A New Service launched for young people
Page content
A New Service launched for young people
A new service has been launched in Newcastle for young people who have concerns or problems with drugs or alcohol.
The D ‘n’ A Service for Young People offers free, confidential advice and support on drugs, alcohol and related problems to people under the age of 19.
The new free-phone number 08000 730 470 and text number 0762 480 9620 are supported by Safe Newcastle, The Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership and partners in the voluntary and community sector.
Both provide one point of contact and will result in an improved and easier to access service to ensure young people receive the best possible support from the most suitable agency.
To coincide with the launch a new website www.dnanewcastle.com was also unveiled offering on-line information to young people, carers and other agencies. In addition to advice about drugs and alcohol worried youngsters are able to assess whether they have a problem by answering a number of simple questions.
Manfred Humer, D'n'A Service Manager said
“There has always been excellent services available across Newcastle for young people with concerns about drugs and alcohol. The new D ‘n’ A Service now offers an improved service by bringing these together so young people can be sure they are receiving the best possible help by making just one call.
“The service also offers a lot more than just advice. For example, we work with community and voluntary organisations to offer specialist youth work. Young people may also be offered counselling if that’s seen as the most appropriate route for them and we can also offer access to a range of other services, from life skills development to information on benefits and housing.
“We are confident that this new, improved service will have a positive affect on those young people in Newcastle whose lives are suffering from the negative impact of substance and alcohol misuse”.
Today’s launch was planned in conjunction with young people from the ‘Investing in Children’ programme and included performances by youth theatre group Theatre Pie who acted out scenes around drug and alcohol use . The audience also heard true life stories from young people whose lives have been affected by drugs and alcohol.
Di Robertson, Safe Newcastle’s Children & Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Services Manager speaking at today’s launch said
“This new service is a giant step forward in providing quality provision to young people who are experiencing issues with drugs and alcohol. It is also an excellent example of agencies in the city working together in partnership to serve the needs of local people.
“By providing one point of contact anyone with a problem will now find it a much easier to ask for help and be therefore encouraged to do so.
“We must continue to work together to support young people in Newcastle, offering them the best opportunities to build brighter futures for themselves”.
