Strategies

The Forum's focus is prevention. Is it possible to reduce the number of people who fall into the abyss of addiction? Can we construct some fences back from the edge of the addiction cliff? Our strategy is based on four principles.

Knowing where we are

In the beginning we surveyed our local communities. We also commissioned the Exeter University Health Questionnaire to assess the level of drug and alcohol knowledge and awareness amongst 16 and 18 year old pupils in Nailsea and Backwell schools. At each of our meetings information on the local situation is shared in confidence between the various professionals (police, teachers, GPs,  pharmacists and other service providers). Such interactions continue between meetings on an as needs basis.

Informing the community

We realised early on that those who care for young people lack information on drugs and alcohol, and their misuse. What are drugs? What does the law say? How can the signs be read as the problem of misuse develops? So we circulated  A parents guide to alcohol and drugs to 13,000 households. We also produced our own leaflet Drugs and Alcohol misuse - what parents and neighbours can do and made presentations to the PTAs of local primary schools and other bodies.

Year 6 drug and alcohol awareness sessions

For six years we have held drug and alcohol awareness sessions for pupils who are in their last year at primary school. These half day sessions are facilitated by Nailsea School's Peer Group Drug Educators. We believe that young people who have accurate and impartial knowledge on the subject will be better able to make the right decisions as they mature. Todate more than 3500 Y6 pupils have participated in these sessions.

Help where it is needed

Recognising that an alcohol or drug habit can arise because of difficult situations that a young person is experiencing we provided funds to support part time counselling in the two local secondary schools and the open youth club run by the Methodist Church in Nailsea (MYCON).