upon Tyne has come from the following sources: i. A 1994 study of Newcastle upon Tyne 11-16 year olds (Gilvarry et al, 1995). ii. A longitudinal study of 2,500 young people aged 13-17 years in Northumbria – including Newcastle upon Tyne - and Yorkshire carried out by the University of Manchester, from 1996-1998 (Aldridge et al, 1999). iii. NE Choices: A baseline study of 1,936 young people in Northumbria conducted for a multi-component drug prevention programme for 13-16 year olds, from 1996-1999 (Stead et al, 2000). iv. A study comparing drug use among 880 14-15 year olds in Newcastle upon Tyne with young people in Groningen (Netherlands), Rome (Italy) and Bremen (Germany) (McArdle et al, 2000). Prevalence is given to most recent studies, with earlier data included for comparison and to explore recent trends in drug use in the City.

Only one of these studies (McArdle et al, 2000) yielded data pertaining specifically to young people from Newcastle upon Tyne in isolation. The others gave Northumbria- wide data. However, all of the studies’ findings are reported here. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, relying on the findings of only one survey in isolation might lead to a misrepresentation of the local situation, as only a relatively small sample of individuals is involved in each study. Secondly, the studies all have quite disparate results, even though they were all carried out during approximately the same time period. This illustrates that quantitative data is not always reliable. The comments made previously about the potentially problematic nature of self-reported data are again relevant here.

Because different data sources have been used for national and local figures, the ways of collecting data may differ. This makes comparing data harder. For instance, the age groups being compared may not be the same, questions about patterns of use may vary, or the classifications of types of drug may change. All efforts have been made to ensure that valid comparisons are made between different sets of data.

6.2.2 Young people’s drug use ‘Everyone does drugs’. This comment was made by a young man taking part in a participatory research project in Newcastle (Fuller, 2001). Local youth and community workers believe that there are a lot more drugs around than in recent years, and that children and young people now experiment with drugs and solvents at a younger age. Workers in Newcastle upon Tyne have described the local normalisation of substance use among young people: It has been variously described as ‘an everyday occurrence’, ‘commonplace’, ‘normal’, and ‘accepted’. According to a recent report: ‘it used to be a few young people sniffing a bit of glue, but now it’s more young people with more drugs’ (Fuller, 2001). In addition, a wider range of drugs seems to be available now, and this encourages young people to experiment with them all.

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Professionals working with young people in Newcastle were asked what they felt were the main recent trends or changes in substance misuse among the young people they worked with. Their responses are summarised below: i. Drug and alcohol use is much more widespread, and it is easier than ever before to get access to illicit drugs. ii. Drug use is not hidden, but can be seen taking place on the streets. iii. Children and young people now try drugs and alcohol at a younger age. iv. There has been an increase in cannabis use. v. A wider range of drugs is available, and young people are likely to try a number of different drugs. vi. There is more poly-drug use among young people. Mixing alcohol and prescription drugs is currently common. vii. Patterns in solvent use are constantly changing, but in summer 2001 it appeared to be most popular among 16-17 year old boys. viii. There has been a significant local increase in the availability (and use) of both heroin and crack cocaine. ix. Children and young people are now drinking larger amounts of alcohol at a younger age. Young women in particular are drinking more. x. More young women are using amphetamines, and they are frequently used as a dieting aid. xi. The use of dance drugs has increased.

Table 32 indicates that up to half of 13 and 14 year olds, and six out of ten 15 and 16 year olds in Northumbria have tried at least one illegal drug. This is considerably higher than comparable UK figures, which suggest that only 13.3% of 13-14 year olds and less than a third of 15 year olds have ever used drugs. There has also been a marked increase in drug use among local young people over the past few years. In 1994, only 10.8% of Newcastle upon Tyne 11-16 year olds had ever used drugs.

Table 32: Proportion of young people who have ever taken drugs (1999-2000)

Age Northumbria UK 13-14 year olds 34-51% 13.3% 15-16 year olds 60.5% 31.4%* [Sources: Stead et al, 2000, Aldridge et al, 1999, and UK Drug Report 2000] (* = Refers to 15 year olds only)

Although McArdle et al (2001) found that fewer Newcastle young people (just under 30% of 14-15 year olds) reported having used drugs than in the studies quoted above, this proportion was still greater than in the three other European towns being studied. Only 19-25% of 14-15 year olds in Groningen, Rome or Bremen had ever used drugs.

Drug use begins at an earlier age than in other areas of the UK. Local workers describe how young people in Newcastle are trying drugs at an earlier age than

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 47 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 previously. First experimentation with drugs for young people who have used drugs in Northumbria is usually at around 12 or 13 years, although around 6% of local young people have tried drugs at age 11 or younger (Stead et al, 2000).

Aldridge et al (1999) found that over a quarter of Northumbria 13-14 year olds and over a third of 15-16 year olds said they had taken drugs in the past week (see table 33). UK figures show that only 3.3% of 11-16 year olds report having taken drugs in the past week. This appears to show that a larger proportion of young people in Northumbria is involved in regular drug use.

Table 33: Young people’s drug use in the past week (1999)

% who have taken any drug in the past week Northumbria UK 26.1% (13-14 year olds) 3.3% (11-16 year olds) 35.4% (15-16 year olds) [Aldridge et al, 1999]

Table 34 shows drug use in the last year for 13-16 year olds. Again, it appears that a larger proportion of Northumbria young people report having taken drugs than young people in the UK overall. However, it must be again stressed that different data collection methods may be a factor contributing to this difference.

Table 34: Young people’s drug use in the past year (1999)

Age Northumbria UK 13-14 year olds 40.9% 8 – 17% 15-16 year olds 50.5% 30%* [Sources: Aldridge et al, 1999 and ONS, 1999] (* = Refers to 15 year olds only)

6.2.3 Access to drugs Table 35 shows that up to 85% of young people in Northumbria say they have been offered drugs. This exceeds UK figures, which indicate that less than half have been offered drugs. However, the two sets of data may not be directly comparable. The Northumbria figures relate to slightly older age groupings – 13-14 years and 15-16 years – than the UK figures (which are for 12-13 year olds and 14-15 year olds). This may account for some of the difference, as young people’s exposure to drugs appears to increase during these years.

Table 35: Proportion of young people who have been offered drugs (1996-1999)

Age Northumbria UK 12-14 year olds 47 – 70% 16% (13-14 year olds) (12-13 year olds) 14-16 year olds 84.7% 44% (15-16 year olds) (14-15 year olds) [Sources: Stead et al, 2000, Aldridge et al, 1999 and SHEU, 2000]

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Stead et al (2000) report that 60% of Northumbria young people who report having been offered drugs were offered them in the open air, 30% at a party, 23% at a friends house, 19% in an older person’s home, and 12% at school. Most were offered drugs by someone they knew. 42% were offered drugs by friends, and 43% by a person they knew but who was not a friend or a relative. 31% were offered drugs by someone they did not know.

In a discussion about which drugs are easiest to get hold of locally, young people taking part in research for this report said that both tabs (cigarettes) and tac (cannabis) are very easy to get hold of, even more so than alcohol. However, it was also stated that some dealers will not sell cannabis to children under a certain age (13 years was mentioned), because young children are not trustworthy and are thought to be likely to admit where they got their drugs from, if caught by the police.

One group of young men taking part in research for this report stated that most drugs in common use – they mentioned cannabis, Ecstasy, speed, cocaine and skunk - can be obtained anywhere in the City. For other drugs, such as heroin, most of the young people stated that they probably knew someone who knew someone who could get it for them, if they asked.

6.2.4 Drug use and gender Stead et al (2000) found that girls in Northumbria are more likely than boys to have taken drugs. This is the opposite of national findings, which showed that 3.8% of boys report weekly drug use, while only 2.9% of girls do. 36% of girls and 31% of boys aged 13-16 years in Northumbria reported ever having taken drugs, with the main difference being in the use of solvents (24% of girls said they had used solvents, compared to 16% of boys).

However, other local research has indicated that boys are more likely to be regular cannabis users, and are far more positive about the drug, while many young women have only tried it or smoked it occasionally. Boys were also likely to know about LSD and its effects than girls were, although few young people admitted to actually taking it (Freeman, 2000).

46% of boys in this age group reported ever having been offered drugs, compared to 48% of girls (Stead et al, 2000). This is again opposite to the rest of the UK, where slightly more boys than girls report having been offered drugs (36%, compared to 32%).

6.2.5 Cannabis Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug in the UK. 1.75% of 11 year olds have ever tried cannabis, compared to 18.4% of 16 year olds (Gluck, 2000). 28% of 16-19 year olds have used cannabis in the past year (BCS, 1998).

Between one-fifth and one-third of 13-14 year olds, and around half of 15-16 year olds in Northumbria have tried cannabis (Stead et al, 2000). Figures from the UK Drug Report 2000 show that across England, 12.2% of 13-14 year olds and 30-40% of 15-16 year olds report ever having used cannabis. This suggests that cannabis use among 13-16 year olds is more widespread locally than in the rest of England. Again, different research methods used in the two studies may account for the difference in results.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 49 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

Table 36 shows local young people’s experience of being offered and using cannabis, which is commonly called ‘tac’ in the City.

Table 36: Young people and cannabis (1999-2000)

Behaviour % Northumbria % England 13-14 15-16 13-14 15-16 year olds year olds year olds year olds Ever been offered cannabis 32 – 53 75.5 10.5* 36** Ever used cannabis 22 - 36 56.8 12.2 30 – 40 Used cannabis in the past year 19.3 31 11 – 28 (11-19 year olds) Used cannabis in the past week 30.4 45.8 - - [Sources: Stead et al, 2000 and Aldridge et al, 1999] (* = Refers to 12-13 year olds; ** = Refers to 14-15 year olds)

In 1994, 4.1% of 11-16 year olds in Newcastle had ever taken cannabis – showing that there has been an increase in cannabis use since then (Gilvarry et al, 1995). Local workers have also described how cannabis use has increased among young people in the City in recent years.

Young people taking part in research for this report estimated that between 80% and 90% of young people in Newcastle have tried cannabis, and that around half have a regular habit. One said ‘everyone I know uses tac every day’. Several participants also stated that some young children of around 8 or 9 years use cannabis in parts of the City.

Many young people and youth workers in Newcastle see cannabis use as ‘normalised’. Young people in the West End of the City have reported that it is the most widely available of all drugs in the area. In a study on drug use in South Tyneside, young people suggested that cannabis use was as normal as alcohol use. Gentile (2000) suggests that because cannabis use is so common, it is not perceived as problematic by young people and as a result, young people who use cannabis seldom feel that they have any need of specialist drug services. Many participants in research for this report saw cannabis as separate from other drugs: ‘I don’t class cannabis as a drug, whereas you get your Es and your smack and your coke and all that, well that’s a different story’. Also, cannabis use was described as something that fitted in with other areas of the young people’s lives, rather than taking over: ‘I don’t abuse it…I go to the gym, I do weightlifting’.

Young people taking part in research in the City were often quite positive about cannabis use and seemed to see it as relatively harmless. In particular, they felt it was more acceptable than alcohol, as it did not make people aggressive: ‘It relaxes you and all that doesn’t it?’ (young person taking part in research for this report); ‘Whilst people are smoking tac they are too stoned to be committing any crimes’ (words of a young person quoted in Fuller, 2000). Other positive comments from young people taking part in the research for this report included: ‘a joint a day keeps the doctor away’ and ‘I think I can organise things a lot more if I’ve had a smoke’. One participant said it helped him to get to sleep. However, other young people pointed out that it could have health effects or affect other parts of life:

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 50 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

‘When I was about twelve…this lad offered me a joint. I didn’t really know what it was. When he told me it was tac I was mad because I’d heard bad things about it. I didn’t like it, it gave me a headache. I’ve never touched it since’.

‘I missed a job interview once because I’d stayed up all night with this lot getting stoned’ (Freeman, 2000)

Young people interviewed for this report thought that it was mostly boys who were regular users of cannabis in Newcastle. Freeman (2000) also reports that there is a local gender difference in cannabis use:

‘On the whole it was the young men who openly admitted to being regular users and were far more positive about the drug whilst the young women had only tried it or smoked it occasionally’

Cannabis resin costs £25-30 for half an ounce locally, and £15-20 for a quarter. Some local young people who were regular users said that it had led to them having money troubles (one reported having spent £70 a week on cannabis), though others felt it was a relatively affordable habit.

There were 3,853 seizures of cannabis made by Northumbria Police in 1998, making up 73% of all drug seizures. In 2000-2001, 7.5% of Newcastle NECA clients cited cannabis as their main drug of use.

6.2.6 Amphetamines In the UK, 1.7% of 11-16 year olds have ever used amphetamines, rising from less than 1% of 11 year olds to 4.3% of 16 year olds (Gluck, 2000). 9% of 16-19 year olds have used amphetamines in the past year (BCS, 1998). The UK Drug Report 2000 states that 7.6% of 15 year olds and 21% of 16-24 year olds in England have used amphetamines.

Table 37 shows that up to a half of Northumbria young people have been offered amphetamines at some time, and up to a quarter have tried them.

Table 37: Young people and amphetamines (1999-2000)

Behaviour % Northumbria % England 13-14 15-16 13-14 15-16 year olds year olds year olds year olds Ever been offered amphetamines 13 – 30 48.4 - - Ever used amphetamines 6 – 14 24.2 1.85 3.5 Used amphetamines in the past year 8.5 17.1 1 (11-15 year olds) Used amphetamines in the past week 3.2 6.5 - - [Sources: Stead et al, 2000, Aldridge et al, 1999, Gluck, 2000, UK Drug Report 2000]

Youth workers consulted for this report suggested that there has been a recent rise in young women taking amphetamines in Newcastle, and that they use them as a dieting aid.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 51 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

Young people taking part in research for this report stated that amphetamines are not as easy to get hold of locally as some other drugs, but that they are available. Speed was described by one individual as a drug for weekend use only; another said ‘speed is just a dirty drug, not many people take speed’. It appeared to be a drug that participants associated with older drug users.

Northumbria Police made 776 seizures of amphetamines in 1998, making up 17.4% of all drug seizures in the area. This is considerably higher than the national average, which indicates that during the same period, only 12.2% of all drug seizures in England were for amphetamines.

6.2.7 Cocaine Cocaine is the most widely used of all the drugs described as ‘highly addictive’ by the British Crime Survey, and its use is increasing among young people. Just over 1% of UK 11-16 year olds have ever taken cocaine, rising from 1% of 11 year olds to 1.7% of 16 year olds (Gluck, 2000), and 3% of 16-19 year olds have used it (BCS, 1998).

Table 38: Young people and cocaine

Behaviour % Northumbria % England 13-14 15-16 13-14 15-16 year olds year olds year olds year olds Ever been offered cocaine 6 – 9 10.6 - - Ever used cocaine 2 – 2.6 1.9 1 1.6 Used cocaine in the past year 1.3 1.1 - - Used cocaine in the past week 0.2 0.4 - - [Sources: Stead et al, 2000, Aldridge et al, 1999, Gluck, 2000]

Table 38 shows that around 2% of Northumbria 13 to 16 year olds have tried cocaine, while in 1994, only 1% of Newcastle 11-16 year olds had tried it (Gilvarry et al, 1995).

Recent newspaper reports suggest that cocaine is cheap in the region compared with the rest of the country. It can be bought locally for around £30-60 per gram, compared to £65 per gram nationally (Newcastle Journal, April 2001). Local young people reported that it costs £20-25 per half gram. This is likely to make it more affordable and accessible for young people in the area.

Cocaine was described by local young people taking part in research for this report as ‘just a party drug’. They said it is not something that is taken by most people they know, because it is so expensive.

Some of the groups, particularly in the East End of the City, said that they did not think there was much crack cocaine around locally: ‘there’s more snorty cocaine than crack about’. However, youth workers consulted for this report have suggested that the availability and use of crack amongst young people has recently increased quite significantly in Newcastle. Vulnerable young people who were interviewed for this report, some of whom are drug users, suggested that crack is available in some circles (often involving those who deal in or use heroin), and is becoming more accessible. 73% of Newcastle NECA clients cite cocaine as their main drug (2000- 2001).

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 52 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

6.2.8 Ecstasy 1% of 11-15 year olds in the UK have ever used Ecstasy (ONS, 1998), and 4% of 16- 19 year olds have used Ecstasy in the past year (BCS, 1998). 10.7% of 16-24 year olds in England have taken Ecstasy (UK Drug Report 2000).

In 1994, 2.5% of Newcastle 11-16 year olds had ever taken Ecstasy (Gilvarry et al, 1995). By 1999-2000 this had risen to 2.6-3% of 13 to 14 year olds, and 9.6% of 15 to 16 year olds (see table 39).

Table 39: Young people and Ecstasy (1999-2000)

Behaviour % Northumbria % England 13-14 15-16 13-14 15-16 year olds year olds year olds year olds Ever been offered Ecstasy 10 – 14.6 34 - - Ever used Ecstasy 2.6 – 3 9.6 1.2 2.3 Used Ecstasy in the past year 1.7 7.2 - - Used Ecstasy in the past week 0.6 2.8 - - [Sources: Stead et al, 2000 and Aldridge et al, 1999] (* = Refers to 15 year olds only)

Ecstasy tablets are known locally as ‘cowies’. Local reports from youth workers and young people suggest that the use of dance drugs like Ecstasy is particularly high in Newcastle compared to other areas of the country, and increasing. Young people who have moved to the City from other areas say that Newcastle is known as a place where Ecstasy is one of the most easily available drugs and ‘you can get your hands on an E quite easily’.

2000 research in the West End of the City revealed that some local young people see Ecstasy as an acceptable recreational drug which is taken in social situations, and shared with friends to make nights out even better. Ecstasy was seen as something used more by older young people. Several young people said that they take Ecstasy when out clubbing, possibly on a weekly or monthly basis. Local young people taking part in research for this report said that people usually take several at once to get a better effect: ‘if you just have one you come down too quick’. This is known as ‘stacking’, and one user reported taking 6-8 tablets on a typical night out clubbing.

Local young people said that they suspect the quality of Ecstasy tablets is often poor and users ’don’t really know what they are taking’. One group of participants reported having seen people making home-made Ecstasy tablets with unknown ingredients in them. It was generally thought that these might contain other drugs including heroin, ketamine or amphetamines. One group knew of a young man who had had a bad experience and almost died after a bad cowie. They said that this had had the effect of making local young people very wary of taking Ecstasy.

An article in the Newcastle Journal in April 2001 reported that drug prices have fallen dramatically in the region, and are now considerably lower than national averages. In the early to mid-1990s Ecstasy cost £15-20 per tablet in Newcastle. It can be bought locally for between £2 and £4 per tablet, compared with the national average price of around £9. Local young people said that Ecstasy could be bought for as little as £1.50 a tablet, although it can cost as much as £5. Some young people said they

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 53 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 could get 3 for £10, others said 4-5 for £15. 10 tablets can be bought for between £22 and £35. The price is usually dependent on from whom tablets are bought, although cheaper tablets are often also the poorest quality. The low market price locally makes Ecstasy more affordable for young people, increasing the likelihood of them experimenting with it.

Northumbria Police made 71 seizures of Ecstasy during 1998, making up 1.5% of all drugs seizures. This is lower than the national average for the same period, which shows that 3% of all drugs seizures involved Ecstasy. 1% of NECA clients cite Ecstasy as their main drug (2000-2001) (7 out of 692)

6.2.9 Heroin Heroin use is growing amongst young people in the UK. 0.8% of 11-16 year olds have used heroin, rising from 0.7% of 11 year olds to a peak of 1.1% of 14 year olds, levelling off to 0.85% of 16 year olds (Gluck, 2000). 1% of 16-19 year olds have used heroin at some time in their lives (ONS, 1998).

In 1994, less than 0.5% of Newcastle 11-16 year olds had ever tried heroin (Gilvarry et al, 1994). This has increased four-fold since then, with around 2% of 13-16 year olds now reporting having tried heroin. Interestingly, it appears that more 13-14 year olds have tried heroin than 15-16 year olds. This may indicate a recent increase in the street availability of the drug. A number of youth workers in the City have described a recent dramatic increase in the availability and use of heroin among young people in Newcastle. This is particularly the case for young people in contact with city centre based youth and housing projects.

Table 40: Young people and heroin

Behaviour % Northumbria % England 13-14 15-16 13-14 15-16 year olds year olds year olds year olds Ever been offered heroin 5 – 10 12.7 - - Ever used heroin 2 – 2.4 1.9 0.8 0.8 Used heroin in the past year 1.5 1.1 - - Used heroin in the past week 0.6 0.0 - - [Sources: Stead et al, 2000 and Aldridge et al, 1999] (* = Refers to 15 year olds only)

Research in the City has shown that while many young people are unconcerned by the use of other drugs, they believe ‘hard’ drugs, and heroin in particular, are more of a danger. The reactions of young people taking part in the research for this report included ‘that’s for dirty people’, and ‘dirty, rotten’, when heroin was mentioned. Even those who admitted to taking other drugs were very much against the use of heroin. The main difference between heroin and other drugs, they felt, was that it is ‘very, very addictive’. Young people in Scotswood also felt that heroin was the worst of all drugs because of negative effects like its highly addictive nature: ‘All of the young people thought that it was a serious and dangerous drug, and anyone who used it was considered a ‘loser’. Some of the young people knew people who took it on the estate but it was not something that was easily available’ (Freeman, 2000)

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 54 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

A young person who had used other drugs and had considered trying heroin spoke about how it affects people: ‘Seeing people sitting there nodding (after taking heroin), trying to stretch and only being able to move a couple of metres a second, just…I don’t see the point in it. It’s dirty’.

There was a perception among local young people, even those who were involved in drugs, that heroin use was not common among their age group, but that it was a drug used by older people. The common perception was that most heroin users are in their mid to late 20s. There seems to be a link between using heroin and dealing in it, as illustrated by this comment:

‘(The reason why) you’re getting so many people selling heroin is because they’ve got to have it right and they don’t want to go and graft for their habit so they buy heroin and they sell it…Everybody that sells heroin is using it.’

When asked why they would not use heroin, young people taking part in research for this report came up with these responses: ‘AIDS from mixing needles, rotten, lost friends, addictive, more crime through smack, leave needles where there’s children, dirty, kids running about, dirty NEEDLES lying ABOUT’.

Eggington and Parker (2000) describe a heroin ‘outbreak’ occurring between 1994 and 1997 in several areas of England, including the North East. They found that this largely involved young white males with an average age of 18 years, who were early experimenters with drugs, as well as early smokers and drinkers. They had started smoking heroin at around age 15, quickly moving towards weekly then daily use. Experimental injecting was common; nearly half injected heroin. Isolation from family and ‘straight’ friends had occurred for many users, and many also suffered ill health. The cost of their drug use (on average £160 a week) had often led to them shoplifting or committing other crimes.

Recent reports suggest that heroin has come down in price locally. It now costs around £50 per gram, compared with around £70 per gram five years ago. Young people taking part in research for this report suggested that it is more expensive and less accessible in Newcastle than in other areas of the country, however. Although it is still an expensive drug, this price drop may make it more accessible to young people. One local drugs worker described how the average cost of £10 a bag (or £15 for two bags) is easily affordable for young people. While it is not the most easily available drug locally, most of the young people taking part in the research for this report thought that they knew someone who could get heroin for them, if they asked.

There were 241 seizures of heroin during 1998 made by Northumbria Police, making up 5.4% of all drug seizures. National figures for the same period show that 10.2% of all drug seizures across England involved heroin. 25% of clients approaching NECA during 2000/2001 described heroin as their main drug.

6.2.10 LSD Across the UK, 1% of 11-15 year olds have tried LSD (ONS 1999). This ranges from 0.5% of 11 year olds, to 3.25% of 16 year olds (Gluck, 2000). 2% of 16-19 year olds have used LSD in the last year (BCS, 1998). Table 41 shows that between 6% and 19% of young people aged 13 to 16 years in Northumbria report having used LSD.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 55 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

Table 41: Young people and LSD

Behaviour % Northumbria % England 13-14 15-16 13-14 15-16 year olds year olds year olds year olds Ever been offered LSD 15 – 28.6 47.7 - - Ever used LSD 6 – 13.9 19.3 0.85 2.3 Used LSD in the past year 9.5 11.7 - - Used LSD in the past week 3.5 2.5 - - [Sources: Stead et al, 2000 and Aldridge et al, 1999]

Freeman (2000) found that few young people in the West End of Newcastle admitted to ever having tried LSD, although many were aware of the potential effects of taking it, particularly young men. There was some consternation about the use of LSD, even among young people who freely admitted to taking other illicit drugs. One individual described the fear that it might make you ‘do crazy things, like jumping off the Tyne Bridge’.

There were 27 seizures of LSD made by Northumbria Police during 1998, making up less than 1% of all drug seizures in the area.

6.2.11 Magic mushrooms In the UK, 1% of 11-15 year olds and 4% of 16-19 year olds have used magic mushrooms in the last year (BCS, 1998, ONS, 1999). In Northumbria, up to around one tenth of young people aged 13 to 16 years report having tried magic mushrooms.

Table 42: Young people and magic mushrooms

Behaviour % Northumbria % England 13-14 15-16 13-14 15-16 year olds year olds year olds year olds Ever been offered magic mushrooms 16 – 23.2 37.4 - - Ever used magic mushrooms 7.6 – 9 11.7 2 (11-15 year olds) Used magic mushrooms in the past 4.1 6.8 1 year (11-15 year olds) Used magic mushrooms in the past 1.7 1.1 - - week [Sources: Stead et al, 2000 and Aldridge et al, 1999, ONS, 1998]

The young people taking part in the research carried out for this report said that mushrooms are available only at a certain time of the year – around September. However, most had heard of them being available locally at this time.

6.2.12 Solvents UK studies show that 2% of 11-15 year olds have tried glue, and 2% have tried gas (ONS, 1999). In Northumbria, it appears that between 20% and 30% of young people aged 13 to 16 years have tried solvents.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 56 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

In 1994, 10.4% of 11-16 year olds in Newcastle had ever used solvents. This indicates that solvent use has risen over the past few years (Gilvarry et al, 1995). Local youth workers who were consulted for this report have described how patterns in solvent use are constantly changing in the City. However, in summer 2001 it was reported that it was common among 16-17 year old boys.

Table 43: Young people and solvents

Behaviour % Northumbria % England 13-14 15-16 13-14 15-16 year olds year olds year olds year olds Ever been offered solvents 26 – 54 62.3 - - Ever used solvents 20 – 31 28.4 2.35 2 Used solvents in the past year 20.1 12.3 - - Used solvents in the past week 9.4 4.2 - - [Sources: Stead et al, 2000 and Aldridge et al, 1999]

6.2.13 Prescription drugs Table 44 shows that around 1% of 11-15 year olds across the UK have used tranquillisers, compared to between 5% and 17% of 13 to 16 year olds in Northumbria. In research by Gentile (2000) in South Tyneside, all of the young people involved in focus groups reported having misused prescription drugs at some time. These are seen as being easily available on the street, and are thought to be an acceptable alternative if other, preferred drugs are not available.

Table 44: Young people and tranquillisers

Behaviour % Northumbria % England 13-14 15-16 13-14 15-16 year olds year olds year olds year olds Ever been offered tranquillisers 8 – 28 46.5 - - Ever used tranquillisers 5 – 11.1 17.3 1 (11-15 year olds) Used tranquillisers in the past year 7.2 9.4 - - Used tranquillisers in the past week 2.2 2.6 - - [Sources: Stead et al, 2000 and Aldridge et al, 1999]

Young people taking part in research sessions for this report described the prescription drugs that are available locally. Local names included blues (Valium), yellows, tablets, wobbly eggs and mong tablets. Brand names were also mentioned: Temazepam, Diazepam and Valium being the most common, although also mentioned were Zopiclone (a sleeping tablet), Rohypnol (commonly known as a ‘date-rape’ drug), Amatriptyline, and Dihydrocodeine. Non-prescription drugs such as Benylin were mentioned by one group of young people. Knowledge of the different types of prescription drugs available and their effects varied greatly, and appeared to be greater among those who were or had been regular drug-takers.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 57 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

Young people in these groups reported that it is usually boys who take prescription drugs such as blues. It is normal to take several tablets at once (they cost around 50 pence each), often mixing them with alcohol and cannabis. They described the tranquillising effects in young people of taking tablets: ‘monged’. ‘You can punch them in the face and they never feel it till afterwards’, and ‘they bump into things’. However, others said that you can also be very aggressive and volatile after taking tablets. One individual described someone on tablets as a ’walking charge sheet’.

Northumbria Police made 112 seizures of benzodiazepines and 51 seizures of Temazepam during 1998. These made up 3.6% of all drugs seizures. Nationally, seizures of these drugs made up only 1.3% of all drug seizures during the same period.

6.2.14 Other drugs In the research sessions carried out for this report, young people were asked about the different types of drugs available in Newcastle. Apart from those that have been mentioned already in this section, the list included: Liquid E; Skunk (mad monk); Methadone; Moggies (Mogadon); Petrol; Poppers; Squidgy black; Steroids; Ketamine; and GHB (GBH). A number of different names for various types of drugs were also mentioned. One of the groups we spoke to also mentioned alcohol, tobacco and caffeine as drugs. Some others, when asked about these, thought that alcohol and tobacco may be considered as drugs, though by no means all of the young people agreed.

6.3 Reasons for drug use Young people taking part in research for this report talked about possible reasons why young people take drugs.

They felt that peer pressure was a major reason. Boredom and having ‘nothing else around to do’ was also commonly cited by both young people and youth workers as a reason why young people use drugs. Problems at home may also be a trigger. One participant had ended up hanging out on the streets a lot at a young age to escape a violent parent, and was introduced to a group of older children who were experimenting with drugs. In this way, he became involved with drugs himself. Several individuals talked about ‘hanging around with older kids’ as a factor contributing to early drug use. They said that older kids get the young ones to carry drugs for them, as there is less chance of younger ones getting in trouble with the police or getting convicted for possession if caught.

This particular group, who had all had problems with substance misuse, said they could not pinpoint one particular reason why drug use continues or becomes a problem for some young people. They felt it was a complex issue and many factors may have an influence. With regard to the boredom element, there was some discussion about the idea of having another interest that would distract them from taking drugs. The group agreed that this might prevent young people taking drugs, but that equally it may make no difference at all. Local youth workers pointed to two reasons why experimentation with drugs may lead to regular use. First of all, 'pleasure seeking' is an important reason; young people enjoy the ‘buzz’ or high they get from taking drugs. Also, after repeated use of drugs, youth workers described negative psychological effects such as loss of self-esteem. At this point, drugs become something the young person takes to feel better.

Youth workers have suggested that young people do not believe the anti-drugs messages that are delivered through school. Young people taking part in research for

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 58 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 this report said they had received little or no helpful information from school. One participant said that you are given an overall ‘drugs are bad’ message, which they said was ‘too simple’. Another said that they found teachers unsympathetic: ‘some of the teachers just look down on you, just think that you’re another person that lives on a council estate and is gonna get nowhere’.

The majority of young people who have been involved in local research report that they use friends as their main source of information on drugs, even though they are often aware that the information their friends give them may not be completely accurate. Many people, including young people, parents, other adults, and professionals working with young people, report feeling under-informed about drugs.

Further to this, young people involved in a study about crime in the City suggest that crime and other social problems would be worse if the supply of drugs was reduced or cut off entirely: ‘If you took all the drugs away then the social problems would be greater’. One young person argued that there is now a high local demand for drugs, and that it is too late to try to change this (Fuller 2000).

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 59 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

7 Young people’s alcohol use

7.1 Safe alcohol limits Current Government guidelines suggest that adult men should aim to drink no more than 3-4 units of alcohol per day (21-28 per week) and women no more than 2-3 units per day (14-21 per week). This consumption level is thought to be unlikely to damage health. [One unit is equal to 8grams/10ml/1cl of alcohol. One unit of alcohol is equivalent to half a pint of normal strength beer, lager or cider, a small glass of wine, or a single pub measure of spirits]. Consumption in excess of 50 units per week for men and 35 units for women is considered harmful to health. Long term excessive intake may lead to raised blood pressure, strokes, some forms of cancer, and cirrhosis of the liver.

Alcohol also contributes to accidental harm and death. Around half of pedestrians aged 16-60 years who are killed in road accidents have blood alcohol levels above the legal driving limit, and 8 out of 10 patients treated in A&E departments have alcohol-related injuries or problems.

Alcohol has a greater effect on people whose body size and capacity is small, so its effects are likely to be greater in young people who have not yet reached their adult size. In addition, the earlier young people start drinking, the more likely it is that they will suffer long term health effects. Although young people do not usually drink as frequently as adults, they are more likely to indulge in binge drinking – drinking a large amount in one session. This may increase their likelihood of suffering from alcohol-related harm.

7.2 Young people and alcohol: the law It is against the law for anyone aged under 18 to buy alcohol in a pub, off-licence, supermarket or other outlet. It is also illegal for anyone else to buy alcohol if it is for someone who is under 18. In addition to this: i. It is illegal to give an alcohol drink to a child under five years of age unless in certain circumstances, for instance under medical supervision. ii. Young people under 14 years of age cannot go into the bar of a pub unless the pub has a children’s certificate. If it has no certificate, they can go into an area where alcohol is drunk but not sold (e.g. an off-sales area) or where it is drunk but not sold (e.g. a beer garden). 14 and 15 year olds can go anywhere in a pub but cannot drink alcohol. iii. 16 and 17 year olds can buy or be bought beer or cider as an accompaniment to a meal, but not in a bar (only in an area set specifically aside for meals).

7.3 Alcohol consumption in the UK 26% of adult men and 15% of women exceed the safe limits for alcohol consumption, and the heaviest drinkers are young people (General Household Survey, 1998). A 2001 survey showed that 38% of men and 21% of women aged 16 to 24 years had drunk more than 8 units on at least one day in the previous week – twice the recommended daily limit (ONS, 2001). 8% of 17 year olds drink alcohol more than 3 times a week.

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Among 11-15 year olds, a 2000 Department of Health survey found that 24% of 11- 15 year olds had drunk alcohol in the previous week. Over half of 15 year old boys had drunk alcohol in the past week, with average weekly intake of 14.5 units, while 46% of 15 year old girls had done so, drinking an average of 11.2 units. Table 45 shows the findings in more detail.

Table 45: Alcohol use among young people in England, 2000

Age % who drank alcohol in the past week Boys Girls 11 years 5 5 12 years 11 9 13 years 18 19 14 years 34 31 15 years 52 46 [Source: DoH]

Some young people drink regularly over long periods of time. 16.6% of young people aged 11-16 years had drunk alcohol on a weekly basis over the last 3 months (18.6% of boys and 14.8% of girls). 5.3% of 11 year olds were regular drinkers compared to 40.8% of 16 year olds, in a study by Goddard and Higgins (1999).

Among 11-15 year olds that drink alcohol, the average amount consumed rose from 5.3 units per week in 1990, to 9.9 units per week in 1998 (Ofsted, 2000). By 2000, the average weekly consumption among pupils who had drunk alcohol in the last week was 10.4 units (DoH, 2000).

A European study of young people’s drinking found that 91% of 15 and 16 year olds in the UK had drunk alcohol in the previous 12 months. 69% had been drunk during this period, compared to an average of 52% of young people in 29 other European countries (ESPAD, 1999). In addition, Gluck (2000) found that 18.8% of 11 year olds and 70.4% of 16 year olds had been drunk at least once in their lives (the mean proportion for 11-16 year olds was 40.6%).

7.4 Alcohol and sex Statistics show a correlation between alcohol consumption and risky sexual behaviour among young people. 40% of 13 and 14 year olds in the UK were drunk or stoned when they had sex for the first time. One in seven 16-24 year olds have had unprotected sex, while 25% have had sex they later regretted, and 10% have not been able to remember if they had sex the night before. 40% of young people believe they are more likely to have casual sex after drinking. (Health Education Authority, 1998)

7.5 Crime 40% of violent crimes, 78% of assaults and 88% of criminal damage are committed while the offender is under the influence of alcohol (Home Office, 2000). Young people who drink regularly are more likely to be young offenders than non-drinkers (Youth Lifestyles Survey, 2000).

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7.6 Young people’s alcohol use in Newcastle upon Tyne A 1994 survey of Newcastle young people aged 11-16 years found that three- quarters had tried alcohol, and 19.6% were regular users (Gilvarry et al, 1995). Since then, alcohol use among young people has grown. Table 46 shows the results of a more recent study, carried out between 1996 and 1998 in Northumbria and Yorkshire. 2,500 young people aged 13-17 years took part in the study. In 1998, almost all Northumbrian respondents had tried alcohol, while over half of 13-14 year olds and two thirds of 15-16 year olds were weekly drinkers. This exceeds the national figures for 2000 (see above), which showed that 18% of 13 year olds, 33% of 14 year olds, and 49% of 15 year olds had drunk alcohol in the past week.

Table 46: Young people’s alcohol use (1998 and 2000)

Behaviour Northumbria UK 13 to 14 15 to 16 13 to 14 15 to 16 year olds year olds year olds year olds % who have ever had an 92.7% 97.9% - - alcoholic drink % who drink alcohol every week 59.6% 67.6% 15 - 21% 34 - 41% [Sources: Aldridge et al, 1999, Gluck, 2000]

Research done within the City has shown that the level of alcohol use among young people is a major concern. Voluntary workers and professionals in Newcastle have described alcohol as the ‘number one issue’ for the City’s young people. Youth workers who were consulted for this report suggest that there are several recent trends in the City regarding alcohol use. Children and young people are drinking alcohol at an earlier age than before, and there is a tendency to mix alcohol with other drugs, in particular prescription drugs. Young women especially are drinking a great deal of alcohol.

In Scotswood, for instance, ‘the vast majority of the young people had tried alcohol at some point’, and many young people aged 15-19 years consider themselves to be regular drinkers (Freeman, 2000). Alcohol abuse and addiction among people of all ages has been described as prevalent in the West End (Sure Start Newcastle West Delivery Plan). In Fawdon, in the north of the City, residents described widespread alcohol abuse among young people.

The University of Strathclyde carried out a study of young people’s drinking behaviour in Tyne and Wear between 2000 and 2001. Nine groups of 16-20 year olds discussed their drinking behaviour. Some of the key findings are discussed below, along with evidence from other local studies.

7.6.1 Reasons for drinking Drinking alcohol is seen as the most common social and leisure activity. In some cases, young people could think of no alternative leisure activities. Residents and workers in the City agreed that there was little else for young people to do. Detached Youth Workers in Fawdon report that ‘the majority of young people drink because they are bored’. A community consultation in the North West of the City also noted that the majority of young people drink because of boredom (North PCG, 1999).

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The most common reason for drinking is to get drunk. Other reasons for drinking include trying to escape stress, and trying to boost one’s confidence. A fourteen year old girl in Scotswood confirmed this: ‘You get more confidence when you’ve had a drink’ (Freeman, 2000).

7.6.2 Alcohol and health Young people in the City have minimal knowledge of safe levels of drinking. The vast majority make no attempt to monitor or control their drinking. Money is the main factor limiting alcohol intake, with young people usually drinking until their money has gone.

Freeman (2000) found that young people had little knowledge about the effects of alcohol on health, both in the short term and the long term. Some of the participants mentioned the effects of alcohol on the liver or the dangers of drinking when pregnant, but on the whole there was ignorance about the damage caused to health by excessive drinking. The Strathclyde research identifies the main health risks that young people associate with drinking were hangovers, being sick, losing your friends, having drinks spiked and street violence. Females appeared to be more aware of these risks, particularly the latter two.

Two young people from Scotswood described their experiences with alcohol:

‘I’ve had a couple of whiteys (vomiting) when I’ve mixed my drinks…I’ll say I’m never drinking again after that, but by the next Friday night I’m pissed with me mates again’ (female, 15)

‘I know when I’ve had too much to drink, I always get into arguments with me mates over really stupid things’ (male, 16) (Freeman, 2000)

However, many young people seldom considered any risks when drinking, and they felt that the positive aspects of drinking - such as having a laugh with your mates and losing inhibitions - far outweighed the negative points. Long term risks were dismissed as irrelevant. Both the Strathclyde researchers and Freeman (2000) found that young people in the area had little knowledge about the unit system for measuring alcohol intake and the recommended maximum levels.

Young people taking part in research for this report stated that they felt that alcohol is more likely to make you aggressive than some of the other drugs around. Most, however, did not view alcohol as a ‘drug’.

7.6.3 Alcohol and gender Issues around young women’s alcohol use are seen as a high priority. A gender difference in drinking has been reported in the west of the City: ‘Although the lads said they drank alcohol, it was a secondary pursuit after smoking cannabis. One group of girls, on the other hand, felt that drinking was integral to their social life, was undertook every weekend and consisted of either getting drunk on the streets, round people’s houses, or if they had the money going to the pubs in town’. (Freeman, 2000)

In Newbiggin Hall, a report for the Health Partnership Board (2000) highlighted the problem of young women’s drinking, and the relationship between alcohol consumption and young women's sexual health.

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7.6.4 Access to alcohol Local young people who are underage appear to have few problems obtaining alcohol. This is especially true for young girls. Young people taking part in research for this report said it is easy to get hold of alcohol, as underage young people just have to ask someone else to go in the shop to buy it for them. They stated that it is easy to find someone to buy alcohol for you, and once you are around fifteen years old or so, you can buy it yourself from some places.

A community safety report published in 2000 in Newbiggin Hall suggested that this is a result of poor support for those working in local shops, and the lack of enforcement procedures for the owners of the shops. It was also suggested that media images, which portray drinking alcohol in a positive way, can contribute to young people’s alcohol intake.

7.6.5 Young people seeking help for problematic alcohol use Freeman (2000) found that awareness of alcohol services directed at young people was almost non-existent. Some of the young people said they would not feel confident about going to a local doctor if they had an alcohol problem.

The North East Council on Addictions (NECA) provides information and support to people experiencing difficulties related to alcohol and drug use. Around 4% of NECA service users are aged under 19 years. Over half (55%) of Newcastle NECA clients in 2000/2001 cited alcohol as their main drug. Of just under 900 individuals treated by Newcastle and North Tyneside Health Authority with problematic alcohol use, 23 (2.6%) were aged 20 years or under (Regional Drug Misuse Database, 2000).

Young people’s alcohol problems may not always involve their own drinking. A number of local young people mentioned that family members had alcohol problems, which affected them on a daily basis (Freeman, 2000).

For more detailed information about young people’s alcohol use in Tyne and Wear, including recommendations for developing preventative services, please refer to the Health Action Zone documents ‘Young people and alcohol’ (2001) and ‘HAZ Under 16s Alcohol Project Report’ (2001). These were produced during the year-long HAZ Alcohol Strategy which ended in August 2001. Full references are included in the bibliography section.

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8 Poly-drug use

Poly-drug use refers to the practice of using more than one drug at the same time, or mixing different types of substance such as drugs and alcohol. The UK Drug Report (2000) reports that ‘poly-drug use has been a growing trend for quite a while among users’.

As well as taking different substances at the same time, problem substance misusers tend to use a wide variety of substances overall. For instance, regular heroin users often take a variety of drugs including cannabis, tranquillisers, methadone and crack cocaine. Research carried out in 2000 found that three quarters of young people who were regular heroin users had tried crack cocaine, and a quarter had used it in the last week. (Eggington and Parker, 2000).

A UK-wide survey of 40,000 young people by the Schools Health Education Unit (2000) found the following: i. 2% of boys and 1% of females aged 12-13 years had taken drugs in combination. 3% of this age group had taken drugs and alcohol at the same time. ii. 6% of boys and 4% of females aged 14-15 years had taken drugs in combination. 15% of girls and 16% of boys in this age group had taken drugs and alcohol at the same time.

8.1 Poly-drug use in the North East Local youth workers consulted for this report have described poly-drug use as an increasing trend. More illicit drugs are available, and so young people are likely to try them in combination. Mixing prescription drugs with alcohol is also common.

A report commissioned by Barnardo’s into young people’s substance misuse in South Tyneside in 2000 explored poly-drug use in the region. Substance misuse professionals in South Tyneside reported that clients have used heroin to soften the come down effects after using other stimulants on a social basis, perhaps at the weekend (Gentile, 2000).

A focus group of young people in South Tyneside raised the issue of alcoholic drinks being spiked with Ecstasy. It was felt that this was a common and increasing problem in the area. It was suggested that posters and other information in pubs and clubs could be used to heighten awareness of this problem (Gentile, 2000).

NE Choices was a three-year drug prevention initiative, which ran from 1996-1999 and involved 13 to 16 year olds in the North East. As part of the work, young people who had admitted to trying drugs or solvents were asked about their experience of mixing drugs. The results are shown in tables 47 and 48.

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Table 47: Young people’s experience of mixing drugs

In last 6 months, have you taken more than one drug at % the same time? Yes 12 Once 6 Twice 2 Three times 1 Four times 1 Five times 1 Six times <1 Seven times or more 1 No 80 Not sure/not stated 9 Mean number of times 2.2 [Source: Stead et al, 2000]

Table 48: Young people’s experience of mixing drugs and alcohol

In last 6 months, have you have drunk alcohol with % drugs or solvents? Yes 30 Once 16 Twice 4 Three times 4 Four times 2 Five times <1 Six times 1 Seven times or more 2 No 61 Not sure/not stated 9 Mean number of times 2.3 [Source: Stead et al, 2000]

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8.2 Poly-drug use in Newcastle upon Tyne The North East Council on Addictions (NECA) provides information and support to people experiencing difficulties related to alcohol and drug use. Around 4% of NECA service users are aged under 19 years. Of 692 clients receiving services from the Newcastle branch of NECA between April 2000 and February 2001, 464 reported using a secondary drug as well as their main drug of use. Some of the most common secondary drugs are listed in table.

Table 49: Secondary drugs used by problem drug users in Newcastle upon Tyne (2000-2001)

Type of drug Number of Type of drug Number of clients using clients using as a as a secondary secondary drug drug Alcohol 48 Dihydrocodeine 20 Amitrityline 6 Ecstasy 24 Amphetamine 17 Heroin 9 Anti-depressant 10 LSD 6 Cannabis 75 Methadone 7 Cocaine 15 Prozac 15 Diazepam 61 Temazepam 10

Young people taking part in research for this report said that it is rare that a person who takes drugs will stick to only one type of drug. Instead, they said it is usual to mix different drugs, perhaps according to what is available at the time. For instance, when taking Ecstasy and other recreational drugs, they would usually be in a social situation such as a pub or club, and would usually be drinking alcohol as well.

Young people in one of the groups reported that one way of taking ‘blues’ (Valium), is to take several tablets at once, along with alcohol and cannabis at the same time. It was reported that this is something that young men do, rather than young women.

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9 Tobacco and cigarettes

9.1 Young people’s smoking in the UK According to a recent survey by the Department of Health, 10% of 11-15 year olds in England smoke at least one cigarette per week (DoH, 2000). Table 50 shows the findings in more detail. An equal number of boys and girls are smokers at age 11 and 12 years, but after this girls are more likely to smoke than boys are. By age 15, over 26% of girls are smokers, compared to 21% of boys.

Table 50: Smoking among young people in England, 2000

Age % who smoke at least one cigarette per week Boys Girls 11 years 1 1 12 years 2 2 13 years 6 10 14 years 11 19 15 years 21 26 [Source: Department of Health]

Regarding more frequent smoking, 8% of boys and 10% of girls aged 11-15 years have smoked on a daily basis for at least 3 months (Goddard and Higgins, 1999). Findings by Gluck (2000) suggests levels of regular smoking among this age group are even higher at 12.7%, with 4.8% of 11 year olds and 24.7% of 16 year olds smoking daily. Few pupils smoke when they start secondary school but by the age of 15, up to 24% are regular smokers and only 30% have never tried smoking (Ofsted, 2000).

9.2 Smoking in the North East

9.2.1 Adults and smoking Table 51 shows levels of cigarette smoking among people aged over 16 years in the North East, compared to the UK as a whole.

Table 51: Smoking behaviour in those aged over 16 years (1998-1999)

Smoking behaviour North East UK Males Females Males Females Never smoked % 46 50 41 53 Ex-regular smoker % 28 20 31 21 Smokers % 26 30 28 26 Proportion of smokers smoking 51 35 37 28 20+ cigarettes daily % Average weekly consumption 132 101 110 93 [Source: General Household Survey]

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While a slightly smaller proportion of men in the North East smoke, more women do so than in the rest of the country. The number of heavy smokers – smoking more than 20 cigarettes a day - is considerably higher in the North East for both men and women, as is the average weekly consumption. A Newcastle survey into mental wellbeing in 2000/2001 showed that smoking is a common way for residents to deal with stress (Mental Wellbeing Project, 2000/2001).

9.2.2 Young people and smoking The results of a longitudinal study of 2,500 young people from 1996-1998 in Northumbria are shown in table 52. The proportion of smokers, at 29.3% for 13-14 year olds, and 40% for 15-16 year olds, is much higher than figures for the UK reported above, which suggest that less than 25% of 16 year olds are smokers.

Table 52: Smoking behaviour among 13-16 year olds in Northumbria (1996- 1998)

Smoking behaviour 13 to 14 year 15 to 16 year olds olds

Current smokers % 29.3 40.0 Mean number smoked in past week 35 47 Girls 35 45 Boys 36 52 [Source: Aldridge et al, 1999]

9.3 Young people’s smoking in Newcastle upon Tyne The most recent large scale survey on young people’s smoking in Newcastle upon Tyne was carried out in 1994 and involved 3,623 young people aged 11-16 years. 21.7% had smoked at least one cigarette, and 10% were regular users (Gilvarry et al, 1995).

Young people taking part in research for this report estimated that 75-85% of young people in Newcastle are smokers. They thought that both males and females were equally likely to be smokers. One group identified the age at which young people change schools, at around 11 or 12 years, as a starting point for smoking for a lot of individuals.

A 2000 study of young people in Scotswood ward, in the West End of the City, explored smoking behaviour and beliefs. Some of the comments made by young people include: ‘It’s normal to smoke in Scotchy (Scotswood) – even the bairns smoke’ (female, 14) ‘I started smoking when I was about 8. I was curious and used to nick them out of me mam’s box and take them to school I don’t remember ever being against smoking’. (male, 17) ‘When I was twelve I found some tabs in a taxi and gave them to my uncle…he asked me if I wanted to try one and I did. I’ve been smoking ever since’ (male, 16) [Source: Freeman, 2000]

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A study carried out in the same area in 1998 found that 'it is not unusual to have children as young as 8 arguing over cigarettes, who gets a 'draw' off who, who's got money for a 'single'. They sit in the corner blowing smoke rings and drawing right down to the very end of the cigarette, like old men on a street corner' (Healthy Tendencies, 1998).

In research carried out by SCRI (2001), an 11 year old boy, living in the West End of Newcastle, described smoking behaviour among his friends. When one of them has enough money, they will buy a packet of cigarettes and then sell singles to others for 25p each. Young people taking part in research for this report described how easy it is to get hold of cigarettes locally. Few of the young people interviewed said they would buy them in a shop, but said they would buy duty-free ones sold in houses or on the street. These cost about half the price of cigarettes sold in shops, at about £2.50-£2.70 for 20. No age restrictions appear to be placed on sales of this kind.

Freeman (2000) describes how young people in the City, even though they know about the health risks of smoking, ‘reach an age when curiosity and peer influences are all too important. For many, their first cigarette was smoked in the company of friends and continues to be a sociable event, which they can share with their peers'.

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10 Young people in drug treatment

This section contains information about drug users and substance misusers seeking treatment in Newcastle and North Tyneside, compared with equivalent data for England as a whole.

The UK Drug Report 2000 states that there may be as many as 266,000 problem drug users in Great Britain as a whole. A total of 39,658 people in Great Britain started substance misuse treatment in the six months between April and September 2001 (RDMD, 2000).

A total of 515 clients received drug treatment from Newcastle and North Tyneside Health Authority during the period from April 2000 to April 2001. The North East Council on Addictions (NECA) in Newcastle provides information and support to people experiencing difficulties related to alcohol and drug use. Between April 2000 and February 2001 Newcastle NECA dealt with a total of 826 clients.

10.1 Age of drug users Of all drug users in Great Britain who started treatment between April and September 2000, 5,352 were aged 19 years or under. Of these, 369 were aged under 15 years.

Between April 2000 and February 2001, 33 people who approached NECA for support or information about substance misuse were aged under 19 years. This represents just under 4% of the total number seeking help. Only one person was under 16 years of age. The average age for NECA clients was 35 years.

Table 53 shows drug users starting treatment episodes by age between April and September 2000. Information about users under the age of 20 years is highlighted in bold. 65 users in Newcastle and North Tyneside were aged under 20 years, representing 14% of the total number of users starting treatment. This is the same proportion as that for England as a whole.

Table 53: Drug users starting treatment by age, April–September 2000

Age of users starting Newcastle and North England agency episodes Tyneside

Numbers % Numbers % All ages 460 100 33,093 100 Under 20 years 65 14 4,514 14 20-24 years 131 28 8,283 25 25-29 years 119 26 8,115 25 30+ years 145 32 12,181 37 [Source: RDMD, 2000]

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More detailed information about the age spread of clients receiving drug treatment from Newcastle and North Tyneside Health Authority over the past year is shown in table 54. It can be seen that 23 users were aged 17 years and under.

Table 54: Age of users receiving drug treatment from Newcastle and North Tyneside Health Authority (April 2000-April 2001)

Age Number % of total 16 years and under 14 2.7 16-17 years 9 1.7 18-25 years 182 35.3 Over 25 years 310 60.2 Total 515 100 [Source: Newcastle and North Tyneside Health Authority]

Table 55 shows users by age compared to the total population, with users under 20 years of age highlighted in bold. This shows that when compared to the population as a whole, Newcastle and North Tyneside has a larger number of problem drug users starting treatment than the rest of the country (99 per 100,000 compared to 67 per 100,000). It can also be seen that in Newcastle and North Tyneside a higher proportion of young people are drug users. 57 individuals per 100,000 population under 20 years of age are problem drug users starting treatment in Newcastle and North Tyneside, compared to only 36 per 100,000 in England as a whole. However, this may reflect the fact that there are more local treatment places available than in some other areas of the country.

Table 55: Age of users starting treatment per 100,000 population, April- September 2000

Age of users starting Newcastle and North England agency episodes per Tyneside 100,000 population Rate per 100,000 Rate per 100,000 All ages 99 67 Under 20 years 57 36 20-24 years 334 283 25-29 years 437 226 30+ years 51 40 [Source: RDMD, 2000]

Table 56 shows the number of young problematic substance misusers that various local agencies report having current contact with. These figures are estimates. Other agencies working locally reported working with young people they suspected of misusing drugs, but were unable to give any figures about this. It must be noted that the same young people may be counted more than once in this table, if they access more than one service, so the data should not be collated to give an overall figure.

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Table 56: Young people misusing substances in Newcastle (2001)

Agency Approximate number of young people misusing substances Leaving Care Team 15 Inter-agency groups for vulnerable young people 100 Mental Health Service 40 Shared care scheme, offering support to self- 3 referring substance users. Activity and life skills project for disaffected young 100 people Local Family Centre 5 Family Support Team 21 Young people’s information services 19

10.2 Gender of users Table 57 shows that in England as a whole, there are almost three times as many males as there are females starting treatment (74% of all users are male). For young people, this trend is less pronounced. 3,574 young men aged 19 years or under started drug treatment in the six months between April and September 2000, compared with 1,778 young women. This indicates a ratio of two young men for every young woman.

For users of all ages in Newcastle and North Tyneside, 78% of users are male and only 22% are female. The NECA data recording system shows 71% of its clients were male, and 29% female, during the ten-month period from April 2000 to February 2001. The Regional Drug Misuse Database shows that, of 89 young people aged 20 years or under presenting with problematic drug use in Newcastle and North Tyneside in 2000, 68 were male and 21 were female.

Table 57: Drug users starting treatment by gender, April–September 2000

Gender of users starting Newcastle and North England agency episodes Tyneside

Numbers % Numbers % All persons 460 100 33,093 100 Male 359 78 24,332 74 Female 101 22 8,761 26 [Source: RDMD, 2000]

10.3 Ethnicity of drug users NECA records information about the ethnic group of its clients. In the ten-month period from April 2000-February 2001, out of 534 individuals for whom this information is available, 521 were white. Of the others, one was classified as Black

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African, two as Black Other, one as Indian, three as Pakistani, 1 as Chinese, and five from other ethnic backgrounds.

10.4 Main drug of use For 58.4% of clients of all ages treated by Newcastle and North Tyneside Health Authority in the year up to April 2001, the main drug of use was heroin. 13.8% cited cannabis as their main drug, 6.6% cited benzodiazepines; 5.4% cited amphetamines; and 5.2% cited cocaine. Other drugs, such as methadone, Ecstasy and anti- depressants, were used by only a small minority of clients as their main drug.

Table 58 compares the main drug of use for users starting treatment in Newcastle and North Tyneside with the rest of the country. In the area, methadone is the main drug of a much smaller proportion of problem drug users than in the rest of the country (2% of users, compared to 10% of users country-wide). A slightly smaller percentage of users cite heroin as their main drug, and a slightly larger proportion cites cannabis or amphetamines, compared to England as a whole. In addition, a considerably larger proportion of users in Newcastle and North Tyneside fall into the ‘all other drugs’ category than in the rest of the country.

Table 58: Main drug of use for drug users starting treatment (2000)

Main drug of users Newcastle and North England starting agency Tyneside episodes % % Heroin 59 64 Methadone 2 10 Cannabis 12 9 Cocaine 5 6 Amphetamines 6 4 All other drugs 16 7 [Source: RDMD, 2000]

Of 4,514 problem drug users under 20 years of age starting drug treatment across the UK during the six months from April to September 2000, 2,494 cited their main drug as heroin. This represents 55% of all drug users in this age group. A further 28% (n=1,274) cited cannabis as their main drug. Regarding other drugs, 162 cited cocaine, 122 cited amphetamines, and 167 Ecstasy (RDMD, 2000).

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NECA records information about the number of people in Newcastle seeking help, though not necessarily treatment, for drug and alcohol problems. Table 59 shows the main drug of use for people who have approached NECA over the past year.

Table 59: Main drug of use for NECA clients

Type of drug Number of clients % citing as their main drug Acid 1 0.14 Alcohol 384 55.49 Amitriptyline 1 0.14 Amphetamine 9 1.30 Analgesia 1 0.14 Anti-depressant 2 0.29 Cannabis 52 7.51 Cocaine 12 1.73 Codeine 1 0.14 Crack 1 0.14 Diazepam 9 1.30 Diconal 2 0.29 Dihydrocodeine 6 0.87 Ecstasy 7 1.01 Heroin 178 25.72 Lofepramine 1 0.14 LSD 1 0.14 Methadone 6 0.87 Opiate 1 0.14 Procyclidine 1 0.29 Solvents 4 0.14 Temazepam 1 0.58 Temgesic 1 0.14 Tranquilisers 1 0.14 Trazadone 1 0.14 Total 692 (100)

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Newcastle and North Tyneside Health Authority record figures about the number of incidents involving different types of drug. This gives some indication of the prevalence in the area of different types of drug use. Table 60 shows that almost half of all incidents in 2000 involved heroin, while just over 12% involved cannabis and 7.5% cocaine.

Table 60: Drug incidents by type of drug in Newcastle and North Tyneside

Drug Number of incidents % of total drug incidents Heroin 348 49.1 Methadone 23 3.2 Other opiates 17 2.4 Benzodiazepines 71 10 Amphetamines 71 10 Cocaine 53 7.5 Cannabis 86 12.1 Solvents 5 0.7 Anti-depressants 21 3 Hallucinogens 3 0.4 Ecstasy 1 0.1 Other drugs 10 1.4 TOTAL 709 100 [Source: Newcastle and North Tyneside Health Authority, 2000]

10.5 Injecting behaviour The RDMD records information about injecting behaviour in the last four weeks for problem drug users starting treatment. Between April and September 2000, 85 users starting treatment in Newcastle and North Tyneside were known to have injected drugs in the past four weeks, 22% of the total number presenting for treatment. This is less than half the proportion that has injected in England as a whole, which is 45% of the total number of presenting users. Of the 85 users who had injected drugs, only 9 had shared injecting equipment with others (15% of injecting drug users, compared to 21% in the country as a whole). However, anecdotal reports suggest that there has been a recent rise in the number of injecting drug users in the area.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 76 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

Table 61 provides information about the types of agency providing drug treatment in Newcastle between April and September 2000. Of a total of 511 treatment episodes, 307 were statutory.

Table 61: Type of agency providing treatment (April to September 2000)

Agency episodes by type of agency Newcastle and England North Tyneside Number % of total Number % of total Total 511 (100) 35,482 (100) NHS funded General Practice 4 0.8 2,061 5.8 Community based drug service: Statutory 307 60 16,888 47.5 Non-statutory 57 11.15 11,174 31.4 Drug Dependency Unit Out-Patient - - 1,901 5.3 Other 143 28 3,458 9.7 [Source: RDMD, 2000]

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 77 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

11 Strategy and policy

This section briefly reviews the planning arrangements that exist for Newcastle upon Tyne DAT.

11.1 Strategic links Section 12 reviews local planning mechanisms regarding provision for young people in Newcastle upon Tyne. These include universal plans for young people, thematic or focused plans for particular groups of young people, and other local plans that do not specifically apply to young people, but do include provision for this age group.

The full list of plans reviewed in Section 12 is as follows:

Quality Protects Plan Area Child Protection Plan Educational Development Plan Behaviour Support Plan Youth Justice Plan Tyne and Wear Connexions Business Plan CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health) Plan Newcastle Health Partnership: Health Action Zone Health Improvement Plans relating to Smoking, Children, Drugs and Alcohol, and Vulnerable Groups Primary Care Group Plans Newcastle Community Health Council Healthworks Business Plan Policing Plan Probation Plan New Deal for Communities: West Gate Delivery Plan

Table 62 gives an overview of existing planning arrangements between the DAT and local plans or policy areas, identifying where strategic or cross-over links exist. Further details, including details of existing planning arrangements between these planning mechanisms and the DAT, are given in section 12.

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Table 62: Strategic links between the DAT and other bodies

Relationship Policy area Existing strategic links Community Safety Plan Educational Development Plan Health Improvement Plans Health Action Zone YOT: Youth Justice Plan Cross-over links exist, with scope for Local Health Plan developing strategic links CAMHS Plan Integrated Children’s Services Plan Area Child Protection Committee Community Care Plans Rough Sleeping Consortia Policing Plans Behaviour Support Plan Education Action Zone Sure Start Connexions Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) New Deal for Communities Quality Protects No strategic link Prison Area Strategy (NB: there is no prison in Newcastle upon Tyne, but the Drugs Strategy Co-ordinator is a member of the Newcastle DAT, and communication between the DAT and prisons is via this network.)

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 79 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

11.2 DAT Joint Commissioning Group Table 63 shows details of Newcastle upon Tyne DAT’s Joint Commissioning Group, which is a sub-group of the DAT. Budget holders that are currently represented include the Health Authority, Education, the Police, Social Services and Probation. Voluntary sector representatives are also consulted when. appropriate Plans are underway to include representation from the local Primary Care Trust.

Table 63: Membership of Newcastle upon Tyne DAT Joint Commissioning Group

Agency Representative(s) Responsibility for commissioning drug treatment services Education Drug Education Co-ordinator To be confirmed Health Authority Commissioning Manager 0.75 days per week (0.15) Police Superintendent To be confirmed Probation Assistant Chief Probation Officer 1 day per month (0.05) Social Services Commissioning Manager (Mental 1 day per month (0.05) Health) Specialist Team Manager 1 day per week (0.2)

11.3 Finance The DAT Annual Plan for 2001/2002 outlines planned expenditure on drug specific services in Newcastle upon Tyne.

11.3.1 Total expenditure Total expenditure on drug-related services in Newcastle upon Tyne in the year 2000/2001 and planned expenditure for the year 2001/2002 is shown in table 64. It can be seen that the planned expenditure for the current year exceeds last year’s spending considerably. Just over £2 million was spent in 2000/2001; while funding of almost £3 million has been allocated for 2001/2002.

Table 64: Expenditure on drug-related services, 2000/2001 and 2001/2002

Area of work Expenditure Planned expenditure (2000/2001) (2001/2002) Young people £296,418 £340,744 Communities £213,518 £286,056 Treatment £1,395,699 £2,139,892 Availability £113,000 £123,000 Total £2,018,635 £2,889,692

11.3.2 Expenditure on services for young people The available information relates to actual expenditure for 2000/2001, and planned expenditure for the year 2001/2002. Table 65 shows expenditure details for

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 80 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

2000/2001. The total expenditure for the year was £296,418. The contribution made by the Youth Offending Team to work involving vulnerable groups includes 1 staff day per week spent on DAT issues, plus a specific sum of £25,000 identified for carrying out a needs assessment in relation to work with young offenders.

Table 65: DAT expenditure for services for young people, 2000/2001 Drug Youth Other Vulnerable TOTAL education in services targeted and groups educational generic drug institutions prevention activities Education £20,000 £1,000 £1,000 £5,000 £27,000 Social - - - - - Services Health - - £24,000 £46,618 £70,618 Authority Police £22,000 £31,000 £6,300 £3,000 £62,300 Probation - - - - - Other - £1,000 - Youth £136,500 Offending Team: £135,500 TOTAL £42,000 £33,000 £31,300 £190,118 £296,418

Table 66 shows planned DAT expenditure for the year 2001/2002. The total planned expenditure for the year is £340,744. The Youth Offending Team contribution for the year includes one staff day per week on DAT issues, plus half a year’s funding for a specific Drugs Worker (£12,500). Full year funding will be provided for the two years subsequent to this. The Community and Housing contribution to Youth Services represents support for vulnerable groups.

Table 66: Planned DAT expenditure for services for young people, 2001/2002

Drug Youth Other Vulnerable TOTAL education in services targeted and groups educational generic drug institutions prevention activities Education £51,000 - £7,000 £15,000 £73,000 Social - - £34,721 - £34,721 Services Health - - £40,652 - £40,652 Authority Police £22,666 £32,468 £6,493 £3,244 £64,871 Probation - - - - - Other - Community - Youth £127,500 and Housing: Offending Team: £2,500 £125,000 TOTAL £73,666 £34,968 £88,866 £143,244 £340,744

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 81 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

In addition to expenditure that is specifically targeted towards young people and the services aimed at them, the following areas of spending are also identified in the DAT Annual Plan: communities; treatment and availability. As these areas may also impinge on the field of young people’s substance misuse, expenditure information for 2000/2001 and 2001/2002 is also included in this section.

11.3.3 Expenditure on services for communities Table 67 shows DAT expenditure on communities for 2000/2001. A total of £213,518 was spent during the year. Of the contribution made by Probation, this includes £28,000 implementation costs for Drug Treatment and Testing Orders (DTTOs), and £90,000 contribution to the Probation Partnership with NECA, indicating the proportion of staff time spent with drug misusing offenders.

Table 67: DAT expenditure on services for communities, 2000/2001

Arrest Probation/ Community Dance venue TOTAL Referral DTTO action initiatives Education - - £5,000 - £5,000 Social - - - - - Services Health - £7,000 - - £7,000 Authority Police £78,018* - £3,000 £2,500 £83,518 Probation - £118,000 - - £118,000 Other - - - - - TOTAL £78,018 £125,000 £8,000 £2,500 £213,518 * = Includes contribution of 10,000 per annum each from Social Services and Health

Table 68 shows the planned DAT expenditure on services for communities for the year 2002/2002. A total of £286,056 is to be spent during the year on communities. The contribution made by Probation includes a planned DTTO spend of £100,000, £90,000 probation staff costs, and £13,390 contributed to the Probation partnership with NECA.

Table 68: Planned DAT expenditure on services for communities, 2001/2002

Arrest Probation/ Community Dance venue TOTAL Referral DTTO action initiatives Education - - - - - Social - - - - - Services Health - - - - - Authority Police £80,358* - - £2,308 £82,666 Probation - £203,390 - - £203,390 Other - - - - - TOTAL £80,358 £203,390 - £2,308 £286,056 * = Includes contribution from Health and Social Services

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 82 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

11.3.4 Expenditure on treatment services Table 69 shows expenditure for 2000/2001 on treatment services. The total spend was £1,395,699. It can be seen that a total of £81,600 was spent on treatment services for children and young people. As well as this, funds spent on social inclusion and under-represented groups may also have been targeted at under 18 year olds.

Table 69: DAT expenditure on treatment services, 2000/2001 Adult Social Under- Hepatitis B Children Total treatment inclusion represent- and C and young services ed groups services people Education ------Social £311,816 - - - - £311,816 Services Health £997,283 - - £5,000 £81,600 £1,083,883 Authority Police ------Probation ------Other ------TOTAL £1,309,099 - - £5,000 £81,600 £1,395,699

Table 70 shows planned expenditure for 2001/2002 on treatment services. The total planned expenditure for the year is £2,139,892, including £81,200 on services for young people. Among funds earmarked for healthcare interventions is a total of £5,000 for Hepatitis B and C services.

Table 70: Planned DAT expenditure on treatment services, 2001/2002

Adult Social Under- Healthcare Children Total treatment inclusion represent- interven- and young services ed groups tions people Education ------Social £316,086 - - - - £316,086 Services Health £1,547,606 - £55,000 £140,000 £81,200 £1,823,806 Authority Police ------Probation ------Other ------TOTAL £1,863,692 - £55,000 £140,000 £81,200 £2,139,892

11.3.5 Expenditure on reducing the availability of drugs In 2000/2001, Northumbria Police allocated £113,000 towards attempts to reduce access to and availability of illegal substances in Newcastle upon Tyne. For the current year, planned expenditure by the Police has been increased to £123,000. No other agencies have allocated funds towards reducing the availability of drugs.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 83 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

12 Children’s Service Plans

This section reviews local Children’s Services Plans, highlighting areas where they bear relevance to the issue of young people’s substance misuse. An overview of the needs of local young people as set out in these Plans is provided, with particular reference to the needs of those young people who are seen to be vulnerable, and to policies which refer to tackling substance misuse.

12.1 Children Services Planning Group The Children’s Services Planning Group (CSPG) is the single forum responsible for the co-ordination of a wide range of children’s plans in Newcastle upon Tyne. These include the Quality Protects Plan, Health Improvement Plans, Educational Development Plan, Behaviour Support Plan, Health Action Zone Plan and Primary Care Group Plans. These plans are explored in more detail later in this section. The CSPG also provides a network that enables bodies responsible for the different plans to have contact with other policy makers. This increases the chances that the different plans will be complementary. Task groups have been set up to deal with specific areas of work.

12.2 Quality Protects Plan The Quality Protects Management Action Plan 2001-2002 supersedes the Newcastle Children’s Services Plan, which ran from 1997 to 2000. Its aim is to improve the lives of children who come into contact with Social Services, and it concerns the work of Social Services in partnership with local health services, education, the police, the Early Years Partnership, Connexions, and other local child care bodies. The Children’s Services Planning Group developed the plan.

The Plan has a key role in ensuring that the welfare of vulnerable young people is protected. Among those focused on are looked after children and those who are leaving care, children at risk of abuse, and children with disabilities, as well as other children in need of services.

A Family Support Team has been created to work with children in need, in partnership with other local agencies. There is also an Educational Achievement Team and a team working specifically with asylum seeker families. Other services are being developed to provide improved care for children in need. Targets for next year include the development of a drug and alcohol service for young people and their families within the Family Support Team.

The educational achievement and welfare of children who are looked after by the Local Authority is being targeted. All local children’s homes have homework clubs and all schools have a designated teacher for looked after children. In the next year, Personal Education Plans will be written for all looked after children. In addition, a health worker will be appointed to work with looked after children.

Support for young people leaving care is a priority. Plans are underway to allocate personal advisers to care leavers, offer them financial support, implement a supported lodgings system, and improve information collection systems. In October 2001 the Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) will be implemented in the City.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 84 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

12.3 Area Child Protection Plan At the time of writing this report, the latest Area Child Protection Plan was in the process of being written and was not available for review.

12.4 Education Development Plan The current Educational Development Plan for Newcastle upon Tyne contains two priorities that relate broadly to the area of young people’s substance misuse.

Priority 6 of the Plan is ‘To implement a range of strategies to reduce the number of pupils who are disaffected’.

Several strategies have been identified to address this priority. The Health and Drugs Education team of three staff is targeting all school staff and governors with advice, training and support on drugs education and how to manage drug-related incidents. A key aim is to increase the number of schools that have Drug Education Policies, and particular focus is being placed on working with Special Education Needs schools and EOTAS (Education Otherwise Than At School). This will enable training and support to be targeted towards staff working with vulnerable groups of young people such as excluded pupils, truants, pregnant young women and young mothers, and young people with physical disabilities or special educational needs. In addition, a research project has been commissioned to examine the relationship between substance misuse and school exclusions. An Educational Psychologist is currently working on this study, the findings of which will help to inform future planning regarding the delivery of drug education and training.

Monitoring and evaluation procedures are in place to record progress towards the following targets: i. Increase number of schools with drug policies and programmes by 50%; ii. 100% of special schools and EOTAS to access training on drugs education and management of drug incidents; iii. Establish policies and programmes in 100% of Special schools and EOTAS; iv. 25% of other schools to access training; v. Research project to be successfully completed and areas for support highlighted; vi. Co-ordinator appointed and 15 sessions of training provided. vii. Establish and review policies and programmes in all secondary schools and 60% of primary schools.

Priority 7 of the Education Development Plan involves the promotion of the Healthy Schools award in local schools. To qualify for the Healthy Schools award, schools must have in place a drug education policy and a drug-related incident policy. A life skills teaching approach is used in conjunction with implementation of this award; and the aim is that pupils are enabled to ‘develop appropriate skills, qualities and attributes that will prepare them for adult and working life’. The strategy is to target areas of special need, in particular the East End of the City, which has also been identified as a HAZ Area of Special Action. Among the success criteria for this area of work are: 80% of current Healthy School Award holders to regain the award by the end of the academic year 2000-2001; 30% of schools in the East End to achieve the award;

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60% of lapsed schools to achieve the award by the end of the academic year 2000- 2001; Increase the overall number of schools with the award by 50%; Action plan written and recommendations carried out.

12.5 Behaviour Support Plan A draft Behaviour Support Plan for 2001-2004 has recently been circulated and recommended for adoption by all school governing bodies in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Vulnerable and at risk groups of young people identified in the Plan are: Looked after children Travellers Excluded pupils, school phobics and poor attenders Young carers Young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties and special educational needs Sick children Young offenders

A number of areas for development have been identified in the Plan, and ways in which to address these areas are laid out.

The provision of full time education for all permanently excluded pupils is one such area. This will be achieved by improving rates of integration to reduce the number of pupils in Pupil Referral Units, planning alternative educational programmes at Key Stage 4 along with Connexions and other external providers, and revising current financial, staffing and other arrangements of Pupil Referral Units in the City. By extending links between schools and support agencies, it is also hoped that the number of pupils being permanently excluded will continue to be reduced.

There are also plans for increasing external educational provision for school phobics. A management group will begin initial planning for this, and the number of pupils in this group will be identified. This work will be carried out in conjunction with Child Psychiatric Services.

There are ongoing efforts to ensure that young people with educational and behavioural difficulties (EBD) are identified and receive intervention as soon as possible. This is being done by raising awareness of assessment and intervention strategies and referral procedures. A comprehensive menu of behaviour support services in the area is also to be developed. Close liaison with the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership and other agencies is a feature of this area of work.

12.6 Youth Justice Plan The Youth Justice Plan for 2001/2002 outlines the current position and plans for the Youth Offending Team (YOT) in Newcastle upon Tyne. The YOT works closely with the Drug Action Team, and both Teams work from the same premises in Newcastle. Among the areas in the Youth Justice Plan that relate specifically to young people’s substance misuse are:

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Funding has been provided for the financial year 2001-2002 for the appointment of a Health representative on the Team. It is anticipated that a clinical psychologist would take on this role. The post covers all aspects of health, including the issue of substance misuse among young offenders.

In 2001 a YOT Drugs Worker will be appointed to address the range of drug-related problems within the YOT caseload. This area of work is being developed in conjunction with the Drug Action Team, and the post is dependent on funding being provided by the Youth Justice Board and the DAT. At the time of writing, no drug- specific worker had yet been appointed.

A key priority for the YOT is the provision of training for workers to enable them to develop their practice skills. Among the proposed actions to address this priority is detailed work on assessments in relation to areas of identified need. It is anticipated that training around young people’s substance misuse will be one of the main stated needs, along with parenting needs, education and training, and adolescent perpetrators. The Plan states that ‘joint working with the relevant partner agencies…will contribute to both service delivery and development’.

The Youth Justice Plan also emphasises the need to promote social inclusion among young people in Newcastle upon Tyne. This has a clear link to the issue of vulnerability among young people. This is to be achieved through consultation with young people, including young offenders and the victims of crime, by promoting parental involvement in planning processes, and by linking with the Children’s Services Plan and other local plans for children and young people.

12.7 Tyne and Wear Connexions Business Plan Connexions is an advice and support service aimed at 13 to 19 year olds, launched in 2001. The area covered by Tyne and Wear Connexions includes Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, North and South Tyneside, and Sunderland.

A key priority for the Connexions service is equality of opportunity; this means that all young people, regardless of ethnicity, religious beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, disability or criminal record, will have access to the service. Particular reference is made to reaching ‘high risk and hard-to-engage young people’, and a cross-cutting theme of the service is to ensure that participation and achievement for minority and at risk groups converge with those of the population as a whole. Research is to be commissioned this year to find out how the Connexions service can be improved for young people from ethnic minorities; the results of this work will inform planning for 2002/2003.

A number of primary targets have been set for the Tyne and Wear Connexions service. Those that refer to, and may potentially impact on vulnerable young people in the area include: i. To reduce truancy levels by 2004 by a further 10% from the 2002 baseline. ii. To increase the proportion of 16 and 17 year olds in education and training to 90% by 2004. iii. To improve the level of education, employment and training for care leavers aged 19, so that levels for this group are at least 75% of that for all young people in the same area by March 2004. iv. To reduce the proportion of 13-19 year olds using illegal drugs, particularly heroin and cocaine, by 25% (2005) and 50% (2008). This work will link with

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‘Positive Futures’, a programme funded by the Sports Council, Home Office and Anti-Drugs Co-ordination Unit, which targets young people aged 13-17 years who are at risk in some of the area’s most deprived communities. v. To reduce the number of young people offending by 5% by 2004. vi. To reduce the rate of conceptions among under 18 year olds by 2010 by 50%, and establish a firm downward trend in conception rates among under 16s. This aim will be addressed in collaboration with the HAZ-funded ‘Teenage Pregnancy Co-ordination Programme’.

In order to work towards these targets, Tyne and Wear Connexions will establish formal partnership arrangements with relevant local bodies, including the Drug Action Team and Youth Offending Team. Other partners will include organisations concerned with health, education, racial equality and community safety. There are also plans to engage and involve young people in developing the Connexions service, for instance through consultation and by recruiting a Young People’s Panel to help appoint staff.

12.8 CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) Plan CAMHS works with children and young people aged up to 19 years of age in Newcastle upon Tyne. It has both a preventative and a treatment role with regard to mental health. Recent CAMHS documents include the Newcastle CAMHS Strategy 2000 and the update and implementation table produced in 2001.

The Outline Strategy produced in April 2001 outlines a series of objectives to be implemented over the next 3-5 years. Objectives relating to vulnerable young people – namely those with mental health problems - are summarised below.

CAMHS is to target prevention and early intervention by developing schools work, increasing inter-agency links, and promoting mental health issues within Primary Care. Training and supervision is being provided to Health Visitors and Schools Nurses as part of this work, and GPs will also be targeted.

Comprehensive assessment and treatment of young people with mental health problems is to be improved so waiting lists are reduced. This will be done by refining referral criteria for Tier 2 and 3 services, and by helping to develop additional services within these tiers for 13-19 year olds. Improved care for such young people, who have a high risk of developing mental health and related problems, will be achieved via support for local authority services, foster carers and residential care workers, and the recruitment of additional CAMHS support staff. Young people who are looked after or who are leaving care will be specifically targeted.

Outreach work is to be increased and improved to target children and young people with serious mental health problems, as well as their parents and carers. Specialist staff, including additional Community Psychiatric Nurses will be recruited to achieve this. With reference to children in need, appropriate referral criteria will be developed for specialist CAMHS assessment in childcare proceedings and Child Protection care plans.

CAMHS targets the needs of young offenders by working in partnership with the Youth Offending Team. A Clinical Psychologist is to be recruited to work with the YOT for this purpose.

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Consultation work will be developed with service users, including children and young people, their parents and carers, and referring agencies, to enable them to contribute to the strategic planning of services.

12.9 Newcastle Health Partnership: Health Action Zone Tyne and Wear Health Action Zone (HAZ) includes the areas of Newcastle, Gateshead, North and South Tyneside, and Sunderland. Newcastle Health Partnership is the body responsible for delivering the HAZ programme in Newcastle upon Tyne. The overall aim is to improve the health of the people living in the area, by tackling health inequalities and modernising healthcare services. Among its aims is to address the health issues of children and young people, and those of minority and potentially excluded groups such as disabled people, minority ethnic groups, and those living in areas of particular disadvantage in the City.

A major initiative developed by the Partnership is supporting the families of drug users. Projects have been set up in Scotswood in the East End and Newbiggin Hall in the north. Support workers on each of these projects offer help and support to families including: advice and information; counselling for individuals and families; drugs education and training; referrals and acting as a ‘point of contact’ for families and workers; drop-in sessions; and facilitating group sessions.

Healthy Tendencies is a project set up to improve the health of young people living in Scotswood. A research project was undertaken to explore young people’s health issues; findings relating to alcohol, tobacco, and drug use are included within this report. Other current activities include a drug and alcohol use course accredited by OCN and targeting young mums and ‘challenging’ young men, and help and support for young people who want to stop smoking.

Tyne and Wear HAZ has also developed an Alcohol Strategy: a strategic approach to alcohol use among all age groups. The Tyne and Wear Alcohol Demonstration Project includes a particular strand which aims to reduce risk-taking behaviour related to alcohol use among young people. The under 16s alcohol project runs short courses for this age group to educate them about the health consequences of drinking alcohol, and help them to design materials, such as art work and videos, which can be used in wider alcohol education programmes in the area.

The framework for action for the Alcohol Strategy is summarised below:

Aim 1: To maximise the combined efforts of partners in reducing the levels of alcohol related harm amongst young people in the region. To raise awareness of alcohol issues within the community, particularly among young people. This will be achieved by promoting partnership work among local agencies, by ensuring that provision for alcohol is included in health and community plans on the region, and to increase social inclusion amongst young people. Alcohol education programmes will be developed within schools and youth services, using peer education as a method of education provision. Diversional programmes that provide young people with alternative activities to alcohol use will be promoted; these will be targeted towards excluded young people and those in vulnerable groups in particular.

Aim 2: To reduce the sale and access of alcohol to under 18 year olds. To reduce alcohol drinking amongst under 18 year olds. Efforts will be made to influence policy and practice with regard to drinking legislation, retail outlets selling alcohol, and law enforcement. Retail workers, owner

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 89 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 and managers will be targeted to ensure that the sale of alcohol to underage young people is prevented, and moves will be made to enforce the removal of alcohol drinks from underage street drinkers. There will also be work with magistrates and local authorities to examine the issue of licence monitoring, and a local information campaign will be launched to bring attention to the problem of underage drinking.

Aim 3: To identify harm reduction techniques around alcohol and young people in Tyne and Wear. This will be addressed by developing harm minimisation materials in conjunction with young people, which will be piloted and further developed in conjunction with Youth Forums, and which can then be used in alcohol education programmes and contribute to the alcohol information campaign.

Aim 4: To ensure adequate and appropriate treatment services for young people in Tyne and Wear. This will be done by establishing a regional specialist alcohol treatment group which will agree on common referral protocols and assessment tools for young people and alcohol. Appropriate support mechanisms are to be identified so that common guidelines and procedures can be developed and used. A mapping exercise will be carried out to assess what treatment services are currently available, and this will contain recommendations for the development of services.

12.10 Health Improvement Plan (HImP) The Health Improvement Programme (HImP) is an annual document written by Newcastle and North Tyneside Health Authority with the help of medical professionals, health care managers, council representatives, members of voluntary organisations, Community Health Councils, patients and carers. It contains a number of priorities for improvement. The current HimP includes the following areas:

12.10.1 Smoking New services have been developed to help people who wish to give up smoking. A campaign called ‘Give it up, live it up’ was recently launched with partners across the Tyne and Wear Health Action Zone. NHS and pharmacy staff have received training to help them with this. There are also plans to increase the number of places where people who wish to give up can go for help, such as community centres and leisure centres. These new services are being developed with special money from the Department of Health.

12.10.2 Children Youth Offending Teams in Newcastle and North Tyneside will be supported to help young people who become involved in crime. The aim is to try to help them change their behaviour and to prevent future criminal activity. This is linking into a drive to improve mental health services for young people, including more support for young people with depression and emotional problems. There is increased investment in services for children with disabilities and more support for families from the ethnic minority communities in North Tyneside. In Newcastle there is work with Children North-East to focus on the needs of young carers. Also, in Newcastle there are big changes taking place in the way health services for children are provided, resulting in much closer working between all of the health services and social services. This means removing barriers between services making it easier for families to get help from health and social care services.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 90 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

12.10.3 Drugs and Alcohol More services are planned so that people with drugs and alcohol problems can see a professional within four weeks of being referred for treatment. There will be closer working between doctors’ surgeries and specialist drug services to give people a greater choice about where they can go for help. Efforts will also be made to help people with drug and alcohol problems by identifying them earlier through arrest referral and court diversion schemes.

12.10.4 Vulnerable groups A crisis, assessment and treatment team for people with mental health problems, which currently covers part of the district, is being extended to cover the whole of Newcastle and North Tyneside. The team will be available 24 hours a day, seven days of week, to provide immediate support for patients and their families in the event of a crisis, and may also provide respite for carers. After assessment they can offer support for up to six weeks. There are also plans to increase the support available to health professionals in doctors’ surgeries. Nine out of ten people with mental health problems are treated in the community by family doctors, district nurses and health visitors.

12.11 Primary Care Group (PCG) Plans Up until March 2001 there were three Primary Care Groups in Newcastle upon Tyne, covering the north, east and west of the City. These have now been superseded by the Newcastle Primary Care Trust, but the priorities laid out by the three PCGs remain valid. These are reviewed below.

12.11.1 Newcastle North PCG One of the priorities for Newcastle North PCG, outlined in their current investment plan, is to improve child health sessions within GP practices and clinics in the north of the City. Young people’s sexual health service provision has also been successfully targeted for development. PCG North has service level agreements with Children North East and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Consultation with local residents has led to plans to support the development of a website aimed at young people around health issues.

12.11.2 Newcastle West PCG Newcastle West PCG have invested funding during 2000-2001 for the appointment of a Specialist Nurse (Mental Health) whose remit will include the area of drugs and alcohol use. In addition, local training will target school nurses and health visitors, to help them develop their skills in working with children and adolescents with mental problems.

Work is being developed by PCG West to target support towards vulnerable groups, such as young people leaving care and setting up home for the first time. The emotional development of young people is also to be addressed, as well as work around ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). There is also work being done in conjunction with the West End Youth Enquiry Service, to help its development as a service. The need to develop a young people’s network, so that they can have a voice in the community and take more responsibility for their own health needs, has been identified.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 91 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

12.11.3 Newcastle East PCG Among service developments in the year 2000/2001, sexual and mental health promotion work targeting young people has been carried out in the area. The aims of this initiative were to promote sexual and mental health and reduce the number of teenage pregnancies.

Community Action on Health (East) is an initiative jointly funded by the PCG and a local SRB body. It uses a community development model to engage with marginalised and vulnerable groups, such as homeless people, ethnic minority communities, and disabled people ensuring that their voices are heard and services are developed in ways that are appropriate to local need.

East PCG covers areas of the City in which drug use is high, and the current investment plan recognises that there may be resulting staff education and training needs. This area is to be explored in more detail in future years.

12.12 Newcastle Community Health Council The Community Health Council conducted a piece of research in 2000 that examined the views of young people in Newcastle with regard to health services. This research pinpointed particular areas of relevance to young people, such as the use of drugs and alcohol, sexual health and mental health. Findings from the study, ‘Access to Health Services by Young People’ (Dearden, 2000) are explored and discussed in relevant sections of this report.

12.13 Healthworks Business Plan Healthworks is based in the East and Inner West areas of Newcastle upon Tyne. It is concerned with delivering a locally owned and managed network of community health projects in these areas, which will be targeted at excluded groups and those experiencing health inequalities. Research carried out in the early stages of setting up Healthworks highlighted children and young people’s health as a key priority for development in the Inner West area.

The following activities, which relate specifically to vulnerable population groups, children and young people, are being carried out this year by a variety of groups and organisations involved with Healthworks: i. The West End Youth Enquiry Service is offering health information and activities to young people. ii. Support is offered for families where children and young people suffer from ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) or display difficult and challenging behaviour. In addition, Oasis is building a support network for parents of children with behavioural problems. iii. The East End Asylum Seekers Support Group offers material and emotional support to asylum seekers. iv. Total Learning Challenge will deliver therapeutic group work for disaffected children. The mental and social well being of disadvantaged children will be the subject of research carried out in conjunction with Wharrier Street Primary School.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 92 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

12.14 Policing Plan Northumbria Police Force covers the counties of Northumberland and Tyne and Wear, including Newcastle upon Tyne. Within Newcastle upon Tyne there are four area commands: Newcastle Central, Newcastle North, Newcastle East and Newcastle West.

Northumbria Policing Plan includes a number of priority areas of work. Two of these priorities, Young Offenders and Drug Prevention, relate to the areas of substance misuse and vulnerable young people. These are briefly covered below.

The Northumbria Police priority relating to Young Offenders is: ‘To work with other agencies to reduce the number of young offenders and reduce the number of those that re-offend after receiving a caution.’ The police work closely with other agencies on this issue, and the Youth Offending Teams include police representatives. Police officers also work in schools to educate young people about a number of issues such as crime, drugs and anti-social behaviour. Each area command in Newcastle upon Tyne has a Youth Issues Officer who works specifically with young people. Their tasks include: promoting community relations and developing young people’s understanding of good citizenship; building positive relationships between schools, youth groups and the police force; and developing community safety and crime prevention initiatives which involve young people.

The Northumbria Police priority relating to Drug Prevention is: ‘To work with other agencies to target and reduce drug-related crime.’ Northumbria Police supports the Government’s strategy ‘Tackling drugs to build a better Britain’, and has adopted a focus which reflects this strategy. The police work closely with other agencies and are represented on Drug Action Teams. Northumbria Police has funded and supported drug treatment and prevention services in the area; however, none of these have been in Newcastle upon Tyne. A commitment has been made to channel a proportion of the assets seized from drug busts into anti-drug programmes.

12.15 Probation Plan From April 2002 a national Probation Plan will be in place for England and Wales. This will be part of the National Probation Service, among whose aims are to rehabilitate offenders and reduce re-offending. One of the priorities for the National Probation Service will be to address the factors that contribute to re-offending, by acting to reduce substance misuse, improve employability, reduce homelessness and improve family links.

12.16 West Gate: New Deal for Communities (NDC) Delivery Plan New Deal for Communities in West Gate is a ten-year initiative, which will bring around £50 million to the West End of Newcastle. It is based in the wards of Elswick, Wingrove and West City. The area has been described as one in which drug use is higher than the City average. The programme has five main themes of work: jobs and business, housing and the environment, education, health, and community safety. As part of the health theme, a programme has been planned to reduce dependency on drugs. Outreach workers in the area will provide support for existing drug users and their families, and will link into City-wide drug programmes. There will also be more early interventions to try to prevent young people from becoming involved in drug use.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 93 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

13 Directory of services

This section contains an alphabetical list of the services in Newcastle upon Tyne that work with young people and whose work includes substance misuse issues or working with young people who may be vulnerable to substance misuse. Information given includes what each service does, details of the people they usually work with, details of referral systems, working hours, and resources.

13.1 ADFAM National Waterbridge House, 32-36 Loman Street, London, SE1 0EH Telephone: (0207) 928 8900

Works with: Family members and professionals supporting families. Provides telephone helpline, training and development for family members and professionals working with families at community level to enable them to work together to tackle the effects of drug use in their communities, a programme of supporting family members of imprisoned drug users, a variety of booklets available on request. ADFAM will ring back if cost of call is a problem and do not use caller display equipment to protect caller confidentiality.

Hours: National telephone helpline: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 10.00am – 5.00pm, Tuesday: 10.00am – 7.00pm.

13.2 Alcoholics Anonymous Telephone: (0191) 521 4400

Works with: People who have an alcohol misuse problem, their friends and families.

13.3 Baseline C/o St James United Reformed Church, Northumberland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8SG Telephone: (0191) 261 6248

Works with: Homeless people.

13.4 Body Positive North East SIDA Centre, 12 Upper Princess Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ER Telephone: (0191) 232 2855

Works with: People who have or are at risk of contracting HIV and AIDS. Runs a needle exchange for injecting drug users. Referral: By other agencies, direct contact, through injecting drug user and needle exchange networks.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 94 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

Hours: Weekdays 9.30am-5pm

Resources: Funded by the City Council and the Health Authority on an ongoing basis.

13.5 Brunswick Young Peoples Project Brunswick Methodist Church, Brunswick Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7BJ Telephone: (0191) 230 4323

Works with: Young people aged 16–25. Provides information and advice on benefits, health and housing etc., group work, independent living skills courses, and peer education. Outreach sessions.

Referral: Self-referral

Hours: Drop in: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 1.30 – 4.00 Tuesday: closed for groups.

13.6 Byker Bridge Housing Association Ltd 17-19 Wilfred Street, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1JQ Telephone: (0191) 265 8621

Works with: Vulnerable homeless people, or those living in poor quality or inappropriate accommodation, usually 18 years old and over. Provides accommodation to single people. A range of accommodation is offered: houses with from 3 to 8 residents, shared 2 person flats, and single self-contained flats. Houses and shared flats have communal living room, kitchen, bathroom and laundry facility. Houses offer full board with food provided, which residents are expected to assist in preparing. Some of the houses have workers living in and the others are visited daily. The staff ensure that food is purchased and prepared and the house is kept clean and in good repair. Additionally the staff can provide advice and support on a range of welfare issues. An ‘off the street’ direct access accommodation for homeless and roofless people with 24 hour staff presence (at last 2 staff at any one time). The association runs a Skills Training Day Centre which provides training in practical, life and social skills to aid and recreational activities in a drug and alcohol free environment. A workshop is run by the association to provide therapeutic occupation, support and advice. The workshop is part financed by selling the furniture restored there in its showroom.

Referral: Self referral, agents such as social workers. There are selection criteria for selection of residents and each case is considered individually.

Hours: Direct Access Hostel: 24 hours Telephone Access 24 Hour (0191) 265 8621 Office Hours Monday– Friday: 9.30am – 5pm Skills Training Day Centre: Monday-Friday: 9am–8pm, Saturday, Sunday: 10am– 4pm

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 95 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

Workshop (EBGBees, 115 Heaton Park Road, NE6 5NR): Monday–Friday 9.15 am– 5pm

Resources: A registered charitable organisation. An annually elected voluntary management committee. A number of staff are involved in the projects throughout Tyneside and Northumberland. Currently providing accommodation for 188 residents and services to more than 300 other homeless, isolated and vulnerable people. 83 current regular users of the Skills Training Day Centre and 14 current daily users of the Workshop.

13.7 Byker Sands Family Centre 19 Raby Cross, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 2FF Telephone: (0191) 265 4566

Works with: Around 100 children and young people in the East End aged from 0-18 years, and their families. Among other services aimed at young parents and children 0-5 years, the Parents of Teenagers programme helps parents and teenagers to resolve conflicts. The Centre works with around 5 young people who are problematic drug users, plus a number of vulnerable young people (excludees, truants, young people with physical or mental difficulties or whose parents use drugs, asylum seekers). Oasis is a parent support group for parents with children presenting difficult behaviour run from the Centre, offering drop in sessions and family activities with a crèche available.

Referral: Informal referrals, plus joint working with youth agencies and other projects, via Health Visitors and Social Services.

Hours: Oasis: drop in sessions Friday 9.30–11.30am

Resources: 1 x Project Worker working specifically with parents and teenagers. This is a Barnardo’s project.

13.8 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Fleming Nuffield Unit, Burdon Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 3AE (Main site and contact address) Telephone: (0191) 219 6429 Young People’s Unit, Newcastle General Hospital, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne. Works with: Up to 1,000 children and young people aged 0-19 years with mental health disorders. The Fleming Nuffield Unit offers multi-disciplinary assessment and treatment of children from 4-14 years of age. The Young People’s Unit provides in-patient, out- patient and day patient services for 13-19 year olds. There are also Primary Specialist CAMHS Nurses in various localities in the City and in the multi-agency Looked After Children Support Team. The Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Service is a collaborative project between CAMHS and adult drug and alcohol services. Referral: Written or telephone referral by other agencies (Health, Education, Social Services).

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 96 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

Hours: In-patient units operate on a full-time basis. Outpatient services are usually 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. There is also a 24-hour on-call service to primary care or hospital referrers.

13.9 Choose Life Unit 27 Newbiggin Hall Shopping Centre, Newbiggin Hall Estate, Newcastle upon Tyne NE5 4BR Telephone: (0191) 214 0767

Works with: Drug users and their families on the Newbiggin Hall Estate. Anyone from the Estate with a drug problem or suffering from the effects of drugs is welcomed. Provides support, advice, opportunities for recreational activities, help with education housing and work, staffed centre and telephone helpline. Offers ex-user’s group, one-to-one counselling, family support group, and an up-to-date library of information. Services being developed include the development of a drugs prevention strategy for the area, guidance on rehabilitation and work with the still suffering addict, links with other community groups across Newcastle, and further work with children and young people.

Referral: Self-referral via drop-in sessions or telephone. The service is advertised locally via leaflets and posters.

Hours: Monday and Wednesday 10.30am – 2.30pm (answerphone at other times)

Resources: Two volunteers with direct experience and knowledge of drug misuse.

13.10 Connexions Newcastle City Council, Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8PA Telephone: (0191) 232 8520

Works with: Young people aged 13 to 19 years across the region. A one-stop shop providing integrated help, guidance and support across a variety of areas of life. Provides a range of services, including access to a named personal adviser for all young people. Will take over from the old Tyneside Careers Service. The overall aim is to keep young people in mainstream education and training, and prevent them from becoming marginalised. Work is to be carried out to reduce local levels of substance misuse, in conjunction with ‘Positive Futures’, a programme funded by the Sports Council, Home Office and Anti-Drugs Co-ordination Unit. This will target young people aged 13-17 years who are at risk of substance misuse in some of the area’s most deprived communities. All young people will be able to directly access Connexions through a range of access points, one of which is likely to be in Percy Street in the centre of Newcastle, where the Careers Service is currently based. Tyne and Wear Connexions has not yet been launched at the time of writing, but an announcement is expected soon.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 97 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

13.11 Drug Action Team Works with: The DAT is a multi-agency group consisting of representatives from the Local Authority and a number of other local agencies. Its role is co-ordinate action and strategic planning, and implement national drug strategies. There are four task groups within the DAT structure, one each for young people, communities, treatment, and availability, and members of the Drug Reference Group are drawn to one (or more) of these task groups. Task groups include a young people’s group, attended by representatives from DPAS, the YOT, Education, the Family Support Team, and local voluntary and statutory organisations working with young people whose remit includes substance misuse.

Resources: 1 x DAT Chair 1 x Vice-Chair 1 x full time DAT Co-ordinator Individual members from a number of other agencies attend regular meetings. The DAT is connected to the UK Anti-Drugs Co-ordination Unit (UKADCU). A joint commissioning group exists to commission work around substance misuse.

13.12 DPAS (Drug Prevention Advisory Service) 11th floor, Wellbar House, Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3AE Telephone: (0191) 233 1972

Works with: Drug Action Teams in the North East region, providing support to them in delivering and co-ordinating Government Drugs Strategies. Covers Tyne and Wear Cleveland, Durham, and Northumberland.

Resources: 1 x Regional Manager 6 x Drug Prevention Advisers 1 x EO Part of the Home Office, succeeded the Drugs Prevention Initiative (DPI) in 1999.

13.13 Drugs Awareness Programme Heaton Adult Association, Trewhitt Road, Heaton, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE6 5DY. Telephone: (0191) 276 1775.

Works with: Community groups, parents, and professionals. Offers a free, tailored programme of education around drugs awareness for those in contact with users. An Open College accredited course at level 1 and 2, consisting of twenty hours. To date has run successfully in a number of venues for a variety of groups including: Heaton Manor School for a group of youth workers and health professionals, Centre 48, and North Tyneside Social Services Foster Parents.

Referral: On request via Heaton Adult Association. Currently advertised through organisations offering continuing/return to education e.g. Heaton Manor Schools, Wharrier Street School.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 98 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

Hours: A total of twenty hours at times requested by the group or organisation requesting the programme.

Resources: Programme delivered by Northumbria Police Youth Issues Officer and others. Provision and funding issues dealt with by Heaton Adult Association.

13.14 East End Youth Information Project Brinkburn Street, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 2AT Telephone: (0191) 224 1600

Works with: Around 2,700 contacts per year with young people age 5-25 years in the East End of Newcastle. Includes vulnerable groups such as young offenders, young people in LA care, truants and excludees, children of drug-abusing parents, and other young people in need. Provides information and support, young people’s health and contraception sessions, group and outreach work, sessions with schools and young people’s projects. Substance misuse issues are addressed in response to identified need, and the service offers support and information, and carries out group and outreach work to raise awareness of issues.

Referral: Self-referral via drop-in sessions or telephone. Verbal referrals from other agencies. The service is advertised via leaflets and posters, and a web site is being developed.

Hours: Monday 3-6pm: Drop-in session Tuesday 3.30-5.30pm: Health session Wednesday 3.30-5.30pm: Study project Thursday 3-6pm: Drop-in session Plus outreach sessions and appointments

Resources: 1 x full time Worker 2 x part time Workers (14 and 16 hours) Occasional voluntary help The project has been open for three years and receives funding from SRB and the Local Authority. SRB funding runs out in 2003, after which it is anticipated that the project will be assimilated into the City Council Youth Service.

13.15 Educational Achievement Team/Looked After Children Social Services Directorate, Walker Office, Airey Terrace, Walker, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 3HR Telephone: (0191) 295 5535

Works with: Vulnerable children and young people under 16 years of age in the looked after system (22 referrals between March and November 2000). One-to-one work with young people, including advice, support and information, referral to other specialist services. Help, advice and support to carers, training to foster carers and residential care staff. Until recently the Team was funded for two Substance Misuse Workers who provided one-to-one and group work with young people and awareness raising and training with foster carers and residential care workers.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 99 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

Resources: The Co-ordinator is currently seeking funding to extend the work begun by the Substance Misuse Workers, which was funded via pump priming monies through the Tyne and Wear Health Action Zone. This money ran out in April 2001.

13.16 Educational Psychology Service The College Street Centre, College Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8DX Telephone: (0191) 232 2555

Works with: Children and young people up to 19 years old who have special educational needs and behavioural problems, and teachers, parents and carers. Direct work with pupils, assessment, referrals and advice, consultation and training with school staff and parents/carers. Advises the LEA in the statutory assessment of children and young people with special educational needs.

Referral: Parents and carers can contact directly, or contact through school.

Resources: 1 x Principal Educational Psychologist 2 x Senior Educational Psychologists 4 x Educational Psychologists Funded by Education and Libraries, plus external time-limited grants from Standards Fund, Newcastle University, Newcastle College, SRB and others, for specific work initiatives.

13.17 Educational Welfare Service Newcastle City Council, Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8PA Telephone: (0191) 232 8520

Works with: Up to 4,000 young people aged 5-16 years in Newcastle upon Tyne to ensure regular attendance, including 3,800 truants and 80 school excludees in the academic year 1999-2000. Individual pupils aged 5-16 years who are involved in substance misuse (no figures available). Other areas of vulnerability include homelessness, young offenders, young people in LA care, care leavers, those with learning difficulties, children of drug abusing parents, young people involved with prostitution. Also general support to schools, parents and pupils. Includes direct support for children and families, referral to other agencies, and child protection issues.

Referral: Young people can visit or telephone, and are referred by schools and other agencies. Referrals may be formal, or made via telephone as a result of shared concern. Leaflets promoting the service are left in schools.

13.18 Fairbridge Walker Riverside Centre, Pottery Bank, Walker, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 3SX Telephone: (0191) 265 0666

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 100 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

Works with: 300 young people aged 14-25 years, including those who may be vulnerable to substance misuse, such as truants, homeless and excluded young people. Around 100 young people aged 14-25 years who are problematic substance misusers. Long- term development programme for young people, with open-ended support services. Young people complete an initial 5-day access course of outdoor, group work, and leadership activities, then can attend any follow-on activities that are available. A variety of accredited and other courses are available to develop personal, social and life skills. Includes assessment of needs, personality and behaviour, with appropriate support and help, and referral to other agencies. Young people must attend activities drug-free.

Hours: 35 hours per week.

Referral: Open door police, also referral by youth work and other agencies through contact with the Outreach Worker. Young people must do an assessment day with the Outreach Worker before attending other activities.

Resources: 12 x full time Workers 4 x full time Volunteers Has been running for 14 years and receives charitable funding.

13.19 Family Link Project Telephone: (0191) 232 3741

Works with: Families of drug users, providing a support group.

Hours: Meets once a month

13.20 Governors Training and Support Co-ordinator Newcastle City Council, Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8PA Telephone: (0191) 232 8520

Works with: School governors, delivering support and training on many areas of education and health, including substance misuse. Works in collaboration with LEA Health and Drug Education Co-ordinators for Healthy Schools Programme, and with other key professionals for other areas of work. A conference is planned for December, in which workshops will be held to give governors a taster session of areas of work, e.g. drugs policy.

13.21 The Greenline Gosforth Health Centre, Church Road, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne. Telephone: (0191) 210 6620

Works with: Young people aged 13-25 years old. Offers advice on sexual health, pregnancy, emergency contraception, drugs and alcohol, and relationships.

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Referral: Direct access via drop-in

Hours: 3.30-5.30pm Monday

13.22 Harm Reduction Nurses HIV and Sexual Health, 14 Regent Terrace, Gateshead Health NHS Trust, Tyne and Wear NE8 1LU Telephone: (0191) 490 1699

Works with: Injecting drug users across the North East. Provides needle exchange, injecting help line, advice on sexual health, pregnancy, HIV and Hepatitis, harm reduction, first aid treatment, and steroid body testing. Referral to other agencies where appropriate, and provides training for local professionals.

Referral: Drop-in and referral from other agencies. Telephone help line for injecting drug users.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 10am-4.30pm.

13.23 Inline Newcastle Rivendell, 1a Jubilee Road, Melbourne Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2JJ Telephone: (0191) 221 1980

Works with: 40 young people aged 16-17 years, providing long term support (6 months-2 years). Young people who are homeless or leaving care are supported to move into their own tenancies, including practical help, advice, information, counselling and advocacy. Some of these young people have drug or alcohol dependency problems. Individual needs are assessed and young people may receive referral to appropriate agencies. Referral: Open door policy, plus outreach work and referrals from other agencies. Young people must be in priority housing need according to Newcastle City Council criteria.

Resources: 2 x full time Project Workers 2 x part time Project Workers (30 hours) The project has been running since 1997 in partnership with Newcastle Community and Housing Department. It is part of the Independent Living North East voluntary sector network. The staff team is to be increased by 40% this year.

13.24 Joseph Cowen Healthcare Centre 8 Wilfred Street, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1JQ Telephone: (0191) 488 3778

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 102 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

Works with: Homeless people over 16 years of age who have no access to a GP (2,800 contacts with 582 people in 6 months). Provides health and social care, support and information. Open drop-in provides advice, information, support, and advocacy on a wide range of issues. Doctors available each weekday at 12.00pm. Project Auxiliary nurse available most days for health advice, treatment and health promotion. Bathroom offers: baths, showers, clean clothing, minor healthcare and advice, and de-infestation services. Community Psychiatric Nurse available for people who want help with a wide range of psychiatric/mental health/substance misuse problems. Women’s service: women only waiting area, women only bath and shower, female doctor available Wednesdays and Thursdays, pregnancy testing, personal hygiene services. Needle exchange: clean needles, syringes, condoms, and safe disposal of used works. Outreach/community work: staff from the centre regularly attend other services for homeless people to offer advice, information, support, and direct services.

Referral: Self referral.

Hours: The Centre is open: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9.30am–3pm, Tuesday 10.30am-3pm. No appointments are needed. Bathroom services 10am–1.45pm. Female doctor available Wednesday, Thursday at 12.00pm Needle exchange: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9.30am–3pm, Tuesday 10.30am-3pm.

Resources: A multi agency initiative connected to the Byker Bridge Housing Association. Staffed by a multidisciplinary team consisting of both full time and sessional workers. Currently the staff team consists of: Healthcare centre manager, project worker women’s services, project worker (25 hours x 3), Community Psychiatric Nurse, project nurse (15 hours per week), auxiliary nurse (16 hours per week), G.P s attend the centre daily 12 noon – 1pm by arrangement with Newcastle and North Tyneside Health Authority.

13.25 LEA Health and Drug Education Pendower Hall Education Development Centre, West Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 6PP Telephone: (0191) 274 3620

Works with: Around 100 teachers and others (e.g. non-teaching staff, school nurses, parents, governors) working in and associated with schools in Newcastle upon Tyne in the academic year 200/2001. Provides training, information, guidance and support on issues relating to health and drugs education, in response to expressed needs. Advises on both national curriculum (science-based) drug education and PSHE. Helps schools to develop drug education and drug-related incident policies. These are a pre-requisite for schools to achieve the Healthy Schools Award, and OFSTED and DfEE have published guidelines and quality standards for training. Works with other services that have links with schools to help build awareness of the need for drug education.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 103 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

Referral: Self-referral by schools, teachers and youth workers. Training is available on demand. An in-service booklet is sent to schools, also a healthy schools booklet goes out in September to all healthy schools co-ordinators. There is also opportunistic training in schools, and schools may telephone to request a training session. Work with independent (non-LEA) schools is done on request. Young people cannot approach the service directly.

Resources: 1 x LEA Health and Drug Education Co-ordinator 2 x Drug Education Support Co-ordinators

13.26 Leaving Care Support Team 1a Jubilee Road, Melbourne Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2JJ. Telephone: (0191) 261 7589

Works with: Around 100 young people who are in care or leaving care, aged between 15 and 21 years of age. One-to-one help, support and advice, open and closed group work, and assistance as contained in Section 24 of the Children’s Act 1989. Around 15 young people currently using the service are problematic drug users, and other service users are vulnerable to substance misuse. Advice and help on substance misuse are covered during group and one-to-one sessions, in response to expressed need.

Referral: Young people self-refer or are referred by social workers or carers. Telephone contact, followed by invitation to an initial meeting. Also refers young people to other specialist agencies according to their needs.

Resources: The service has been going for 6 years and receives mainstream Social Services funding. Individual applications may also be made for funding for treatment for young people with substance misuse problems. Open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm.

13.27 Nacro Community Remands Project 1 St James Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4NE Telephone (0191) 261 7583

23 Raby Cross, Byker Village, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 2FF Telephone: (0191) 276 1511

Works with: Around 100 young offenders each year aged 10-17 years. Provides bail supervision and support, supports young offenders in the community as an alternative to secure remand or prison, setting up training, referring to substance misuse treatment agencies, helping resolve family conflicts. Also runs a mentoring scheme, pairing young people with voluntary adult mentors.

Resources: A national charitable organisation working with crime reduction, which has been running for over 30 years.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 104 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

13.28 Newcastle and North Tyneside Drug and Alcohol Service Plummer Court, Carliol Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6UR Telephone: (0191) 219 5600

Works with: Individuals over the age of 18 years with substance misuse problems, and their families. Offers a needle exchange, community specialist prescribing, including programmes of partial hospitalisation in some cases, assessment and care management systems. Has a support group for the families of individuals with substance misuse problems.

Referral: May be direct or via GPs, health workers, community workers, social services or other services. Telephone or written referral, followed by assessment.

Hours: Needle exchange: Monday-Wednesday 1-7pm, Thursday-Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday, Sundays and public holidays 11am-4pm. Support group: First Wednesday of every month at 7pm. Other services are during working hours by appointment.

Resources: Shares premises with the Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Service, and also gives staff time and resources to this service free of charge when needed.

13.29 Newcastle and North Tyneside Health Promotion Department Park View House, Front Street, Benton, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7TZ Telephone: (0191) 220 5720

Works with: Health and educational professionals in Newcastle and North Tyneside, and within Tyne and Wear HAZ. Provides support, training, consultancy and resources to aid the delivery of health information and services to all age groups. All areas of health are covered. Substance misuse work includes education and prevention services, partnership with a smoking cessation service, planning and management of initiatives around drugs, alcohol and tobacco, staff training and support, and the provision of resources. Supports and trains local schools and staff members in delivering the Healthy Schools programme.

Referral: Promotes health work, resources, training and support services offered to health and educational professionals via departmental newsletter, fliers and networking.

Hours: Office hours. Approximately one staff day per week is allocated to the tobacco and drug education component of the Healthy Schools initiative, although this varies according to other demands.

Resources: 3 x Health Promotion Officers Funded through local Primary Care Trusts and various other bodies, including Healthy Schools (LEA), HAZ and the Department of Health. Funding bids are regularly prepared for specific initiatives.

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13.30 Newcastle and North Tyneside Shared Care Scheme Telephone: (0191) 219 6106

Works with: Three young people who are substance misusers (the service is mainly aimed at and used by those aged 19 years and over). Involves GPs and secondary services, and partnership work with Turning Point and the Drug and Alcohol Service at Plummer Court.

Referral: Self-referral.

Resources: Funding is available for two years, after which applications for further funding will be made.

13.31 Newcastle Independence Network (NIN) 1a Jubilee Road, Melbourne Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2JJ Telephone: (0191) 230 0196

Works with: Around 800 young people aged 15-25 years. Supports homeless young people and those who are looking for accommodation, helping them to live independently. All of these young people are in vulnerable groups, e.g. care leavers, young mothers, young people in Local Authority Care. Around 100 service users are problematic drug users. The work takes a holistic approach, offering help and support with all areas of young people’s lives, and focusing in particular on expressed needs. Information, practical and emotional support, looks at health problems associated with misuse, helps young people to access other services that may help them, and helping with other areas of life, e.g. career aspirations and relationships. The service operates throughout Newcastle, and NIN sees each young person who gets a new tenancy in Shieldfield, Byker, Blakelaw, Kenton and Fawdon. The service also runs group sessions in the inner and outer west, provides drop-ins for homeless people at Tyneside Cyrenians and in the City Centre, and supports and advises young parents in the West End.

Referral: Young people can self-refer via drop-in sessions or by letter or telephone, and referrals are also received from detached youth projects. Housing lists are used to identify young people who may need help.

Resources: 15 x full time Workers 1 x part time Worker (4 days per week) It has been running for 8 years, and is a Barnardo’s project that also receives funding from SRB 3 and 5, Newcastle and North Tyneside Health Authority, Community Housing and others. Funding is time-limited and on a year-by-year grant aid basis.

13.32 NHS Patient Information Centre Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland Mental Health NHS Trust, Entrance Lodge, Newcastle General Hospital, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 6BE Telephone: (0191) 256 3090

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 106 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

Works with: Members of the general public, providing all kinds of health-related information and advice. Provides information and referral for self-help and support groups on a variety of issues. Works with Young Carers Project on various projects, and distributes a guide aimed at the parents and carers of children with special needs and disabilities.

Referral: Drop-in and telephone, and referral from schools, colleges and young people’s groups. The service is advertised via leaflets, posters and a newsletter.

Hours: Weekdays, 10am-4pm.

Resources: Funded by Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland Mental Health NHS Trust on an ongoing basis.

13.33 North East Council on Addictions (NECA) Newcastle NECA Centre, Bridge View House, 15-23 City Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2AF Telephone: (0191) 222 1262

Works with: People experiencing difficulty around alcohol, drug use, or gambling, and their families and carers (826 people between April 2000 and February 2001, including 33 aged under 19 years). Provides: counselling (core service); Women’s Project, to enable women to access Drug and Alcohol Services more easily; Probation Community Link Project, working in four Probation Centres around Newcastle; Needle exchanges at Bridge View House and Cruddas Park. Also Crossroads Club, a ‘dry’, substance free social club and centre for indoor and outdoor activities; Medical Practice Service (counselling in four GP Practices across the city); and complementary therapies. There is a semi-independent living scheme for single people, introduced in 1996, where those with drug and alcohol addictions are able to live with support and help. There are currently six flats.

Referral: Referrals are accepted from a variety of sources including: General Practitioners and Social Workers, the Probation Service and other specialist agencies, self-referrals.

Hours: Bridge View House: Monday-Friday 9am –7.30pm. Counselling appointments available throughout office hours. Crossroads Club: Monday-Friday 6pm–9pm, Saturday–Sunday 2pm–9pm. Needle exchange at Bridge View House: Seven days a week 2pm–9pm. Complementary Therapies at Bridge View House: Monday-Friday 9am–7.30pm. Women’s Service: Monday (women only) 1pm–4pm, Monday-Friday 9am–7.30pm. Women’s project for younger females aged 16–25 years: Thursday 2pm–4pm. Young Men’s Group at Bridge View House: Wednesday 1pm–3pm.

Resources: Charitable organisation with ten branches throughout the North East. Has been running for over 25 years.

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13.34 Northern Forensic Mental Health Service for Young People In-patients: Roycroft Clinic, St Nicholas Hospital, Jubilee Road, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne Telephone: (0191) 223 2210 Out-patients: Kolvin Unit, St Nicholas House, St Nicholas Hospital, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne Telephone: (0191) 223 2226

Works with: Around 950 young people aged 11-19 years with emotional or mental health problems, including substance misusers, young offenders, young people in LA care, school excludees, young people with learning difficulties, sexual abusers, arsonists and others in need. 250 are treated as out-patients, 550 are in Young Offenders Institutions, and 150 in secure units. Young people are assessed and then offered treatment, if appropriate, over a 6-12 month period. Work includes anger management, mental health screening, group work with in-patients on substance misuse and other issues, and one-to-one work with out-patients. There is also work done with parents, including a support group, and parenting skills and anger management sessions. Research is currently being carried out by the service in conjunction with the University of Northumbria on young offenders and substance misuse.

Referral: Referral from other agencies only. Referral discussed at an allocation meeting, with out-patients being assigned to an individual worker. Comprehensive assessment for both in- and out-patients. The service is promoted via a brochure and website.

Hours: Varies depending on caseloads. Wednesday afternoons are spent on substance misuse issues.

Resources: 2 x Consultant Psychiatrists (out-patients) 2 x CPN 56 x Nursing Staff (in-patients) The service has been running for 5-6 years and is ongoing.

13.35 Northumbria Police Youth Issues Officers East Area Command: Clifford Street Police Station, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne North Area Command: Etal Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne West Area Command: Westgate Road Police Station, Newcastle upon Tyne Telephone: (0191) 214 6555

Works with: Young people aged up to 18 years. Schools, young people’s services and other statutory and voluntary organisations that work with young people. Areas of work include citizenship, behaviour, relationships, and other issues according to expressed need or interest. If substance misuse is an issue, will refer to or seek assistance and support from relevant local agencies.

Resources: 3 x Youth Issues Officers (1 based in each of East, North and West Area Commands)

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13.36 Outpost Housing Project 13 St James Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4NF Telephone: (0191) 222 1937

Works with: 25-30 young people aged 16-25 years, who are lesbian or gay and are homeless or have a housing need, providing supported housing and related services. Provides information about drugs and offers referral to specialist services, if appropriate.

Referral: Self-referral or referral from other agencies, followed by interview to ensure referral fits project criteria.

Resources: 2 x full time Project Workers The project has been running for 6 years and is ongoing, depending on funding.

13.37 Phoenix House Adult Residential Unit Westoe Drive, South Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE33 3EW. Telephone: (0191) 454 5544

Works with: Adults aged 18 years and over, though younger people may be admitted in exceptional circumstances. Provides residential and non-residential care, rehabilitation and community support. Detoxification by arrangement. Drug-free. After a four-week induction period, clients take part in a seven-month programme of therapeutic group work, followed by six months in a halfway house. Also prisoner and ex-offender liaison services, street level outreach work, advocacy and tenancy support. This is part of a national charity and social landlord, and although Phoenix House is not actually within Newcastle upon Tyne, City residents may be referred to it.

Referral: By phone or letter, from any source including the client, followed by interview. Time from referral to acceptance is around a fortnight.

Hours: 24 hour on-call system.

Resources: 23 paid staff. Keyworker system. Can accommodate 39 in the main house and nine in a halfway house. South Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council is the registering authority.

13.38 POKIT (Parents of Kids in Trouble) C/o Riverside Community Health Project, Atkinson Road, Benwell, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 8XS Telephone: (0191) 226 0754

Works with: Approximately 70 parents (and, indirectly, 30-35 young people aged 13-19 years) and families of young people in trouble during 2000. Offers direct support, help and

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 109 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 information about other relevant services. Telephone help, group discussions, and one-to-one work with individuals.

Referral: Via telephone.

Resources: Resources available have increased during 2001 by around 50% - it is expected that this will lead to expansion of the work.

13.39 Praxis Elswick Lodge, 128 Park Close, Elswick, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 6SB Telephone: (0191) 273 4558

Works with: A crisis service offering residential help for men and women with mental health problems related to drug/alcohol misuse. Independent living is aimed for through crisis intervention which consists of group work and individual counselling. The service is involved in a number of residential projects including a homeless unit for women and their children. The main hostel has 10 beds, and the women and children project has 2 properties each facilitating 3 women plus their children. There are also 4 satellite houses with 4 beds in each for both men and women who are homeless and in need of support. Accepts self-referrals.

Referrals: Referrals are via all the main services and individuals can self-refer.

Resources: A voluntary sector service.

13.40 Pupil Referral Units (PRU) Education Otherwise Than At Schools Service (EOTASS) Telephone: (0191) 267 4447

Parkway PRU, Hillhead Parkway, Chapel House Estate, Newcastle upon Tyne. Telephone: (0191) 267 4447

Works with: Pupils who have been permanently excluded from school, or who have recently moved into the LEA area and who require assessment. Occasional work with pupils who are at risk of exclusion.

Ashlyns PRU, Silverhill Centre, Benwell Hill Road, Newcastle upon Tyne Telephone: (0191) 228 0517

Works with: Girls who are at or beyond the 12th week of pregnancy, or who have moved into the LEA area, are of school age and have a baby (as at July 2000, 21 girls and 12 babies were attending Ashlyns). Provides part-time schooling.

Harbour West, West Denton High School, West Denton Way, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 2SZ Telephone (0191) 264 0590

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Works with: Pupils with school phobia who have been referred by at least two of the following: the Educational Psychology Service, the Child Psychiatric Service, and the Educational Welfare Service.

Hospital Teaching Service, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle upon Tyne Telephone: (0191) 233 0764

Works with: Children of school age who have a stay in hospital lasting more than five days. Pupils may also receive home tuition on medical grounds, following referral from a consultant paediatrician.

13.41 Prisons and Youth Offenders Institutions (YOIs) There are no prisons or YOIs in Newcastle upon Tyne. The nearest ones are in Northumberland at the addresses shown below.

Young Offenders: HM YOI Castington, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE65 9XF Telephone: (01670) 762 100

18 years and over: HMP Acklington, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE65 9XF Telephone: (01670) 760 411

13.42 Safer Newcastle Partnership Lynwood Business Development Centre, Lynwood Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 6UL Telephone: (0191) 273 2233

Works with: Grassroots community projects concerned with community safety. Includes youth consultation and youth issues such as challenging and anti-social behaviour, exclusion, housing difficulties, music and dance. The Youth Development Worker is involved in a variety of projects that promote the involvement of young people in crime and community safety agenda.

13.43 School Health East: Geoffrey Rhodes Centre, Algernon Road, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 2UZ Telephone: (0191) 219 4677 North: Gosforth Clinic, Church Road, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne West: Arthurs Hill Clinic, Douglas Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 6BT Telephone: (0191) 215 5190

Works with: School pupils aged 5-18 years. All health needs, including health promotion, health screening, social needs, mental health, behavioural problems, sex education, general health education, and support for parents and carers. One-to-one support for young people with substance misuse or other problems if required.

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13.44 Scotswood Women’s Drug Support Group 21 Woodstock Road, Scotswood, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 6HE Telephone: (0191) 228 0642

Works with: Around 30 families in the West End. Offers a local support group for local women who have someone within their families who is or has been misusing substances, and grandparents caring for their grandchildren, whose parents misuse drugs. Provides one-to-one counselling, group work, referrals, information, advice, and other services according to need.

Referral: Telephone or drop in. Referral from other agencies.

Hours: Group session Thursday 10am-12. An additional session is to be introduced, possibly on Mondays. Open for drop-in and telephone from 9.30am-5pm every weekday.

Resources: 1 x full time Project Worker 1 x part time Admin Worker The project is funded by HAZ and SRB5 and managed by women from the local community. An application has recently been submitted to extend the work with a 24- hour help line for families of drug users.

13.45 Stepping Stones 11/12 Lansdowne Crescent, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2PW Telephone: (0191) 284 3201

Works with: Young people who are homeless or who have a housing need.

13.46 Streetwise 1st Floor, 35-37 Groat Market, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1QU Telephone: (0191) 230 5533

Works with: Around 5,000 contacts with 13-25 year olds during the year 1999/2000. Provides information, advice, support and counselling on a number of issues including contraception, sexual health, substance misuse, and other areas according to expressed need. Drug service for under 18s with Specialist CAMHS Nurse on an appointment basis. Also provides contraception and sexual health services, and refers young people on to appropriate services.

Referrals: Drop-in or telephone, and referred by other agencies. Appointments for drug service or counselling by appointment.

Hours: General drop-in: Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 1-5pm, Thursday 1-7pm. Sexual health and contraception sessions: 2-4.30pm Monday, 4-6.30pm Thursday, 10-11am

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Saturday (under 18 girls only), and 11.30am-1pm Saturday (under 18 boys only). Drug service and counselling be appointment.

Resources: 3 x full time Project Workers

13.47 Them Wifies Floor 2, British India House, Carliol Square, Newcastle upon Tyne Telephone: (0191) 261 8216

Works with: 30 young women aged 11+ years. Runs weekly sessions, using drama and visual arts as a tool to explore issues relevant to young women. Drug and alcohol-related work is a common request. Includes work with young women’s groups in disadvantaged areas, and a disabled women’s group. Around one third of service users are thought to be vulnerable to substance misuse. Currently working with POKIT to help design and deliver a parenting course. Recently delivered an under 16’s alcohol project with the Brilliant Stars, a Scotswood-based group of 13-16 year old girls, as part of a Tyne and Wear-wide initiative funded by HAZ.

Referral: Young people are usually referred by word of mouth, by other young people. The groups are closed due to the nature of the work.

Resources: 1 x full time Project Worker 1 x part time Project Worker (18.5 hours) The project has been running for around nine years. It has time-limited funding for three years, after which additional funding will be sought according to need.

13.48 Turning Point Arrest Referral Scheme East Area Command, Clifford Street Police Station, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1EA Telephone: (0191) 221 8812 North Area Command, Etal Lane Police Station West Area Command, Westgate Road Police Station, Newcastle upon Tyne

Works with: People aged 17 years and over in the criminal justice system, including those who have needs around substance misuse. 217 clients were assessed in the first six months of the service. Carries out detailed needs assessments (on a voluntary basis), provides information and refers people to the appropriate services. Offers general support, referral to housing agencies, help with benefits, employment, education and other areas. Provides support to clients’ families and refers them to other services if necessary. Referral: Engages with people who are in police or court custody, those who express interest or need receive a follow-up appointment. Hours: Visits to cells: 8-10am Monday to Friday, 8.30-10am Saturday. Follow-up appointments: afternoons, Monday to Friday.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 113 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

Resources: 3 x full time Project Workers 1 x half time Team Leader (who also co-ordinates Tyne and Wear-wide work) The service began in July 2000 and is funded by DAT agencies and the Home Office. Funding is due to run out in April 2002. National Arrest Referral Schemes are waiting to find out what will happen after this time.

13.49 Tyneside Cyrenians Ron Eager House, 214 Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 6AN Telephone: (0191) 232 5699

Roycroft House, 219 Westgate Hill, Newcatsle upon Tyne Telephone: (0191) 260 2171

Works with: Homeless people and those with a housing need. Provides a drop-in facility, help and support with accommodation, contact with a Youth Outreach Worker (on site one day a week, funded by Barnardo’s), and referral to drug agencies if appropriate. Has 115 bed spaces for homeless people aged 18 years and over. Referral: Drop-in centre. No ongoing contact. Resources: 3 x full time Workers 4 x part time Workers (1 x 13, 1 x 23, 1 x 24, 1 x 25 hours) The Centre is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 7.30am to 4pm, and Sunday from 8am to 1pm.

13.50 Wavelength 8a Graingerville North, West Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 6UJ Telephone: (0191) 272 3817

Works with: Young men aged 16-25 years. Offers supported accommodation for between 6 months and a year, ongoing contact with a Keyworker and support, information and help on a range of issues. Works on life skills and preparing tenants for living independently. Three bed spaces for young people coming from Probation, and six for those who are homeless.

Referral: Usually from Probation, YOT, or Social Services, and young people may also self- refer. Upon application, an interview takes place within 24 hours and a decision is given by the next day. Immediate entry, depending on availability.

Hours: Support Workers daily 9am-5pm. Security night staff from 6pm-6am. Resources: 4 x full time Support Workers (One is an Addictions and Substance Misuse Worker, who works mainly in Gateshead. Another works with probation clients in Gateshead. The two others work on site). This is a Norcare project.

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13.51 West End Youth Enquiry Service 4 Graingerville North, West Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 6UJ Telephone: (0191) 273 3997

Works with: Around 2,000 young people per year aged 11-15 years living or working in the West End of Newcastle. Around 200 young people who are vulnerable to substance misuse, including homeless young people, young offenders, young people in LA care, care leavers, school excludees, young people with learning difficulties, and the children of parents with substance misuse problems. Around 12 young people who are problematic substance misusers.

Provides a one-stop shop including various specialist drop-in sessions, e.g. on substance misuse, sexual health, young carers, careers, literacy and numeracy, mental health. Also links with secondary schools in the area to do displays and awareness sessions. Has an extensive resource library including videos, games, leaflets and posters that deal with substance misuse issues. Offers drug awareness sessions to workers and young people, and is used as a venue by a specialist CAMHS nurse for meeting young people with substance misuse problems.

Referral: Drop-in or contact via email or telephone. Young people may hear about the service from youth workers or schools, and it is advertised on leaflets, posters, LED panels, displays and bus adverts. It also has its own website.

Hours: Drop-in Monday to Friday 1-5pm, plus specialist drop-in sessions at various times. Wednesday 3-5pm: alcohol and drug drop-in with CAMHS Nurse (appointment only).

Resources: 1 x full time Project Co-ordinator It has been running for 2.5 years and is funded on an ongoing basis by West Primary Care Trust, Children North East and the Local Authority.

13.52 Weston Spirit 38 Mosley Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1DF Telephone: (0191) 232 1322

Works with: Up to 1,200 socially disaffected young people aged 14-25 years across Tyne and Wear every year. Personal development and life skills approach, with accreditation. Provides short courses and long term membership. Membership involves induction and a residential week, followed by a year’s programme involving one-to-one mentoring, help, support and advice, and placements in a variety of environments. Other work and courses are also delivered, such as summer activity programmes. Substance misuse and other issues are explored during the work according to need, with referrals to other agencies and contact with specialist staff who deliver support, information and help.

Resources: 6 x Project Workers Also Sessional Workers and up to 20 volunteers per year, who receive training and support. It is a registered national charity. Funding comes from a variety of sources including the National Lottery, DfEE, New Deal, the Learning Skills Council and

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 115 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 others. The service is currently expanding and anticipates working with 3,000 young people per year within five years.

13.53 Whitley Bay Substance Misuse Project 61 Marine Avenue, Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear NE26 1NB Telephone: (0191) 251 1725

Works with: Adults over the age of 18 years. Residential accommodation with a programme of individual counselling sessions and group meetings on a variety of issues including substance misuse. Reduction programme for those using tranquilisers. Social and recreational activities. Residents have the use of a workshop for activities such as pottery, photography etc. Follow-on care and re-location to second stage accommodation. The project is not in Newcastle but is geographically close and problematic substance misusers in the City may be referred to it.

Referral: Referrals from any source, including self-referrals, by writing or telephoning. Followed by interview. Waiting list is a few weeks on average.

Hours: 24-hour on-call system

Resources: 6 x Paid Staff 1 x Volunteer A Turning Point project, registered by North Tyneside Borough Council.

13.54 YMCA Student Project C/o Student Union, Parson Building, Rye Hill Campus, Scotswood Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 7SA Telephone: (0191) 200 4594 Works with: Students and young people aged 15-25 years, including a number from vulnerable groups (asylum seekers/refugees, care leavers, young people with learning difficulties and physical disabilities); also around 7 problematic drug users. Provides informal education through youth and community work. Individual (one-to-one) work with students and group work, e.g. self-help groups. Substance misuse education and discussions may occur as a result of expressed need or requests.

Referral: Referral through word-of mouth and from other agencies, also contact via college events e.g. induction week. Advertised via posters, and a publicity leaflet, which will be available in September 2001.

13.55 Young Carers Project C/o WEYES, West Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 6UJ Telephone: (0191) 273 9997

Works with: 25-30 young carers aged up to 18 years and their parents. Supports families and raises awareness of issues facing young carers. Trains learning mentors and personal advisers to support young carers. There is also a group for young carers,

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 116 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 run jointly with the Red Cross. Includes work with 3-4 children of parents who misuse substances. The Project Leader co-wrote a report in March 2001 about substance misuse–related and other needs of young carers in the City (Robinson and Wilding, 2001).

Referral: Self-referral by telephone, or referrals from other agencies.

Resources: 1 x full time project leader funded until 2003 1 x part time development worker (25 hours) funded by SRB5 until 2004 The project has been running for one year. Its ultimate aim is to train other professionals to take up the work with young carers.

13.56 Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Service Plummer Court, Carliol Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6UR Telephone: (0191) 219 5657

Works with: Up to 80 young people up to 19 years of age per year throughout Newcastle and North Tyneside (the contract activity for the service is only 40 young people). Offers an holistic service and co-ordinated care packages tailored to young people’s needs, which covers assessment of substance misuse and other factors, one-to-one sessions with an assigned key worker, age-appropriate support and help with a variety of life issues. Most young people are seen off-premises, for instance during sessions at Streetwise, at GP surgeries, and in clients’ homes. The service also provides an out-patient detox service to children and young people engaged in substance misuse (approximately ten young people per year are treated). Also provides detox to young people from across the North East region by arrangement with Health Authorities. Plummer Court is the administrative base only.

Referral: Referral from primary care, and other Tier 1 and 2 services via phone call or letter. All referred young people are assessed. Self-referral also sometimes occurs. The service will also refer young people to other services appropriate to their needs.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm by appointment.

Resources: 1 x full time Senior Clinical Nurse 1 x Staff Nurse 1 x Consultant Psychiatrist in Addictions (Sessional) 1 x Consultant Child Psychiatrist (Sessional) 1 x Consultant Clinical Psychologist (Sessional) 0.5 x A Grade Psychologist (position vacant) The service currently has funding for three years from the Health Authority’s (adult) substance misuse allocation. The service is to some extent reliant on the adult Drug and Alcohol Service at Plummer Court, using their resources and medication supplies, and receiving help from medical staff and other professionals.

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13.57 Youth Offending Team (YOT) 1 St James Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4NE Telephone: (0191) 261 7583

Works with: Young people in the Youth Justice System. Provides a full range of youth justice services including crime prevention, pre-court and court-based support, remand services, through-care and aftercare, and consultation and training work.

Resources: 1 x YOT Manager 1 x Team Manager 7.5 x Social Workers 3 x Probation Officers 1 x Police Officer 3 x Bail Support Workers 1 x Educational Welfare Officer 1 x Careers Officer The YOT is a multi-agency team linking the City Council, Northumbria Probation Service, Northumbria Police and Newcastle and North Tyneside Health Authority. It was implemented in April 2000 and is ongoing.

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14 Tiers of service

In 1996, the Health Advisory Service proposed a structure for the classification of services aimed at young people with regard to substance misuse (HAS, 1996). It involves arranging services into one of four tiers according to the type of work they do. The four tiers are:

Tier 1: Primary and direct access services aimed at all young people. Tier 2: Services provided by individual practitioners who have some specialist knowledge of drugs and alcohol. Tier 3: Specialist agencies in which staff work together in teams. Tier 4: Very specialised care and interventions.

This section gives brief details of substance misuse services targeting young people in Newcastle upon Tyne, arranged according to the four-tier system. These tiers are not mutually exclusive and some services fit into more than one tier. When this is the case, the service is listed within each tier its work fits into. There is also contact and joint working between services both within and across tiers. For fuller details of the work done by each individual service, organisation, or agency see the ‘directory of services’ in the previous section.

14.1 Tier 1 services Tier 1 involves primary and direct access services that are aimed at all young people. Key tasks include: i. Promoting access to services. ii. Providing information, advice and support in an accessible environment. iii. Assessment of levels of drug and alcohol use, associated problems, and other vulnerability factors in young people. iv. Assessing urgency of problems and taking appropriate action. v. Offering crisis management. vi. Giving appropriate initial counselling. vii. Making appropriate referrals. viii. Playing a continued role in patient care.

14.1.1 Tier 1 services in Newcastle East End Youth Information Project Pupil Referral Units GPs Social Services The Greenline Social Workers Health Visitors Schools Newcastle and North Tyneside Health School Health Promotion Department Teachers NHS Patient Information Centre Streetwise Northumbria Police Youth Issues West End Youth Enquiry Service Officers YMCA Student Project Paediatricians

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14.2 Tier 2 services Tier 2 involves services provided by individual practitioners who have some specialist knowledge of drugs and alcohol. Key tasks include: i. Responding to the tasks of Tier 1. ii. Assessing individuals for appropriate referral to more specialised services. iii. Co-working with specialist agencies. iv. Providing training and support to Tier 1 staff. v. Providing counselling about substance misuse. vi. Providing support to parents and carers. vii. Offering outreach.

14.2.1 Tier 2 services in Newcastle Adfam International LEA Health and Drug Education Alcoholics Anonymous Newcastle and North Tyneside Health Baseline Promotion Department Body Positive North East Northumbria Police Youth Issues Officers Brunswick Young Peoples Project Outpost Housing Project Byker Bridge Housing Association POKIT Byker Sands Family Centres Pupil Referral Units Choose Life Safer Newcastle Partnership Drugs Awareness Programme School Health East End Youth Information Project Scotswood Women’s Support Group Education Welfare Service Stepping Stones Family Link Project Them Wifies Governors Training and Support Co- ordinator Tyneside Cyrenians The Greenline West End Youth Enquiry Service Inline Newcastle Young Carers Project Joseph Cowen Health Centre

14.3 Tier 3 services Tier 3 services are specialist agencies in which staff work together in teams. Key tasks include: i. Responding to the key tasks of Tiers 1 and 2. ii. Providing specialised services based on multi-disciplinary team working and co-working across agency boundaries. iii. Providing training and support to Tier 1 and 2 staff. iv. Assessing and appropriately referring individuals for inpatient or residential interventions and Tier 4 services.

14.3.1 Tier 3 services in Newcastle Brunswick Young People’s Project Educational Achievement Byker Bridge Housing Association Team/Looked After Children CAMHS Educational Psychology Service Choose Life Educational Welfare Service

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Fairbridge Northern Forensic Mental Health Harm Reduction Nurses Service for Young People Inline Newcastle Praxis LEA Social Services Leaving Care Support Team Turning Point Nacro Community Remand Project Wavelength Newcastle and North Tyneside Shared Weston Spirit Care Whitley Bay Substance Misuse Project Newcastle Independence Network Youth Offending Team NECA

14.4 Tier 4 services Tier 4 services involve intensive and highly specialised medical interventions for young people who are misusing substances. These may involve: i. Inpatient detoxification and withdrawal regimes. ii. Intensive treatments for specific substance misuse disorders. iii. Care and treatment of children and young people in secure provision. iv. Highly specialised clinics for young people with significant problems arising from two or more co-morbid disorders. v. Specialist rehabilitation.

14.4.1 Tier 4 services in Newcastle CAMHS Newcastle and North Tyneside Drug and Alcohol Service Newcastle and North Tyneside Shared Care Scheme Newcastle and North Tyneside Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Service Phoenix House (South Shields) Praxis Whitley Bay Substance Misuse Project (Whitley Bay)

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14.5 Partnership work In the questionnaires sent out to local agencies, they were asked about the work they did in partnership with other groups, agencies and organisations.

Most agencies doing general work with young people reported working with one or two key local agencies in their work around young people’s substance misuse. The most commonly mentioned were NECA and Plummer Court (the venue of Newcastle and North Tyneside Drug and Alcohol Service and the Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Service), although Streetwise and Turning Point were also often mentioned. Most of these groups listed only one or two partner agencies, if any, for substance misuse issues. A minority worked with, or were members of, the DAT.

Other groups that did more work around substance misuse, or worked with vulnerable young people, had contact with up to 6 or 7 partners. Again, NECA and Plummer Court were the main points of contact, with other contacts varying according to the nature of each group’s work.

Inter-agency working appears to be more common between statutory agencies, such as social services, foster care, the Educational Achievement Team, and Community and Housing. However, there was also evidence of agencies working with other groups who did the same kind of work. For instance, different projects working with homeless people reported frequent contact with each other.

14.5.1 Ways of joint working Most local agencies doing general youth work sometimes contact substance misuse agencies to get advice and specialised information, usually in response to requests received from young people, or situations they encounter in their work. Another common reason for contact is to ask advice about referrals.

For more specialised services involving vulnerable young people, work with other agencies encompasses joint initiatives and research studies, two-way referral systems and policy-making. Some examples of current and recent inter-agency working are included below:

1. Inline Newcastle, Newcastle Independence Network, and Community and Housing are currently working together to draft a standard assessment process in order to link young people in need with the correct support services.

2. The Young Carers Projects in Newcastle and North Tyneside were recently planning a joint piece of work, along with Turning Point, to consult with the children of problem drinkers and drug misusers in order to plan work to address their needs more fully. The plans included a poster campaign and improved information and referral networks for these young people. Plans have had to be put on hold due to changes in Turning Point and the North Tyneside project, but Newcastle Young Carers Project is still hoping that this work will go ahead.

3. The Educational Psychology Service is carrying out research in conjunction with the LEA on the link between school exclusions and substance misuse.

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14.6 Young people’s perceptions of services As part of the research for this Needs Assessment, some research sessions were carried out involving 32 local young people, using Participatory Appraisal methods. One of the things they were asked about was their knowledge and perceptions of local youth services. These included any places or people they would go to if they wanted information, help or advice about drugs or alcohol, or if they had a problem related to substance misuse. They were also asked to describe their ‘ideal service’. Their responses are given in this section.

14.6.1 The need for services around drugs Participants in several of the sessions said they felt they would never have any need of services around drug misuse. They felt that they could control their own drug use (some of those involved reported using drugs), and if they did have any problems, they would deal with them themselves. Most also said that they had enough knowledge about different types of drugs, and would not need any further information from services.

Some participants who were users of drugs felt that they knew how to deal with occasions when they had taken too much or had a bad experience. One said if you felt bad you should ‘sit in the fresh air and drink loads of water’, while another individual said you should ‘just chill out’. One participant said he would “just deal with it myself - I am the most sensible person I know”.

Several participants said that drug services were only for ‘smackheads’ (heroin addicts). All of the young people were very disapproving of anyone taking heroin, and many felt that it was a waste of money to fund services just for people who take heroin: ‘it’s their own fault’. Also they felt that services would not be effective in helping users to stop taking heroin: ‘once a smackhead, always a smackhead’. However, even those participants with these views thought the families of people with heroin problems should be able to receive help and counselling.

Participants thought that some young people in Newcastle do have problems with drugs, but that these individuals themselves are not usually aware that they have a problem. The problems that participants thought people might have as a result of taking drugs included taking too much, changing your personality, changing your life, stealing, and looking scruffy.

Young people in several of the sessions felt that treatment should be compulsory for people with substance misuse problems. Their ideas for successful substance misuse treatment included locking people in a cell, or tying them to a chair until they were clean. Several participants suggested that the use of force or violence is justifiable where substance misusers are concerned.

Young people in one of the sessions, who had had more experience of the services available and had been to one or more of them for help (most had been to several), had different views about services, and were less conservative in their opinions about appropriate and useful treatment. While completing the timeline exercise, a participant in this group wrote this about his experience of local services: ‘experience of other services: problems acquiring finance/funding can occur from area to area. Newcastle Social Services quite helpful. Hexham/Tynedale will not accept there is a problem therefore they would rather deny…Small Minded Middle Class Crap’.

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14.6.2 Knowledge of local services The complete range of services, places and people mentioned by the young people are listed below, along with comments and points raised by participants.

Blakelaw Health Centre. One group of participants, who regularly attended this project, said this was about the only place in the area for them to go to. Youth workers in this area also said that there is little other youth provision locally.

Doctors and GPs. Some participants said they would go to the doctor for help, but others would not (this was usually for personal reasons – for example, because they did not like their doctor). Participants were aware that most doctors’ surgeries keep leaflets about drugs, and that doctors can also be asked for help and referrals to specialist agencies and counsellors.

Drugs counsellors. Members of one group felt that there were a lot of poor counsellors around. Participants said it is important that counsellors have experience of drugs – including having taken them themselves: ‘No one can explain drugs unless they’ve took them’, ‘need to have to taken drugs to know about it’. One participant mentioned that a good counsellor was one with a proven track record: ‘Someone who has got other people off it’. Another individual said that counselling is effective only if people undergo it voluntarily.

English Martyrs Youth Club (Blakelaw). Young people who lived near this project said they used to go there, and to other similar places in the area, but they felt that they had now grown out of it, as it was mainly for 11 year olds and under: ‘full of little bairns’.

Fairbridge. One young person said that a counsellor had made him join Fairbridge, but he thought it was a really good project, with lots of things to do and other young people in a similar situation to make friends with.

Friends. Many of the young people said most of their drug knowledge had come from their friends and peers. They did not think that all of this information was accurate, however.

Hospital. Some young people said this was the only place they would think of going for problems related to drugs, and then only in an emergency.

John Boste Youth Centre. This was close to a venue in which two of the PA sessions were held. Participants said it keeps leaflets giving accurate information about drugs, but most said they would not usually go there for drugs advice. One participant wrote that the ‘workers are shit’. Others said that the workers had no control over the young people there, and that it was full of younger kids.

Kolvin Unit. One participant had been referred to the Kolvin Unit by his GP, to see a counsellor about drug use and other issues. This individual said he did not find this helpful, and said that the counsellor was someone who had only learned about drugs through reading books, so they did not know what they were talking about.

Nacro. One of the PA sessions was held here. Participants at this session said that Nacro gives them something else to do, and stops them thinking about drugs all the time. ‘Having something to do all day makes all the difference.’

NECA (Walker). This was just opposite a venue in which two PA sessions were held. Most of the participants at these sessions were not really aware of NECA, even though it was local. One

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 124 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 said ‘smackheads go there’. Others thought that it had closed down, or were not sure exactly what went on there. Young people reported that they did not know of anyone who just smoked tac (cannabis) or took other drugs going there. One young person had been to NECA with problems about cocaine use. He said that it did not help him and he ended up at Turning Point, which he found more useful.

Plummer Court (Newcastle and North Tyneside Drug and Alcohol Service and Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Service are based here). This was described by participants as ‘full of skagheads’. It was also said that the counsellors in such places ‘have never had a joint in their lives…don’t know what they’re talking about’.

School. All participants who mentioned school said they had received little helpful information there. Some of them had received leaflets about drugs at school, some had had no drugs education at all, and some thought they had had some but could not remember it. Participants said that at school, you were given an overall ‘drugs are bad’ message (this was ‘too simple’, according to one young person) but on the whole, schools ‘didn’t really tell you anything’. Some young people reported getting some drug education in Year 7 (age 11-12 years) but said it did not have enough depth to be useful to them. In PSE lessons they did other subjects such as first aid and careers instead. Participants said they would not approach a teacher if they had a problem with drugs. “Some of the teachers just look down on you just think that you’re another person that lives on a council estate and is gonna get nowhere”. Participants said they would not go to the school for help or information. One participant suggested that schools should have advisers that you can talk to about drugs and other problems. There was a suggestion that there should be a youth worker and a doctor available at school. It was also thought that schools should listen to pupils more and respond to their needs.

Television and media. Some of the young people said they would welcome more information on television and through other media about drugs and alcohol ‘so we know what we’re getting into’. Older participants said that the music press usually has good and accurate information about drugs – more so than other media. Newspapers in particular were criticised by this group – they were said to be all about shock value, and they often had the facts wrong.

Turning Point. Several young people had been in contact with Turning Point and had found it helpful, but did not specify why. Turning Point was cited by one group as a good example of an ideal service.

Walker YMCA. Two groups of young people taking part in the research attend this project regularly. They said this was the first place they would think of going to. The reasons they gave included: they already know the place, they like and trust the staff (‘staff’s classy’), and they prefer to talk to someone they know. They also thought the YMCA staff would be able to help them to access any other services they were in need of. Comments included: ‘Workers dead friendly – so would come here’, ‘if friend had problem – would talk to YMCA workers’, and ‘know people trust people’.

Walkergate Clinic. There was a difference of opinion about the range of help and services this clinic actually provided. Some thought it was a family planning clinic only, while others said it offered a wider range of services. Participants said the clinic was too far away to use: ‘Wouldn’t use cos it was too far to walk, would feel stupid, would prefer to talk to someone we know’.

‘Whitley Bay drug counsellors’. When asked about services for people with drug-related problems, this was the only service one group rated as worth bothering with.

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14.6.3 Vulnerable young people and their perceptions of services Fifteen vulnerable young people were interviewed in a discrete piece of work, with the findings contributing towards this report. They were asked about their perceptions of local services, and suggestions for improvements. As most were individuals who had particular needs, and who also had had more contact with the services available for vulnerable young people and those with drug-related problems, their views, insights, and suggestions are likely to be different from those of other young people. Therefore the findings from vulnerable young people are reported separately from those of other young people. The main points arising from these interviews are summarised below. i. There need to be more services for people with drug problems, particularly out-of-hours services, more drugs counsellors, and a ‘detox centre’. ii. Waiting lists were thought to be a problem. Some individuals said they had to wait 3-4 months after registering to be put on a drug treatment programme. This was described as ‘dangerous and wrong…you could be dead by then’. iii. Methadone programmes were seen as crucial to getting off drugs and reducing drug- related crime, but very hard to get on to: ‘getting on a Methadone programme only happens in fairy tales doesn’t it’. Going to a GP or chemist for Methadone was suggested as better than going to a central drug service. iv. One individual said NECA needs its facilities upgraded, a proper needle exchange, a ‘chill out’ room for those under the influence of drugs, and better wages for staff. v. ‘Plummer Court’ was criticised by drug users, though it is thought because of their ages that they were referring to the adult drug and alcohol service. It was thought that few people actually use the service, and ‘you get chucked out for the least thing’. The service is also thought to provide a venue that brings drug users together, and this is more likely to make them lapse. vi. Vulnerable young people and those using drugs have all kinds of needs, not just substance misuse needs. There is a need for a generic service, with workers who can help individuals with the range of problems they may face. vii. These young people requested that workers in such a service should be caring, friendly, and trustworthy: ‘you need projects where you can…talk to someone and they’ll listen and take you for who you are’. One individual spoke of a service in Oxford in which all the workers are ex-drug users. He felt this helped them to understand what drug users are going through and this made them more helpful.

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14.6.4 Ideal service  Driving lessons  Shutters Participants were asked  Drug adviser  Sky on digital what would be an ‘ideal  Drugs advice  Someone to phone service’ for them to use  Drugs session 2 a  Sport for drug advice, week  Sports stuff information, and help.  Fitness equipment  Sweet machine The answers they gave  Footrests  Swimming pool related to four areas –  Group activities  Sunbeds the facilities and  Group therapy  Sun loungers features of the service,  Gym  Trips opening hours, the type  Head massage  TV of drugs information  Internet access  Walk in all the time! available and the way it  John Marley Centre  Workers should be delivered, and  Laptop the ideal type of people  Leaflets to be members of staff.  Life skills course The comments and  Magazines suggestions they made  McDonalds are included below.  Messages Facilities, features and  Mother or father + things to do baby service,  Access to other drug  Motorbikes users  Motorvating youth  Acupuncture (Condercum Road)  Bandits  Music sampling  Big garden course  Boxing  Nice sofas  Cafe + kitchen  No stoners!  Cameras  Occupy their minds  Camping trips  121 therapy  Cars  Orange and yellow  Cells  Own worker  Chill out place  PC course  Clothes shop  Pinball (Rebel)  Pool and snooker  College club  Colours – bright  Pop machines  Colours realistic  Posters  Comfortable chairs  Racing (cars and motorbikes)  Comfy seats  Radios  Computers  Rakae  Crèche  Random drug tests  Decks  Reflexology  Detached work  Scran van (cheap or  Dinner on Friday (as for nothing) a group)  Section for  Disco counselling  DJ course

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Some participants suggested having different days for girls and boys to attend, though not all agreed with this. Others suggested that there should be different things happening each day of the week, such as a session for drug problems one day, one for alcohol problems the next, and so on. There was quite a lot of emphasis on having a wide range of activities in the ideal service. As the list above shows, not all of these were related to drugs. Several groups said that the ideal service should not be purely drugs-based but that it should be a place where young people felt comfortable and that there were things to do to keep them occupied. Activities that give young people something else to do, and prevent them ‘taking drugs or getting into trouble’, were said to be important. Some participants wanted to learn useful things like how to fix cars and bikes, others wanted trips away or other activities. One group agreed that anything that would keep their minds occupied would help, such as the opportunity to ‘go to work every day’. It was suggested by one participant that things that will make you look better, such as sun beds and beauty treatments, will make people feel better about themselves and will raise their self-esteem. This could help them to stop using drugs. There were some differences of opinion about security and access. Some people said that there should be open access for everyone, instead of having a service just for people with drug problems. Some participants felt that places like NECA were ‘full of skagheads’, and they wanted their ideal service to be more ‘normal’. Security was important to some of the groups. One participant said that every new place opened locally gets ’smashed or burnt or something’. Also participants said that the last laptop they had at this particular venue had been stolen, so they thought security was important to prevent thefts. Ideas for security included cameras and shutters on the windows. Others said there should be a person check on every client. The idea of this was to ensure that the people there were not dangerous or criminals. As far as more focused help for drugs problems was concerned, the following things were mentioned: doctors and help with health problems; ‘weekly meetings with staff to find out where base problems lie (one 2 one)’; help and somewhere to go for young people whose parents are on drugs. ‘Keep halfway houses confidential for residents safety, Applying boundaries on oneself Applying boundaries put on you by others. Over time changing patterns, confronting challenging behaviour, group/121 therapy. Over time regain freedom with more insights into problems/risks. Put planks into your life to fill in time keep your mind busy (hobbies, sports, interests etc.’ Much of the above was discussed in a group whose members had had problems relating to their drug use. There was some discussion about the methods that had been used in services they had been in contact with. The group was divided about some methods, with several participants saying they thought group sessions or being shouted at by workers was not helpful. However, most agreed that on the whole, a lot of what they went through was helpful to them in the end. Participants in other groups suggested that the ideal service should have cells in it, to lock people up while they were withdrawing from harder drugs.

Opening hours Some participants wanted their ideal service to be open all the time: “24 hours, 24/7”, “Open 24 hours a day”. Others were more realistic: “1.30 until 5 o’clock, people anytime”, and “9AM – 6PM, 24 hour helpline, home visits”. One participant said they wanted the ideal service to open as soon as possible, preferably “next week”.

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Best ways to deliver drug and alcohol information Most participants said they thought that ‘shock tactics’ style pictures to put you off taking drugs were a good idea: ‘paintings on the wall of people who are in hospital with drugs’, ‘gruesome pics’. Some participants felt cartoon-style information was best, while others preferred realistic information and pictures. Videos were also mentioned as a good way of giving information. One young person thought posters on the walls were best, in case you did not want to actually ask anyone about drugs because you were shy or did not want to look stupid. Participants said that these could have information about the effects of drugs to put you off. One group of participants suggested that posters and other information materials would be most effective if they were designed by young people themselves. Some participants had seen information in pubs and clubs that emphasised harm reduction – they said that the goal of harm reduction was more realistic because it would be very difficult to reduce the supply of drugs or the number of young people taking them (especially while it is all illegal – they felt this makes it much harder to control).

Ideal workers Most of the young people in the sessions agreed that they wanted workers that they know, saying that if you see the same people every time, you are more likely to trust them. “Same people, same youth workers! Same people so they know you and you don’t have to tell everyone your problem again and again and everyone is friendly”. Several young people said the workers that they already knew at each of the projects we visited would be best as workers in the ideal service. One young person suggested that there should be “ex-drug users come in 2 talk” to young people, or at least people who have actually tried drugs, instead of just reading about it. Not teachers, police or others who are seen as being in authority. ‘Normal people’ One participant named one of their workers, saying that they wanted ‘more workers like (worker) ‘cos he’s always smiling’. ‘Nice people, friendly staff for shy people, staff who act like us’ ‘Helpful worker’s act like us, good listener’. ‘Normal people, youth workers, criminals with knowledge, birds’. One participant described a drugs worker he had found very helpful: “got me off drugs (cocaine) good to talk to, she had used drugs herself, someone to talk about”. Participants in this group also noted that they would like a worker like the one they already had, as they said you could talk to her.

Seven local youth workers took part in a similar exercise in which they described what they considered to be the ‘ideal service’. Their main specification was that the ideal service should be a ‘one-stop shop’ offering all services that young people may need to access under one roof. They also thought that friendly, non-judgmental staff was important, as well as a long-term commitment to funding the service. Immediately accessible help and no waiting lists was also a key issue for workers.

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15 The Young People’s Dataset for Newcastle upon Tyne

The young people’s dataset for Newcastle upon Tyne has been completed as a separate document on an Access file for submission to the United Kingdom Anti- Drugs Co-ordination Unit (UKADCU). The information contained in the dataset is reproduced in this section, along with explanatory notes.

It is important to note that some of the information required for the dataset was either not available at all, or not available in the correct format for insertion into the dataset. This means that the dataset is not complete. In instances where figures are given as 0, this may indicate that there were no cases (e.g. individuals or agencies) found that fit into the category in question, or that no information was available. It is stressed that instances where unmet need is calculated as 0 do not necessarily mean that all needs are being fully met.

The purpose of this section is to give further information regarding the origin of the figures used within the dataset, any problems encountered in accessing information, and supporting qualitative information. It is recommended that the Dataset is not used without reference to these explanatory notes.

15.1 Young people in Newcastle upon Tyne Table 71 contains the dataset information showing the number of young people in education in Newcastle upon Tyne. DfES provided this information. The first two figures, showing the numbers of 5-11 year olds and 11-16 year olds in the area, date from the most recent academic year (2000/2001). The figures regarding 16 and 17 year olds in education is from 1998/1999.

The most recent figures available from the ONS – dating from 1999 - show that the total number of young people aged 19 years and under in Newcastle upon Tyne is 67,800. Discounting children aged under 5 years, the total is 52,700. Information is not kept in a form that would enable the calculation of the number of young people aged under 19 years – which is the target group for this needs assessment.

Table 71: Young people in education by age

5-11 year old 11-16 year old % 16 year olds in % 17 year olds in children children education education 20,963 21,470 73 63

15.2 Ethnicity data Table 72 shows the ethnic background of school pupils in Newcastle upon Tyne, by giving the percentage of the total school population that is represented by each ethnic group. DfES provided this information, which dates from 1999. This was the most recent information available.

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Table 72: Ethnic background of school pupils in Newcastle upon Tyne

White Indian Pakistani Bangladeshi Other 92.1 0.8 2.7 1.9 1.6 Black Black African Black other Black total Caribbean 0.05 0.2 0.2 0.45

15.3 Drug education: Output 1 Output 1: All young people to receive substance misuse education in line with DfEE guidance.

Table 73 gives information about the number of maintained schools in Newcastle upon Tyne that deliver drug education to their pupils.

Table 73: Maintained schools delivering drug education

Type of school Total number Estimated Unmet need number providing drug education Primary schools 76 76 0 Secondary schools 21 21 0 Special schools 4 4 0

The LEA Health and Drugs Education Team has reported that all maintained schools in Newcastle do provide some kind of drug education to pupils. However, no information was available regarding the quantity or quality of education being given by individual schools. The team is currently working to improve the quality of programmes according to Quality Standards issues by SCODA in 1999.

Aside from maintained schools, there are a number of independent schools in Newcastle. DfES sources indicate that there are seven primary schools, six secondary schools and one special school in the area with independent status. The LEA has no current responsibility to work with these schools in general drug education delivery (although they can take part in the Healthy Schools Programme), and no figures are available regarding the number of independent schools delivering drug education to pupils.

Another relevant strand of current work is the Healthy Schools Programme. By October 2001, 29 schools in the area will have current Healthy Schools status, and an additional 20 will be either working towards a Healthy Schools award or will have lapsed Healthy Schools status. To qualify as a Healthy School, schools must have standardised drug education policies of a prescribed standard. Therefore, this indicates that at least 49 schools (around half of the total maintained schools) are delivering high quality drug education.

The LEA Health and Drugs Education Co-ordinator for Newcastle upon Tyne provided information collected in March 2001 showing the number of schools in the

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 131 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 area with policies on drug education and handling drug-related incidents. This information is included in table 74 below. It is likely that these figures underestimate the actual number with policies, as only 60% of schools responded to this survey.

Table 74: Schools with drug education and drug-related incident policies (2001)

% of maintained schools with drug education and incident policies Primary schools Secondary schools Special schools 61 85 45

Newcastle Outer West Schools Drug Education Initiative in 1996 involved 28 schools in the west of the City. The evaluation of this project reported that staff development and training sessions had enabled these schools to design and deliver appropriate drugs education programmes. Nursery, first, primary, middle, secondary and special schools were all included in the work (Carlin and Dixon, 1997).

Unmet need It is hard to estimate the level of unmet need regarding young people’s drug education in schools in the City. While the figures above tell us that all schools deliver drug education, and also how many schools have drug education and drug- related incident policies, they do not tell us about the quality or quantity of drug education that is being delivered to pupils.

It is likely that there are schools in the area without policies that deliver drug education to pupils and handle drug-related incidents effectively. The lack of policies in as many as 40 schools in the area may indicate that drug education is an area of the syllabus that is being neglected, but we cannot be sure that this is the case.

The Health and Drugs Co-ordinators are targeting drug education work towards schools that have no policies or whose policies have been in place for a long time and therefore may need to be updated. They are also attempting to target the most vulnerable groups by prioritising work with secondary and special schools.

15.4 Information to parents and carers: Output 2 Output 2: All parents and carers to receive information on substance misuse and on local services.

15.4.1 Primary schools: 76 Number providing information to parents and carers: 0 Unmet need: 76

15.4.2 Secondary schools: 21 Number providing information to parents and carers: 0 Unmet need: 21

The LEA Health and Drugs Co-ordinator reports that LEA information for parents and carers is available on request, but it is not known how many schools provide information to parents and carers.

The Health Promotion Department, which is responsible for distributing free information and materials relating to all areas of health, does not routinely send out

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 132 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 information on substance misuse to all schools in the area. However, individual schools may approach the Department to specifically ask for information about substance misuse, which they can then distribute to parents and carers or to pupils themselves. Individual schools may also contact other agencies or organisations producing materials targeting parents and carers, although they may have to pay for this.

Carlin and Dixon (1997) reported that the Outer West Schools Drug Education Initiative in 1996, which involved 28 schools in the City, included the provision of good quality information and support to parents and carers. This included information leaflets, two parents’ evenings in which drug issues were presented and discussed, and ‘Caring Parents’ courses, which helped to develop parenting skills, and included reference to smoking, alcohol and the use of stimulants.

15.4.3 GPs and Health Centres: 45 Number providing information to parents and carers: 0 Unmet need: 45 It is not known how many Newcastle GP surgeries and Health Centres actually keep or distribute information about substance misuse targeting parents and carers. The Health Promotion Department does not send out materials or information as a matter of routine; however, it does have contact with all GPs in the area, and does send out information materials on a variety of health matters as requested.

15.4.4 Libraries: 22 Number providing information to parents and carers: 22 Unmet need: 0 Most of the libraries in Newcastle upon Tyne have some information in the form of posters and leaflets about drugs, alcohol and smoking. Materials are gathered in one of three ways: i. City Information Services are sent materials either on spec or by arrangement with agencies such as the City Council, Social Services, the Health Authority, or agencies and organisations dealing with particular issues. These are then distributed among the libraries in the City. ii. There are four Group Headquarters located in Denton Park (outer west), Fenham (inner west), Gosforth (north) and Walker (east). Each of these is responsible for a number of the branch libraries. Members of staff at each of these are responsible for obtaining and distributing materials to the libraries in each group. iii. There are designated members of staff at each library who are responsible for obtaining leaflets, posters, and other materials.

All 22 libraries in Newcastle upon Tyne are connected to a common database, which can be used to access local and national information on a number of topics. Upon request, the librarians can search for information on drugs, alcohol, or tobacco misuse and give out printouts containing relevant information. These include local and national advice and treatment services, support groups, and telephone help lines. For services to have their details included on the database, they must send their details to Newcastle Libraries and Information Service; however, substance misuse treatment and support services which have been advertised in the local press may also be included.

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Newcastle Central Library also keeps files of information on a number of areas of interest; these may be viewed upon request. These are largely made up of press clippings and newspaper articles, although there are some leaflets. These are for reference only and must not be taken away from the library. Subjects include: Alcohol abuse and alcoholism Cannabis Cigarettes and tobacco Drug addiction and abuse Steroids and drugs in sport Solvent abuse

The amount of materials available in each library varies over time; at the time of asking (August 2001) there was little material available in any of the libraries, usually one or two different types of leaflet which may have been targeted at young people or their parents. Staff at the libraries periodically make efforts to obtain more materials, particularly if they find that there is a demand for literature which they are unable to meet.

15.4.5 Police stations: 4 Number providing information to parents and carers: 4 Unmet need: 0

Each station in the area carries a range of leaflets for distribution to anyone considered or expressing a need for information or help on substance misuse. These leaflets are printed in a range of languages. Each station also carries a range of help line numbers.

15.4.6 Other community venues: 65 Number providing information to parents and carers: 0 Unmet need: 65

Newcastle City Council reports that there are 65 community centres and groups across the City.

Community centres and community groups can receive free leaflets, posters, and other information materials about substance misuse, for distribution to young people and their parents and carers, by contacting the Health Promotion Department. Other organisations that produce similar materials will also distribute them on request, but most charge a fee for them (for instance, five pounds for a poster).

It is not known how many local community venues or groups do contact the Health Promotion Department, the National Drugs Helpline, or other organisations to ask for information targeting parents and carers. However, it cannot be said that all of these venues or groups receive information materials as a matter of routine.

There is a free drugs awareness programme being run in the East End of Newcastle by Northumbria Police Youth Issues, aimed at community groups, parents, and professionals. It runs 20-hour courses in a local school and other venues, and also offers one-off sessions with groups on request.

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15.4.7 Information promoting National Drugs Helpline sent to all venues? No The National Drugs Helpline is supported by Health Promotion England, and local distribution of materials publicising the service is done by the Health Promotion Department. The Health Promotion Department distributes materials to health professionals, schools, and other statutory and voluntary agencies relating to all kinds of health matters. While it is surmised that most GPs and schools do use the service on occasion, information is only sent out in response to a specific request by the individual organisation, service or department.

Leaflets and other information materials from the National Drugs Helpline can also be obtained by request from their free phone telephone service ((0800) 77 66 00) or via their Internet web site, which can be found at www.ndh.org.uk. Materials can be obtained this way either by professionals working with young people, by parents and carers, or by young people themselves.

15.4.8 Information promoting other local helplines sent to all venues? No Adfam National This is a small group offering information and support to the friends and families of people with addictions across the UK, via a telephone help line. The help line has a free (0800) number. The parents, carers and grandparents of young drug users are the main users of the service, which is advertised through Drugscope. Adfam National does not usually send out information to community venues or individuals as a matter of routine, but will do so on request.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) There is a local branch of AA in the area, and telephone calls to the help line are charged at local rates. AA does not target any particular individuals or groups with the materials it produces or literature advertising the service as a matter of routine, but leaflets are available on request.

15.4.9 Information available to ethnic minority communities? Yes There are six community languages other than English that are recognised as being in common use among residents of Newcastle upon Tyne. These are Hindi, Cantonese, Punjabi, Arabic, Urdu and Bengali.

Adfam National has produced Bengali translations of its leaflets targeting the families and friends of substance misusers. This was done in association with a project targeting the ethnic population of Tower Hamlets in London, but copies of translated leaflets are available for anyone who requests them.

Northumbria Police provide information in a range of community languages.

The National Drugs Helpline offers an other language service during the following times: i. 6-10pm every Monday: Bengali ii. 6-10pm every Tuesday: Urdu iii. 6-10pm every Friday: Hindi iv. 6-10pm every Saturday: Punjabi v. 6-10pm every Sunday: Cantonese

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15.5 Targeted education, advice and information: Output 3 Output 3: All young people identified as vulnerable will receive appropriate education, advice, information and support on substance misuse both in and out of school settings.

15.5.1 Pupils in Pupil Referral Unit (PRU): 107 Number receiving drug education: 107 Number of workers with drug-specific responsibilities: 2.5 Unmet need: 0

All PRU pupils receive drug education, although this is a fairly recent development. As PRU pupils are only taught for half-days, available time to spend on any part of the curriculum is limited in comparison with mainstream schools, but PRU staff have made a concerted effort to include drug and alcohol education.

All PRU staff, including 12 teachers, 2 auxiliary staff, and other workers such as educational welfare staff, recently received a two-hour twilight training session on drug awareness and basic drug education. One member of staff is to have overall responsibility to co-ordinate drug and alcohol education and incident policies.

15.5.2 Children in need in Local Authority care: 437 Number receiving drug education: 0 Number of workers with drug-specific responsibilities: 0 Unmet need: 437

Until recently, the Educational Achievement Team for Looked After Children (EAT/LAC) had two Drug and Substance Misuse Workers, one full time and one 30 hours per week. These workers had various roles, including one-to-one and project work with looked after children and young people, and training and support for foster carers and residential care staff. These two posts were funded by Tyne and Wear Health Action Zone via pump priming monies for young people. The funding ended in April 2001, and since then the EAT/LAC Project Co-ordinator has been trying to access funding to allow this work to continue.

15.5.3 Young Offenders: 1,716 Number receiving drug education: Number of workers with drug-specific responsibilities: 0 Unmet need:

Newcastle upon Tyne’s Youth Justice Plan for 2000/2001 records that there were no young offenders given detention and training orders for drug offences during the period from April to December 2000. A total of 33 young offenders who received final warnings were also required to take part in offending behaviour programmes to make them aware of the impact of their offending. Such programmes do not currently include content around substance misuse, but the Youth Offending Team in Newcastle has identified the need for a drugs worker – to be employed after April 2001 – and training around substance misuse for all workers.

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There are currently no workers with drug-specific responsibilities within the Youth Offending Team. However, this had been recognised as a need and plans are underway to address this. The Youth Justice Plan 2001/2002 outlines plans to appoint a YOT Drugs Worker to address the range of drug-related problems within the YOT caseload. This area of work is being developed in conjunction with the Drug Action Team, and the post is dependent on funding being provided by the Youth Justice Board and the DAT.

15.6 Intervention, care package or treatment: Outputs 4 and 5 Output 4: All young people identified as having problems with substance misuse will receive an appropriate intervention or care package, with support for parents/carers. Output 5: All young people identified as having problems with substance misuse will be referred to appropriate treatment programmes and facilities.

15.6.1 Exclusions: 72 School excludees assessed as needing care/intervention: 4 Unmet need: 68 City Council figures show that four of the 72 permanent exclusions in Newcastle in the academic year 1999-2000 were directly related to pupils’ substance misuse. However, it is thought that substance misuse plays a larger role than this figure indicates. An Educational Psychologist is currently carrying out research into the relationship between substance misuse and school exclusions in Newcastle upon Tyne, commissioned by the LEA Health and Drug Education Co-ordinator. The findings will be available in due course.

This does not necessarily mean that, as the Dataset indicates, 68 excluded young people have an unmet need regarding substance misuse. This would assume that all young people who have been excluded from school have substance misuse problems, which is not necessarily the case. This part of the Dataset appears to be misleading.

15.6.2 Children in need not in Local Authority (LA) care: 1,117 Children in need not in LA care assessed as needing care/intervention: 0 Receiving intervention/care: 0 Unmet need: 0

15.6.3 Children in need in Local Authority (LA) care: 437 Children in need in LA care assessed as needing care/intervention: 0 Receiving intervention/care: 0 Unmet need: 0 At the time of writing, no information was available about the number of children and young people in need who were either in need of, or receiving help related to substance misuse.

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15.6.4 Young Offenders: 1,716 Young Offenders assessed as needing care/intervention: 0 Receiving intervention/care: 0 Unmet need: 0 During the period from April-December 2000, the Youth Justice Plan records that there were no young offenders detained for drug offences or sentenced to drug treatment and testing orders (DTTOs). No further information was available at the time of writing.

15.6.5 Connexions Service: 0 Receiving intervention/care: 0 Unmet need: 0 The Connexions service in Newcastle has not yet been launched, as at September 2001. It is expected that an announcement will be made soon and the service should be up and running within a year.

15.6.6 Employment Service: 0 Receiving intervention/care: 0 Unmet need: 0 The Employment Service in Newcastle does not currently keep information about young people’s substance misuse needs. In cases where advisors suspect or are informed that young people they deal with have such needs, they usually refer them on to NECA or the Drug and Alcohol Service at Plummer Court. The Service usually only deals with people aged 18 years and over.

A Co-ordinator is to be appointed under the Government’s ‘Progress to Work’ initiative to address a number of issues affecting individuals’ ability to find employment. It is thought that this role may include looking into substance misuse issues among young people. This work should commence at around December 2001.

15.6.7 Arrestees: 42 Receiving intervention/care: 42 Unmet need: 0 In the first six months of 2001, 178 clients were seen by Turning Point Arrest Referral in Newcastle. Of these, six were aged 17 years, and 36 were aged between 18 and 20 years. Asked about their primary substance of use, 22 17-20 year olds cited heroin, 11 cited alcohol, 2 each cited Ecstasy, cannabis, and cocaine, and one each cited amphetamines, methadone and valium. It is not known whether use of substances could be described as problematic among any or all of these individuals. Turning Point also keeps statistics about outcomes for clients, although these are not cross-referenced with the age of the client. Turning Point refers clients to a number of treatment and support agencies, including NECA, the Drug and Alcohol Service, Social Services, Prison Healthcare, CARATS, Custody Diversion, and Phoenix House. During the first six months of 2001, 150 referrals were made (some clients were referred to more than one service). Of these, 86 treatment or support agencies

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 138 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 were accessed by clients. This indicates that Turning Point clients are receiving the opportunity to access treatment or support, although some do not take advantage of it. Reasons for not accessing services are not given.

15.6.8 Referrals to specialist drug agencies: 65 Receiving intervention/care: 65 Unmet need: 0 Information from Newcastle and North Tyneside Health Authority shows that 460 drug users started treatment episodes between April and September 2000. 65 users were aged under 20 years, representing 14% of the total number of users starting treatment. No separate figure was given for Newcastle only.

15.6.9 Self and non-statutory referrals: 33 Receiving intervention/care: 33 Unmet need: 0 The figures above are based on the number of young people self-referring to NECA for treatment or support related to substance misuse. Between April 2000 and February 2001, 33 people who approached NECA for support or information about substance misuse were aged under 19 years. This represents just under 4% of the total number seeking help. Only one person was under 16 years of age. All individuals who approach NECA are given support according to their needs.

15.6.10 Others Table 75 shows the approximate numbers (where available) of children and young people in Newcastle upon Tyne who may be described as vulnerable, apart from those mentioned above.

It is not recommended that a cumulative total be calculated with regard to the number of young people suffering various vulnerability factors. Section 4 explains why such a calculation would be misleading. It is not known how many of the young people in the groups above have been assessed as needing care or intervention, or have received care or intervention, as a result of substance misuse. For these reasons, this section of the DAT dataset has not been completed. The table above is included for information only.

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Table 75: Other vulnerable young people in Newcastle upon Tyne (2001) Area of vulnerability Number of young people

Homeless ~550 (all ages) Care leavers ~140 Caring for another person ~100 Truants ~3,800 Learning difficulties 7,712 Behavioural problems ~520 Not in mainstream schools 121 Disability or long term illness ~1,300 Mental illness or disorder ~3,600 Suffering a bereavement Not known Living in a rural area ~5,900 Ethnic minorities 2,629 Speaking English as a second language 2,385 Children of drug abusing parents Not known Travellers ~150-250 Asylum seekers and refugees 559 Prostitution Not known Pregnant girls and young mothers 525

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16 Individual workers

54 individuals working with young people and substance misuse in Newcastle completed the part of the questionnaire focused on individual workers. This included questions about their individual training and support needs, any recent changes they had noticed in patterns of drug use in the City, any gaps in current services, and their priorities for developing services.

Responses were received from individuals representing a wide range of professions, including mental health and education professionals, youth and community workers, and those working with vulnerable young people and young people who are problematic drug users. Both statutory and voluntary sector workers took part. However, the individual questionnaires were completed anonymously so it is not possible to trace any comments or views expressed back to any particular sector of work. The findings therefore represent general opinions among those working with young people in Newcastle upon Tyne, whose work may involve contact with young people who misuse substances.

Also included in this section are the findings from participatory appraisal sessions carried out involving seven local youth workers. Among the issues explored in these sessions were training and support needs of workers, good and bad points of current services, and gaps in services.

16.1 Training received Workers were asked:

‘Do you think that as an individual, you receive enough training to help you in your work with young people and substance misuse?’

Two-thirds of those who responded (n=37) felt that they did not receive enough training around substance misuse, while 17 others felt that they had had enough training.

Workers were asked what training they had received. A small number had received no training at all, while others said they had received very little or limited training. A number of workers had attended basic drugs awareness courses and information days or had received basic information about drugs. Some had also received some information and training around young people’s substance misuse, but most basic awareness courses did not specifically apply to young people, instead covering general aspects of drug use in all age groups. Drug training at this level did not involve detailed training about specific drugs.

Regarding those who had received more extensive training, one individual reported attending information days twice a year. One had attended a recent course on young people and alcohol use, and another had been to a drug training day run by NECA. Others had received training on other areas of work, such as Child Protection training and advice on dealing with disruptive and difficult situations, which they felt had been useful to them in this area of work.

Informal methods of training and information exchange were also important. Several workers described how they had learned about substance misuse from their

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 141 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 colleagues, particularly those working on teams that included different types of workers. For instance one youth worker said that the health representative on his or her team had been very helpful in this respect.

Experience was also a key issue. While a number of workers said they had received little formal training in substance misuse, several said that working with young people for long periods of time had led to them encountering situations involving drugs, and they had gained knowledge in this way. The comments included below illustrate this:

‘I have had twenty years experience working with young people’

‘I have had no specific training in substance misuse...This is just something I have picked up from experience’.

A minority of workers had received substance misuse training as part of their professional and vocational education. This ranged from degree courses to medical and psychiatric training. One mental health professional listed ‘workshops, conferences, in-house training, development, pharmacological training, access to specialists’ among his or her sources of training and information. This type of training was not always particularly detailed, however, and one worker said that his/her training had mostly focused on adult substance misuse. Two individuals were, or had in the past been drug workers, and they had received much more extensive training:

‘I have received and taught numerous training courses on substance misuse’.

‘Fully qualified with many years past experience, and I keep updated with developments etc’.

16.2 Training needs Respondents were asked what extra training they would like to have access to. Only four workers said that they had no current training needs. A more common response was ‘anything that’s available’ or ‘any’. Even workers who had received extensive drugs training identified further needs.

The main training needs and issues outlined by respondents are listed below: i. Some workers are unsure of what training is available with regard to substance misuse. More detailed and easily accessible information about the training available was a frequent request. ii. Substance misuse training that deals specifically with the needs and behaviour of young people was highlighted as a need. iii. Training is seen as an ongoing need. Individuals who received drug awareness training several years ago feel that their knowledge is out of date, especially as substance misuse is an area that is seen to be continually changing, with new trends emerging, e.g. differences in drug-using behaviour and prevalence of use. Workers would like to receive up-to-date training and information about young people’s substance misuse. iv. Information and training should also be specific to the needs and behaviour of local young people. Many workers feel that they know little about local patterns of drug use because no information is available through formal

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sources (although many youth workers have detailed knowledge of the local drug scene). v. Information and training that responds to recent trends in drug use should be available. One worker mentioned the recent increase in heroin use among young people in the City, and expressed a need for more detailed information about heroin, including strategies for treatment, and their success rates. vi. Workers want guidance on how to identify the signs and symptoms of drug abuse in young people. Appropriate and early identification is a crucial step in ensuring that young people are linked to the appropriate support services. vii. Workers highlighted a need for more detailed and easily available information about making appropriate referrals when they encountered young people with substance misuse problems. Many described being unsure about how to refer young people on to specialist agencies, or who to refer them to. viii. Workers also wanted up-to-date information about appropriate and effective ways of working with substance misusers. Identified needs included information about current approaches, therapeutic interventions and recent research findings, along with guidance about how to apply these to an adolescent client group. One worker said ‘inter-agency and interdisciplinary training and learning opportunities would increase awareness of other models of intervention and access to other (non-NHS) services’. ix. One worker requested more specialist training regarding the effects of substance misuse on the family. This includes the families of young people who misuse drugs, and also young people whose parents, carers or siblings have drug and alcohol problems. x. Training and guidance was requested on consent and confidentiality issues in work with young people. xi. Training on mental health and other issues, with specific regard to the needs of young people, was also seen as something that would be of benefit to workers. This may help them to correctly identify any problems young people had, and therefore enable them to link to the appropriate support services. This echoes good practice guidelines, which state that substance misuse should be treated as one part of a universal and holistic approach to work with young people.

16.3 Support received Workers were asked:

‘Do you think that as an individual, you receive enough support to help you in your work with young people and substance misuse?’

The majority of those who responded felt that they did receive enough support in their work (n = 37), while 15 felt that they did not.

Asked what support workers receive in their work with young people, only one respondent said ‘none’. However, this individual did not express any need for more support. The other respondents all had access to support sources.

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There were four main sources of support available to workers. These were support from colleagues (both formal and informal), management support and supervision, support from specialist substance misuse workers working in the City, and inter- agency support. Many workers had more than one source of support available to them, and some had support from all four of these groups. Several also described having team meetings in which they were able to share information and discuss any concerns, which they found very helpful. Most respondents were happy with current support structures, and also knew how to access additional support if they needed it. Several mentioned the Drug and Alcohol Service at Plummer Court as a key support agency.

‘I have excellent supervision sessions where I can air any worries and voice any concerns, and know that I will receive assistance with these’.

16.4 Support needs Asked what support needs workers had, several said they had no current needs that were not already being met. However, others did have some suggestions for additional support. These are summarised below: i. Workers would like better access to information, help and support around substance misuse, including referral routes. ii. One worker requested more support on particular types of issues that arise linked to substance misuse. For instance, ‘it would be helpful to have support on working with parents who have substance misuse problems, and its impact on their children’. iii. Improved access to specialist drug and alcohol support workers, when advice and information is needed. iv. It was suggested that improved inter-agency networks and partnership working would be helpful as a support mechanism.

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17 Gaps in services

This section describes current gaps in substance misuse provision for young people in Newcastle upon Tyne. These gaps have been identified from a number of sources, including reports from professionals and organisations working with young people and with substance misuse, analysis of current provision, and reference to good practice recommendations.

17.1 Information sources i. Accurate information is on the whole very difficult to trace within the City. For instance, it was hard to ascertain the number of GP surgeries in the area. Several different estimates were received from various sources in the Health Authority and Primary Care Trust. Information on many other areas was also hard to find. ii. There are few information sources available about the number of vulnerable young people in Newcastle. In particular, it is difficult to assess the size of groups such as young people whose parents misuse substances, long-term truants, and young prostitutes. It is unlikely that there are any interventions in place to help such young people, and the lack of any information makes it hard to know how to reach them, or what type of support and level of resources would be needed. There is also little information about the number of young people suffering multiple vulnerability factors. iii. There is currently little information available about the number of vulnerable young people who also have substance misuse problems. iv. Changes in the local situation relating to drugs, substance misuse, and service provision need to be monitored on an ongoing basis. This report goes some way to providing a ‘snapshot’ of the current picture, but the situation is not static, it is constantly changing.

17.2 Tier 1 and 2 services i. There is thought to be a general lack of activities for local children and young people. One worker pointed to a need for recreational activities in a supportive environment, with appropriate role models. The availability of general activities may prevent young people from experimenting with substances through boredom. Both young people and local workers have pointed out that boredom is often a key factor in drug and alcohol use. ii. A need has been identified for more early intervention and provision of information and advice about substance misuse to young people and their families. iii. Professionals working with young people pointed out that more good quality and relevant leaflets, posters and other information materials are needed to help them to educate young people about substance misuse. iv. Voluntary and statutory groups working with young people often have to pay for leaflets and posters aimed at young people. Often the leaflets that are considered to be the best ones are those that are most expensive, and agencies’ potential to provide useful and relevant information to young people is constrained by what they can afford.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 145 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 v. A need was expressed for more outreach workers, detached work, and round the clock support services for work with vulnerable and hard to reach groups. vi. Workers have requested more training, improved access to information on substance misuse, and specialist information and advice from substance misuse professionals. Training and information should be up-to-date and relevant to those working with local young people. There is also a need for training to be responsive to emerging trends in drug and alcohol use among young people. vii. City Council policy is ‘zero tolerance’ of drugs. Youth workers feel that this limits their ability to talk to young people about substance misuse. They are unable to share informal information and young people may feel unable to be truthful about their drug use as a result. This can get in the way of early identification of substance misuse problems.

17.3 Tier 3 and 4 services i. The ‘normalisation’ of drug use among young people is thought to be a major reason why many young people do not see their drug use as problematic, so do not try to access support services. ii. There is a feeling that there are not enough targeted services for young people misusing substances in Newcastle. According to local youth workers, there are ‘not enough facilities for drug rehab – the waiting lists are far too long’; and current services do not receive enough resources to meet needs. Vulnerable young people also criticised waiting lists, and requested more treatment services, including Methadone programmes. iii. Little information appears to be available to agencies about specialised substance misuse services. Comments like ‘I don’t know what is available’ were common from workers. Knowledge about local services, routes of referral, and recent developments in services is often very limited, and there is no guidance about how to find information. iv. The main service for young people is the Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Service. The adult drug and alcohol service for Newcastle and North Tyneside is based at the same venue, Plummer Court. There appears to be some confusion about the two services. Most local workers – even some substance misuse professionals - use the term ‘Plummer Court’ to refer to the two services, without making any distinction between the two. v. There is a common perception among local youth workers that it is difficult for young people to get an initial appointment with the Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Service. Many workers are also unsure about referral procedures. In fact there is no waiting list for the service, so this may indicate a lack of communication between the service and other local agencies working with young people. vi. Young-people specific provision of highly specialist in-patient or residential treatment for managed detoxification programmes linked with rehabilitation has been requested. vii. There is a feeling that substance misuse services are targeted towards young men, potentially to the exclusion of young women. Prevalence studies indicate that both boys and girls are more or less equally likely to experiment with drugs, yet in substance misuse services, males outnumber females by around two to one. This may indicate that young women’s drug use is less

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likely to become problematic; however, it may be that young women do not find treatment and support services welcoming or helpful to them. viii. Direct access to treatment and counselling services has been requested, as have non-conditional treatment places, so no young people are excluded from receiving help. Young people who have already been in contact with ‘drug- free’ substance misuse services, but have been asked to leave because they broke the rules, have very little alternative support available. Some services have ‘drug-free’ policies, meaning workers are asked not to admit anyone who appears to be under the influence of any substances. ix. Interim help is needed while young people are waiting to be accepted for specialist substance misuse treatment. They need help and support at this stage to stay motivated to give up misusing. x. More work with parents and carers is also needed at this level. A local group that supports families of drug users reports that its service is in great demand throughout the city, and that it cannot currently meet the level of need. xi. More support is needed for young people who are caring for someone who is misusing substances. They are under considerable pressure and are at particular risk of becoming future substance misusers. xii. Among City residents, there is a belief that drug rehabilitation and treatment services are places where drugs are even easier to get hold of: ‘there are more drugs there than outside’ (West End Conference, 2000). Informal sources have suggested that the area around Plummer Court is frequented by drug dealers. xiii. There is a need for services (and training for workers) to be responsive to emerging trends in drug and alcohol use among young people. Many workers felt that they did not know enough about local patterns of substance misuse to be able to offer effective help, support and advice to young people encountering problems.

17.4 Co-ordination of services i. There is little co-ordination between the different services for young people, so there is a risk that areas of work may be duplicated. Mental health, substance misuse, and other services need to be closely linked so that appropriate help can be offered to young people according to their overall needs. ii. Lack of co-ordination between research programmes is wasting resources and leading to the duplication of work. For instance, at the same time that this DAT needs assessment was being completed, another needs assessment was being completed for Newcastle by Tyne and Wear Connexions Service. In addition, a Youth Justice Needs Assessment was recently carried out. iii. Young people with problems relating to substance misuse emphasised that they had a range of other needs as well, some of which were much more pressing (though interrelated). They pointed out that generic support is needed, covering a wide range of issues, including childcare, housing, benefits, health etc.

17.5 Newcastle Drug Action Team i. There is no set department within the local government structure to which Drug Action Teams are seen to belong, and so their placement varies

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between areas. For instance, they may be attached to health, education, or social services departments. This may have an effect on other local agencies’ perceptions of the focus of work being done by each DAT. Newcastle DAT is attached to the Probation Service and shares office space with the Youth Offending Team, and this may increase the perception that it is primarily concerned with the criminal element of substance misuse instead of taking a more holistic view of it. ii. The DAT Co-ordinator’s role is not fixed or clear. There is little strategic guidance to help her, and she has little support or power in the role, which may make the co-ordination of drug strategies more difficult to achieve. iii. Newcastle DAT has a current need for additional administrative support to enable its work to be done. Currently a lot of this kind of work falls on the DAT Co-ordinator, and this makes it difficult for her to find time for the more strategic elements of her role. For instance, the lack of someone to take meeting minutes means she has to do this, and this obstructs her ability to take a fuller part in meeting discussions. iv. Professionals often have a very sketchy idea about the exact role of the DAT. For instance, one worker thought its role was to deliver drug training and education, while in fact the DAT has a more strategic role.

17.6 Groups of young people i. Professionals working with young people locally pointed out that particular groups of young people are missing out on the help, information and advice that substance misuse services and other bodies can provide. Hard-to-reach or hard-to-identify young people may ‘slip through the net’ of help and support because they are difficult to trace. ii. Those who do not regularly attend school, such as excluded young people and regular truants, are unlikely to benefit from school-based drug and alcohol education. iii. Young people who do not attend any youth projects or youth services may miss out on the information and informal help such groups provide, for instance about where to go for confidential help if they have a problem with substance misuse. iv. One worker described how looked after young people in the area appear to have a strong drug culture, which puts them in particular need of help. v. Young carers, particularly those who are looking after a parent with a substance misuse problem, are in need of extra support. vi. Young people who have suffered bereavement have been described as particularly vulnerable to becoming involved in substance misuse. vii. Several workers also identified particular areas of the City in which there are fewer services for young people. The West End has been identified as an area in which there are many projects, while parts of the North West, East End and other similarly deprived areas are less well served.

17.7 Age i. Among statutory services, anyone aged 17 years or under qualifies to use children and young people’s services, while those aged 18 years and over use adult services. Some other services, notably mental health and

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educational psychology services and the new Connexions service, have 19 years as their upper limit for young people. The Drug Action Team Young People’s Plan uses 18 as an upper cut-off point. Many voluntary agencies working with young people are more flexible and have an upper age limit of 25 years. An agreement between all agencies working with young people is needed regarding an official cut-off point between childhood and adulthood. ii. There is a feeling among workers that younger children may be missing out on preventative services, particularly as experimentation with drugs and alcohol is becoming more and more common among younger children.

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18 Good practice

This section summarises recommendations for good practice in the delivery of drug and alcohol education and treatment services across the UK. These recommendations have been developed by a number of bodies, including education, health, social services and drug agencies. Inserted within the text are case studies showing examples of good practice.

18.1 Drug and alcohol education in schools Certain aspects of drug and alcohol education are dealt with as part of the National Curriculum science syllabus, as shown in table 71.

Table 71: National Curriculum science syllabus drug and alcohol requirements

Key Age of Required teaching Stage pupils

1 5-7 years Pupils should be taught about the role of drugs as medicines. 2 7-11 years Pupils should be taught that alcohol, tobacco and other drugs can have harmful effects. 3 11-14 years Pupils should be taught how the misuse of solvents, tobacco, alcohol and other drugs affects health. 4 14-16 years Pupils should be taught about the effects of solvents, tobacco, alcohol and other drugs on body functions. (DfEE, 1998)

Apart from the National Curriculum science teaching requirement, the content of a school’s alcohol and drug education programme is at the discretion of individual head teachers and governing bodies. Recommendations given in 1998 by the Department for Education and Employment (DfEE), the Drugs Prevention Initiative (DPI), which became the Drugs Prevention Advisory Service (DPAS) in 1999, and by OFSTED (1997 and 2000) are summarised below.

18.1.1 Delivery of drug and alcohol education i. It is recommended that alcohol and drug education is included within Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) and Citizenship. This means that enough time can be devoted to the issue, and given to pupil involvement and discussion. In addition, drug and alcohol education material can be fitted in with other topics to avoid duplication. ii. A good drug and alcohol education programme will give accurate information about drugs and their effects, encourage responsible behaviour regarding the use of drugs and alcohol, promote healthy lifestyles, challenge attitudes that may lead to behaviour that harms health and relationships, and explore health and social issues in general. iii. The knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes to be developed by pupils at each stage of education should be identified clearly. Table 72 shows 2000

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OFSTED recommendations for the components of effective drug and alcohol education. Table 72: Effective drug and alcohol education components

Knowledge  Definitions of terms.  Types of drugs and medicines and their form, risks, and effects.  Which drugs are legal and illegal.  Patterns of substance misuse locally and nationally, and its impacts.  Drug policy in the UK.  Access to people who can help with any worries pupils have. Skills  Identifying risks to health.  Coping with peer influences.  Communicating with adults, parents and professionals.  Decision making and assertiveness in situations relating to drug misuse.  Giving and securing help. Attitudes  Attitudes towards drugs in different sections of society.  Recognition that young people can be role models and can accept responsibility for their own actions.  Taking responsibility for one’s own safety. [Source: OFSTED, 2000] iv. Good drug and alcohol education is like any other good teaching. It should include good planning and monitoring, and varied techniques such as role- play, group work, structured games, audio-visual aids, active learning techniques and discussion and feedback should be used in combination to maximise interest and effectiveness. The use of drama, music and sport can also be effective. v. Teaching methods that ensure high pupil involvement in lessons are effective. Topics should be explored from different points of view, drawing contributions sensitively from pupils and linking the information to pupils’ own interests and lives. vi. Teachers are thought to be the best choice for delivery of substance misuse education, because they have well-developed teaching skills, they know their pupils and their circumstances, and it also provides continuity with the overall teaching programme. vii. Occasional outside speakers, who have more specialised knowledge of the subject area, should also be used. These may include the police, drug agencies, reformed addicts, Theatre in Education groups and peer educators. viii. Parent and community involvement is also important, especially in the case of younger children. Parent drug awareness campaigns have been effective in raising parents’ knowledge levels and involvement. Parents can actively support drug education by reinforcing messages at home, setting clear boundaries and being responsible about their own drug use. ix. Pupil involvement in the planning of lessons can assist in developing drugs programmes that are credible for young people.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 151 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 x. Teachers should receive detailed and up-to-date training and information to help them conduct drug and alcohol education lessons effectively. Schools should ensure that staff training is well planned and regularly reviewed.

Teacher training Youth workers who do outreach work with Newcastle young people who may have problems relating to substance misuse have been providing training for trainee teachers at the University of Northumbria’s Coach Lane campus. The training includes practical help on how to deal with young people who are suspected of misusing substances, using a youth work approach.

xi. There are three main approaches in drug and alcohol education. Fear arousal involves the use of shock and scare tactics. Information-based programmes give the ‘hard facts’ about substances and allow young people to make their own choice based on the facts. Life skills approaches – which are aimed at personal and social development, and promoting reflection, attitudes and values – are thought to be the most effective, although it is recommended that these are combined with an information-giving approach. There are many different life skills approaches, but they usually try to enhance young people’s self esteem, communication and decision-making skills. Enabling young people to become more able to resist peer pressure is effective, as drug experimentation is often influenced by peer pressure. xii. Consistent programmes of education lasting several weeks or months are likely to be more effective than one-off events. xiii. The best age to start drug education is before drug experimentation begins. As the age of first drug use gets lower, so drug education should start earlier, and begin long before young people are likely to be drawn into experimentation. xiv. Work with primary school children may help to delay the onset of drug use, but it is important that the transition to secondary school is accompanied by continuity in drug and alcohol education approaches. Drug education should be tailored to pupil needs and build on what has gone before. Surveys, discussions, games, and questionnaires can be used to assess pupil knowledge when planning education programmes.

Lambeth Primary Care Primary School Project This project educates primary school age children about healthcare, supports teachers and promotes links between health and education professionals. Healthcare professionals such as GPs have gone into schools to talk to the children about health issues, particularly the health consequences of drug misuse. Questions such as ‘what are the differences between good and bad drugs?’ are discussed. The project has also launched a web site on health aimed at 3-11 year olds, which can be found at www.healthykids.org.uk.

xv. Drug and alcohol education should be age-appropriate. It is recommended that the youngest pupils are not told about illegal drug use, only about the working of the body and using medicines correctly. Key Stage 2 pupils (7-11

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year olds) can be told about tobacco and alcohol dangers and effects, and education can go on to address illegal drugs and solvents as pupils move up through the key stages.

18.1.2 Drug education policies i. All schools should formulate and agree drug education policies. The aim of a drug education policy is to make clear the attitudes and approach of the school for staff, pupils and parents, and provide a framework for staff to work within. It should also make clear any legal obligations, responsibilities and entitlements, and provide a basis for evaluation and possible reconsideration of the policy. Having a drug education policy is necessary for schools to comply with OFSTED inspection requirements. ii. All stakeholders in a school should be consulted in the planning of the drug education policy, including teachers, non-teaching staff, pupils, parents and governors. This will ensure that the policy is appropriate to everyone involved.

Table 73: An effective drug education policy

Components of an effective drug education policy  Implementation and review dates for the policy  Staff responsibilities  Aims and objectives for drug and health education  What must be taught to whom and when, within and beyond the national curriculum  Methodology, including an outline of possible teaching strategies  Liaison with external agencies, parents and links with other schools  Resource issues  Confidentiality and child protection issues  Monitoring and evaluation methods [Source: OFSTED, 1997]

Contact numbers A Tyneside school includes in its school planner, which is given to all pupils, a list of useful contact addresses and phone numbers. This includes local health services, drug and alcohol help lines, legal advice help lines, and educational contacts. Young people have highlighted the fact that this gives them easy access to this kind of information, and prevents parents from finding a specific leaflet which might arouse their suspicion (Dearden, 2000)

18.1.3 Drug-related incident policies i. Every school should formulate and agree a drug-related incident policy. This may be part of the school’s overall behaviour policy, or it may be separate. If it is separate, it is important that the separate policies complement each other.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 153 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 ii. All stakeholders should be involved in the formulation of drug-related incident policies, including teachers, non-teaching staff, pupils and parents, governors, police, drug and alcohol agencies, the Local Education Authority, and other schools. Different schools in an area may wish to get together to form a joint policy. iii. Many types of drug-related incident in schools concern alcohol or tobacco. Therefore, it is important that these are covered by the policy, as well as legal drugs and solvents. It is also a good idea to include reference to prescribed medicines, such as asthma inhalers.

Table 74: An effective drug-related incident policy

Components of an effective drug-related incident policy  Implementation and review dates for the policy  Legal requirements, including defined boundaries of school responsibility.  Involvement of outside agencies, e.g. police, drug and alcohol agencies.  Types of behaviour that will be targeted.  The school’s proposed course of action to each type of behaviour.  The involvement of pupils and parents.  Arrangements for recording incidents.  Heath and welfare procedures, including Child Protection procedures. [Source: Ofsted, 2000] iv. Courses of action taken by schools in response to drug-related incidents must be appropriate, proportionate to the offence, considerate of the needs of all concerned, and consistent with school rules or code. They should also be consistent with the way past similar incidents were handled, except where there has been a change in policy. v. According to DPAS and HAS (1996), temporary or permanent exclusion may increase young people’s vulnerability to substance misuse. Suggested responses to drug-related incidents include ensuring supervision and purposeful activities throughout the school day and outside school, isolating pupils from their peer group and offering specialist taught programmes dealing with personal and social skills and relationships training, and involving parents in dealing with incidents. Mentoring programmes may also be useful.

In-house exclusion for vulnerable pupils One UK school has pioneered in-house exclusion, where excluded pupils remain in school and are taught by a tutor, but are excluded from contact with other pupils. Isolation minimises the risk of the pupil being exposed to criminal activity or drug misuse, and he/she still has the chance to rejoin their class rather than having to start afresh elsewhere or be excluded from mainstream school altogether. The pupil, parents and school must all work together to agree how the pupil’s behaviour must change in order for them to be re-instated.

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Drug-related incidents policy Newcastle LEA established an Authority-wide handling incidents policy in November 2001. This was negotiated in association with Northumbria Police, and it includes a protocol for disposing of substances.

18.1.4 The role of the Local Education Authority (LEA) i. LEAs should provide training and support for school staff, governors and youth workers. This should include supporting teachers to disseminate what they have learned within their schools. They may also have an advisory role in helping schools to plan, monitor and evaluate teaching programmes. ii. It is recommended that LEAs help local schools to co-ordinate their drug and alcohol education programmes by ensuring that feeder primaries and secondary schools liaise with each other regarding the type and level of education that they provide. iii. LEAs should also aim to ensure that all young people receive drug and alcohol, by targeting vulnerable young people as well as mainstream education. For instance, work with Pupil Referral Units, EOTAS and special schools is important. In addition, the possible role that is played by substance misuse in other issues, such as pupils’ behavioural problems, should be investigated.

18.2 Drugs and alcohol education in youth work i. Youth workers are well placed to deliver drugs prevention work because of their privileged access to young people. Also, youth workers have skills and experience in using ‘life skills’ approaches, and are often trusted and respected by the young people they work with. ii. Youth work often reaches an older age group than mainstream education. It is also likely to involve young people from a wide age range. Any interventions should take account of, and be appropriate to, the age groups involved. iii. Youth work may involve contact with excluded pupils and truants. Youth workers are also particularly well placed to target other vulnerable and hard to reach young people through outreach work. Education programmes should be designed to enable these young people to benefit. iv. Youth work takes up young people’s leisure time: taking part is their choice and if they do not like it they need not attend. Therefore it is critical that any drug and alcohol education interventions used in youth work are interesting and appealing to young people. It should also be appropriate to their level of knowledge and need. v. To prevent young people from dropping out of youth service drug education programmes, it helps to keep programmes short, consult young people over their design, and offer incentives. Asking young people to take an active part in the planning and implementation of programmes is helpful (Freeman, 2000). vi. There needs to be a balance in the length of educational programmes, so they are long enough to do some real good, yet short enough to retain young people’s interest. Holistic programmes which use an interactive approach and

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combine health and lifestyle elements with drugs issues are seen as the most successful. vii. Within a youth work setting, educational programmes that offer guidance on harm minimisation are likely to be effective. viii. Different agencies involved in drug and alcohol education should work together to deliver programmes, and ensure that long term funding is available so that effective work can continue and be built upon. Collaborative work between youth services and a range of other agencies, such as health, education and social services, is ‘one of the most effective ways of tacking a whole range of issues related to drugs and young people’ (DfEE, 1998). ix. It would be beneficial for agencies and groups working with young people to implement clear drug education and drug-related incident policies, like those recommended for use within schools. x. The success of youth work often hinges on the ability of workers to engage fully with young people. Specialist skills and personality factors are both important in helping them to build relationships with young people. xi. Workers need training, support and resources to develop the skills to deliver drugs education to young people. This includes sessional and part-time youth workers and volunteers. Training materials are also important. They should be appropriate and up to date. Access to specialist advice at times is also helpful. xii. The more freedom youth workers have in planning working approaches, the more flexible they can be when working with young problematic drug users, and the greater their success. ‘Although traditional drug agencies expect to begin with an immediate admission of a drug problem, youth workers generally found they needed to deal first with other life problems that directly influence drug-using behaviour’ (Ward and Rhodes, 2001). xiii. In outreach work, it can be difficult to maintain contact with young people. Contact with some young people may amount to nothing more than handing over a leaflet. Having fixed site facilities – such as a drop-in centre - as well as detached workers may help in developing relationships with young people.

The Western Alliance Western Alliance of youth workers covers the West End of Newcastle. It is an inter- agency network that allows workers from different organisations to get to know each other and find out more about each other’s work. This allows them to develop work in partnership with each other and prevents duplicating resources. Also, if young people present to an agency with particular needs, it is easier to know who they should be referred to for targeted help and support.

18.2.1 Peer education i. Peer education approaches can be a successful way to deliver messages about drug and alcohol use. Peers may have more credibility among young people than teachers, parents or adult youth workers. ii. Peer education can help those young people who are experimenting with drugs not to increase their use, can help by supporting young people in their

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decisions to stop misusing, and can help reinforce young people’s decisions not to use. iii. Peer educators themselves may also benefit from their role. It can be valuable experience, which may help in pursuit of career, or lead to an accredited qualification. iv. Peer educators usually work on a voluntary basis. Their recruitment and selection must be based on well-designed procedures. They must be aware of what they are letting themselves in for, and must be adequately assessed. v. Support, training and help with programme delivery should be given to peer educators at all stages in their work. vi. It is suggested that a formal contract be made between peer educators and the group or agency that they are working with. The contract can set out responsibilities, authority and decision-making powers on each side. Child Protection and confidentiality issues must be addressed, and the terminology and language to be used can be agreed upon. vii. Ex-drug and alcohol misusers can make effective peer educators. viii. Mentoring can be an effective technique when using peer educators.

CADAS (Cumbria Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service) Peer Education and Counselling Programme. Set up in 1996, the programme aims to increase the number of young people (under 25s) accessing the counselling service who have drug and alcohol problems. Peer counsellors aged 16-25 were recruited through the local youth service. Training based on Transactional Analysis principles and person-centred counselling was administered by a fully qualified counsellor and educational psychotherapist. A Cumbria Drug Action Team audit in 1999 described the programme as ‘highly effective.’ 3 peer counsellors saw 27 clients in the year April 1998-1999. 25% showed a significant decrease in alcohol use, 50% showed a significant decrease in drug use, and 62.5% showed significant improvements in their personal lives.

Buzz Network Peer Education Groups, Sunderland. Aims to educate young people under 25 about drugs using ‘user-friendly’ mediums, e.g. videos and games. They found currently available materials were slow, boring and full of adults. An interactive 20 minute video, ‘know the score before…’, was made with a quiz format allowing young people to test their knowledge as they watched. There is also a training pack designed to stimulate group discussion. The peer educators have also produced a soap opera ‘Divven’t be a divvie’, a board game, Divvopoly, and a Divvie quiz. The video has been a great success in the area, and the peer educators have also benefited from improved knowledge about drugs, self esteem, confidence and communications skills.

18.3 Working with parents i. The needs of parents may range from basic drug education and information, and help with parenting skills, to support in coping with a child’s drug or alcohol use. Parents may also have substance misuse problems and related needs.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 157 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 ii. Parenting styles and attitudes have a major bearing on children’s approach to drugs. Parental support is fundamental to the delivery of effective drug prevention education in primary and secondary schools. iii. Involving parents in drug and alcohol education programmes can improve their knowledge and communication skills, but it is not yet known how it affects their children’s resistance to drugs. iv. Planning for work with parents should identify the demand for parenting programmes, and the needs of specific groups, such as the parents of drug- using or vulnerable children. Parents should be consulted about the planning and delivery of such work. It is important not to alienate parents, for instance by suggesting that they lack parenting skills v. General programmes about communication skills and parenting can be more effective and acceptable than using a specific drug and alcohol targeted approach. Drug and alcohol information and education can be introduced on the back of topics specifically requested or identified by parents. vi. Parents can be recruited through schools by increasing staff’s contact with them, sending letters and newsletters sent home, encouraging children to return response slips from parents, holding open courses and meetings in school, and advertising with posters in school. vii. Primary schools are often a more familiar environment to parents than secondary schools are, so they may be most likely to get involved in primary school education programmes. viii. Parental knowledge of drugs and alcohol issues can be increased by on-off awareness sessions, while longer courses can influence confidence, communication and parenting skills. The quality of interaction between trainers and parents is often greater at small group sessions. ix. The timing and venues of courses and awareness sessions can be varied to improve attendance. Providing a crèche increases inclusiveness. x. Existing formal and informal networks in communities can be exploited to spread messages about the dangers of drug and alcohol misuse.

Working with parents One Local Education Authority is working with the local Health Authority to educate parents and pupils together about drugs, both in schools and in various community settings. The programme is customised to meet the need of vulnerable and hard to reach groups, such as pupils with special educational needs. Several LEAs also produce drug education leaflets aimed at parents – providing information about legal and illegal drugs, their effects, and ways to recognise drug-related problems in their children. One booklet also suggests strategies to enable parents discuss drugs issues with their children and offer them support.

18.4 Training for workers i. Effective worker training is vital to the delivery of drug education across youth work and educational settings. ii. Training Needs Analyses should be carried out with professionals working with young people, to find out what type of training would be most useful to

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them. Types of training include basic drugs awareness training, skills-based training, or more detailed or job-specific information. iii. Workers should receive regular training updates, to let them know about changes in policies and laws, trends in substance misuse, and research findings. iv. There is a need for a national strategy for delivering substance misuse training, setting standards, ensuring standards are maintained, and accrediting courses. v. Drug trainers need to be adept at interpreting needs and reconciling different expectations while conducting training, to be experienced in working with people from a variety of backgrounds, and to have good communication and interpersonal skills. vi. Organisations need to provide appropriate training for their staff. They may require help in defining needs and establishing standards and competencies.

Drug training In South Tyneside, all new youth workers receive intensive training on drug and alcohol awareness. Interactive training weekends are organised in which workers are shown drugs and drug paraphernalia and told about how to spot and deal with the signs of drug use among the young people they work with. Young people who have been contacted via outreach and through youth groups also receive drug awareness training, often as part of residential weekend courses.

18.5 Substance misuse treatment i. Rehabilitation for problematic drug users can help to cure dependency on drugs and alcohol, improve physical and mental health, reduce offending, and improve employability and socialisation. The costs of treatment are more than outweighed by the benefits (EATA). ii. Treatment should be easy to access. The harder it is to get treatment, the less likely substance misusers are to try to get it, and the less effective it will be. iii. Waiting times between assessment and admittance for problematic substance users should be as short as possible (Georgakis, 1999). iv. Substance misusers do not always have to ‘volunteer’ for treatment. Pressure or support from family, friends, employers, or compulsory treatment ordered by the Criminal Justice Service, can be effective in leading to successful treatment. v. People should not be barred from treatment because they have relapsed into substance abuse following past treatment: ‘there is evidence that even an apparently unsuccessful treatment episode can still contribute towards someone overcoming their dependency in the longer term’ (EATA). vi. For people with a severe substance dependency, total abstinence should be the ultimate goal, as it is hard for them to sustain controlled use over the long term. People with less severe problems may find that controlled use can be achieved.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 159 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 vii. No single theoretical approach to treatment is always best. Approaches should be varied according to clients’ needs, beliefs and expectations, for effective treatment. Both residential and day care programmes may be useful, depending on the circumstances. viii. Problematic drug users who have received treatment believe that individually tailored programmes, that include detoxification and other forms of rehabilitation and aftercare, all delivered together in one holistic programme, are the most successful form of treatment (Jones et al, 1998). ix. Treatment should address contributory factors and all areas of the client’s life and problem issues, such as medical, psychological, social, and career factors. Any psychiatric problems must also be addressed. In addition, treatment should attempt to enhance the motivation, confidence and self- efficacy of the client, and address unhelpful attitudes and beliefs. Workers should be supportive and non-confrontational in their approach. x. A risk-minimisation approach is helpful, teaching practical skills and strategies for avoiding and coping with situations that could lead to relapse. xi. The length of successful treatment is variable. Very brief interventions can be helpful in non-severe cases, but more problematic users will often need treatment lasting at least 90 days. In these cases it is often better to extend the length of treatment and reduce the intensity, rather than having short, intense treatments. xii. Prescribed medication can be used in combination with rehabilitation for successful treatment, and psychiatric disorders should be treated with appropriate medicines to aid success. xiii. Ongoing support after treatment is very important. Self-help groups, ongoing support, and professional aftercare can be very helpful in preventing ex-users from relapsing. xiv. Treatment staff should be well trained, closely supervised, confident in their work and empathic towards their clients. A high staff-to-client ratio is needed, as clients usually require a lot of care. xv. It is not necessary for staff members to have had a drug or alcohol problem; this appears to have little bearing on their professional abilities. But a staff team that brings together counsellors who are in recovery with others who have no history of problematic substance abuse can be effective. xvi. Needle exchanges should be friendly, informal, non-judgemental, and anonymous. They should also try maintain contact with drug users, so that they can offer help if and when it is needed. Workers should be trained to give advice on injecting technique, how to clean works in an emergency, and other health matters. They should also offer, or be able to refer drug users to, other services such as substance misuse treatment, housing advice, mental health services, and legal help.

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19 Suggestions for service developments

Local professionals working with young people, and young people themselves, were asked about their priorities for future developments in local services, with the overall aim of reducing problems associated with substance misuse. This section outlines their suggestions, as well as proposals made by the researchers in response to the identified gaps and needs discussed in Section 17.

Workers and young people pointed out that there is a need for more work to be developed to address substance misuse in the area. Additional funding and resources, more specialist workers, more training for all youth workers, and more initiatives aimed at helping vulnerable young people and those with substance misuse problems, were all identified as needs. More specific recommendations with regard to substance misuse needs are made in the following section.

19.1 Tier 1 and 2 services i. Channelling resources into dedicated and widespread early intervention with young people and their families, and providing help, information and advice about drugs and alcohol, may help to prevent substance misuse problems ever occurring. ii. Apart from the drugs element of the National Curriculum science programme, drug and alcohol education is at the discretion of individual schools. It has been suggested that LEAs devise and recommend standard policies for drug education and drug-related incidents within schools. This would ensure that education within schools was of a standard quality, and would reduce the responsibility of individual schools and staff members in developing policies. iii. Local young people thought it should be a responsibility of schools to provide drug and alcohol information in a continuous programme of education throughout their time at school – not just as odd sessions within humanities and PSHE classes (Dearden, 2000). iv. Constructive work with excluded and vulnerable young people that addresses all of their needs and underlying issues, rather than simply addressing surface problems, would facilitate their development into adulthood. In the words of one worker, the aim of such work should be to ‘help them make something of their lives’. v. More outreach workers and detached work. A young people’s outreach service operates out of NECA in Gateshead, and gives talks in schools and youth groups, as well as doing one-to-one work with individuals. It is suggested that a similar service could be set up working from Newcastle NECA. vi. Adequate training and support for workers is a key issue. All workers that have direct contact with young people need access to good quality substance misuse training and information to help them in their work. National, regional, or local training initiatives could address this. Local training needs are discussed more fully in Section 16 of this report. vii. A 24-hour telephone line or drop-in centre, which has youth workers available to provide confidential help and advice across a range of areas including

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drugs and alcohol. One worker suggested a 24-hour cybernet café, providing access to a variety of information sources. viii. A One-Stop Shop: drug and alcohol advice and information should be offered as part of a general service environment, which also covers sexual health, mental health, education, social development, and other issues that may be of interest to young people. Local professionals stressed the need for a completely integrated service in which a single, highly trained and well- supported worker can provide advice on a range of issues. This would mean that any misuse problems could be picked up on and dealt with at an early stage, perhaps even before the young person felt that his or her use had become problematic. ix. Young people stressed that they prefer to seek help, if necessary, from youth workers with whom they are already familiar. This would mean providing high- quality, intensive training and support packages for youth workers to enable them to deal with a range of issues. x. A major priority is preventative and awareness raising work with looked after young people and their carers. The substance misuse work carried out until recently by two workers funded by Tyne and Wear HAZ and working within the Educational Achievement Team for Looked After Children helped to meet this need. Funding to continue and develop this work is needed. xi. A confidential drop-in session involving a highly trained worker, who can provide advice on a range of matters including substance misuse, available within each secondary school. A local school recently set up a confidential email facility so pupils could get advice and seek help about bullying. Young people felt that this service could be extended to cover a wider range of information and help covering topics including sex, drugs, alcohol and depression (Dearden, 2000). xii. Realistic help and advice, which emphasises harm reduction and ‘sensible use’ of alcohol and drugs, is seen by many workers as most effective in work with young people. xiii. Young people-friendly information materials about substance misuse and harm reduction should be displayed in local pubs and clubs. Several local youth workers named City centre venues in which illegal drugs are known to be readily available, so targeting these places may be effective. xiv. Young people felt that people who had taken drugs in the past – who had been through similar experiences to the young people themselves, and who were willing to talk about this - should deliver drug education in schools. They thought it was important that drug education is delivered in a way that is informal, and does not involve preaching or lecturing (Fuller, 2000).

19.1.1 Information tools i. Groups and agencies that produce leaflets, posters and other materials for delivering drug and alcohol education should receive funding to enable them to produce and distribute them to all groups working with young people free of charge. Alternatively, all groups and agencies working with young people,

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including voluntary groups, should receive a grant to enable them to buy educational materials. ii. The consensus among workers was that the best materials are those that are up-to-date, eye-catching, and informative yet not patronising. It was also felt that materials emphasising harm reduction and suggesting alternative, legal highs are more successful with young people that those that forbid substance use outright. iii. Videos, games, and Internet web sites aimed at young people have been found to be effective in delivering messages about substance misuse. Credit card–sized information leaflets are also popular with young people. Young people themselves thought that ‘shock-tactics’ style information was most effective, although this is contrary to good practice recommendations discussed in the previous section. iv. It is suggested that drug and alcohol educational materials be evaluated by young people and youth workers to assess their usefulness. Independent producers whose work has been identified as successful could then receive funding to produce and distribute materials free to youth groups and community venues. v. A local substance misuse library could be developed for professionals working with young people, so that they can find out what teaching and information materials are available, and borrow them for staff training and for use with young people and their families. It is suggested that this facility could be incorporated into the Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Service or Drug Action Team.

19.2 Tier 3 and 4 services i. Young people felt there should be more treatment places to help people get off drugs. Some young people said they had approached GPs for help in coming off drugs but had been refused help or been given inappropriate help. Vulnerable young people wanted more Methadone programmes in particular. ii. Services targeting young substance misusers should be accessible, user friendly, and age-appropriate. iii. Referral routes should be simple and easily understood by all workers who may need to use them. Several workers felt that services should be directly accessible by young people. However, a specialist substance misuse worker felt that this would increase pressure on an already over-subscribed service. She suggested that referral should come through professional channels, but that all workers who work with young people should receive more specialised training to enable them to refer young people appropriately, and ensure that young people receive a level of care suitable to their needs. iv. Specialist services should receive enough resources so that there is no waiting list for treatment. When individuals realise that they have a substance misuse problem and decide to seek help, their need is usually immediate. If they do not get this help straight away, their motivation to receive treatment may be reduced. Both workers and vulnerable young people felt waiting lists were too long.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 163 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 v. Work around substance misuse must be responsive to local need. More work needs to be done to gather robust and up-to-date data about young people in Newcastle who are vulnerable, and those who have substance misuse problems. Such information could be kept by the DAT and could feed directly into planning for services with an appropriate focus and adequate resources to address substance misuse problems in an holistic way, which tackles the range of problems experienced by each individual. vi. More specialist counselling sessions have been requested at Streetwise and other youth venues. vii. Local young people have suggested that drugs counsellors who have first hand experience of taking drugs – particularly those who have had drug problems - are more credible, knowledgeable and empathetic to drug users. viii. Some local services are drug-free and are likely to bar young people who are under the influence or have broken other rules. This leaves some problem substance misusers without support, particularly as lapsing back into drug use is a common problem for many drug users going through treatment. ix. More effort should go into ensuring that treatment and support agencies are inclusive and welcoming to all individuals with substance misuse problems, regardless of their gender, age, race or culture. Initiatives that specifically target particular groups, such as NECA’s sessions for young men and young women, may help to ensure inclusiveness. x. More resources need to be allocated towards establishing support groups and counselling services for families affected by drugs. Demand for local services offering help to families is currently very high. xi. The Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Service and Adult Drug and Alcohol Service are both based in Plummer Court in the City Centre, as well as the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Unit and Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research. Local professionals and young people alike use the term ‘Plummer Court’ to refer to all types of substance misuse services. It has been pointed out that there needs to be more clarity and definition between the Adult and the Young People’s Services, as these are in fact separate. It is suggested that ensuring that information about all local services is more readily available to both workers and residents would help to reduce this apparent confusion.

19.3 Co-ordinating services and inter-agency work i. Better information has been requested on how to access services and how to refer young people to the appropriate services. ii. A comprehensive directory of all local groups, agencies, and services working with young people, including those who are vulnerable or who have substance misuse problems, to be available to all groups working with young people. The directory within this Needs Assessment provides a starting point for such a piece of work. Such an undertaking should be regularly updated. iii. A ‘one-stop shop’ or dedicated project that provides detailed and up-to-date information about all available resources, details of substance misuse agencies working locally and what they do, and information about referral procedures. A telephone help line for workers, which uses trained workers to

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give answers to specific queries about drug and alcohol use and the services available locally. iv. Increased communication between different agencies. An inter-agency network or forum in which professionals working with young people locally have a regular chance to meet up, exchange information and ideas, and make and maintain contacts with other agencies working in the area. This should include both voluntary and statutory sectors. v. Having a universally agreed policy – which all agencies working with young people agree to - regarding the ‘official’ age at which young people become adults would be useful, particularly where individuals have contact with more than one agency or inter-agency work takes place. There also needs to be an agreed ‘handover’ procedure for young people crossing over into adult care services.

19.4 Developing appropriate interventions i. A clear policy for dealing with drug and alcohol related incidents, which is known to all staff, is needed within the Social Services Directorate and other city council departments. ii. A long-term strategy for developing joint work across the range of services in the City targeting young people would enable the development of sustainable drug and alcohol services and provision for young people. iii. An holistic approach should be used placing substance misuse within general health, mental health, self esteem, and social and educational inclusion. iv. Joint commissioning of all services for young people, with all services working with young people being directly accountable to this joint commissioning group. The Children’s Services Planning Group and Child Health Advisory Group would have a key role in this. v. Working practices and referral routes should be clear and widely understood by all professionals working with young people. vi. Inter-agency agreement regarding strategies to increase substance misuse awareness among youth workers, parents and carers. Training and information strategies could be mutually agreed between agencies or universally provided by one key agency. vii. The local situation needs to be monitored on an ongoing basis to assess service provision and gaps in services, and ensure that service development is appropriate. This report aims to set a baseline position with regard to the current situation in Newcastle upon Tyne. However, this kind of information gathering exercise only gives a ‘snapshot’, which is soon out of date. viii. Local research around substance misuse, to find out why it occurs and how best to deal with it, may give more insight into the local situation and feed into planning for substance misuse services. This should be co-ordinated on a City-wide basis to prevent duplication of work, and should be ongoing to allow for trends in substance misuse to be tracked.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 165 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 ix. Many individuals working with young people know a great deal about emerging trends and new developments in drug and alcohol use among this age group. Their knowledge is up-to-date and specific to the local area. Such knowledge should be shared through inter-agency networks, regular brief reports and updates, so that plans to address substance misuse problems are appropriate. x. Consultation with young people across the City would lead to improved knowledge of their behaviour and needs, and could result in services being developed in a way that is more responsive to what young people actually want and need. Consultation (and resulting service development) could relate not just to substance misuse, but also the range of other issues affecting young people.

19.5 General services for young people i. More activities and services for children and young people in the area would act as a diversion and a focus of interest, and may prevent some young people from starting to experiment with drugs and alcohol. ii. There should be activities for young people living in all areas of the City (a lot of current work is concentrated in areas of known deprivation, notably the West End). iii. Clubs and discos for young people which are drug and alcohol-free have been piloted in other areas, such as South Tyneside, and have met with some success. One such club is run by NECA and aimed at all over 16s. It is suggested that a club that targets young people only, and is based in a more generalised environment (rather than a substance misuse treatment service) would help to promote drug-free socialising.

19.6 Newcastle Drug Action Team i. It is suggested that the DAT needs additional administrative support to send out notices for meetings, and take down and distribute meeting minutes. This would free the DAT co-ordinator to devote more of her time to the strategic element of her role. ii. The DAT dataset in its current form is not considered to be useful. It dwells on numbers and does not allow for any judgement or explanation of quality. For instance, Output 1 asks how many schools are providing drug education to pupils. All schools in Newcastle provide some kind of drug education, but it is likely that the quality varies considerably. The dataset is accompanied in this needs assessment by supporting notes, but it is suggested that the pro forma is modified before future data collection is carried out to allow more detailed information to be gathered.

19.7 Alcohol i. Local young people’s knowledge about alcohol and its effects is poor. A non- judgemental approach, which takes into consideration young people’s own experiences of alcohol use and recognises that many young people experiment with alcohol from an early age, may help to address this problem (Freeman, 2000).

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 166 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001 ii. Local young people have little awareness of any alcohol services targeting their age group. Information about alcohol should be readily available and easy to access, both for young people themselves and their parents and carers (Freeman, 2000). iii. Shop owners receive little support and help to enable them to stop selling alcohol to (or for) young people. The current licensing laws are not standardised for publicans and shops and differ from area to area. The introduction of UK-wide, standardised laws, along with proper support for people selling alcohol, may help to reduce the availability of alcohol to young people. iv. It is not just young people's own drinking that is a cause for concern among many young people in the City. Support for young people whose family members have alcohol problems is also needed. This could be provided in the form of help and advice from specially trained drug and alcohol counsellors.

19.8 Cigarettes and tobacco i. It is easy for children to buy cigarettes, whether in the shops or duty-free. ‘Supply-side’ measures, such as more stringent controls on selling tobacco, which are more rigorously enforced, may help to reduce young people’s smoking. In the words of one young man, ‘even though I smoke I bet I wouldn’t have smoked if I couldn’t get hold of any’ (Freeman, 2000). ii. Community consultations carried out throughout the City have pointed to a high demand for support for people of all ages trying to quit smoking. Many young people are also trying to quit and have identified the need for help: ‘The times I have given up have been really bad, I never last more than two days. I end up sitting in my room sweating from the craving. I tried one of my mam’s patches but they don’t work. I want to give up smoking but it’s hard when everyone smokes around you’.(Freeman, 2000) iii. Freeman (2000) suggests that a smoking prevention programme aimed at young people and involving group support could be effective.

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SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 172 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

UKADCU (2001) Young People’s Substance Misuse Plans: DAT Guidance.

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UK Drug and Alcohol Misuse White Papers – UK Social Policy, Prescribing for Addiction, and injecting equipment exchanges. Published at www.innotts.co.uk

UK Drug Report 2000 – The Drug Situation in the UK. Drugscope. Published at www.drugscope.org.uk

UK Drug Situation 2000. The UK Report to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction.

UK Trends and updates (2000). Found at www.drugscope.org.uk/trends

Waiting for treatment – its impact on uptake and effectiveness. A research report prepared by EATA, the European Association for the Treatment of Addictions (UK)

Ward, J. and Rhodes, T. (2001) Drugs Prevention through Youth Work. DPAS Briefing Paper 12. Home Office

World Drug Report 2000. United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention (ODCCP)

Wright, L (2001) The Hitchhikers Guide to Alcohol Education. Presented at the Tyne and Wear HAZ ‘Young people and alcohol: what’s the harm’ Conference, 22nd June 2001.

Young people and alcohol. Paper presented at Young People and Alcohol Conference, South Shields, June 2001 by D. Newbury-Birch. Tyne and Wear Health Action Zone.

Youth crime: findings from the 1998-1999 Youth Lifestyles Survey (2000). Home Office Research Study 209. London: Home Office

Youth Justice Plan 2001/2002. Newcastle upon Tyne Youth Offending Team.

Youth Lifestyle Survey (2000). Flood-Page, C., Campbell, S., Harington, V. and Miller, J. Youth Crime: Findings from the 1998-1999 Youth Lifestyles Survey. Home Office Research Study 209.

Electronic sources of information accessed in the writing of this report include:

Department for Education and Skills (DfES): www.dfes.gov.uk

Department of Health (DoH): www.doh.gov.uk

Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR): www.detr.gov.uk

Drug Prevention Advisory Service (DPAS): www.dpas.gov.uk

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 173 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE DRUG ACTION TEAM: YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 2001

Drugscope: www.drugscope.org.uk

Home Office: www.homeoffice.gov.uk

Neighbourhood Statistics: www.statistics.gov.uk/neighbourhood/home.asp

Newcastle City Council: www.newcastle.gov.uk

Office of National Statistics (ONS): www.statistics.gov.uk

Copies of this Needs Assessment are available from:

Sustainable Cities Research Institute University of Northumbria 6 North Street East Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST Telephone: (0191) 227 3500 Email: [email protected]

There may be a charge to cover printing costs.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 174 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE