In our afternoon session we carried on to look at some fictitious case studies of children that were having some kind of problems with cannabis, either through using it themselves, dealing it, or family members or friends using or dealing it or the feeling of peer pressure. In groups we explored ways we could help these children to get over their problems or to minimise the harm that was likely to happen to them. The social workers on the course had a diversity of opinion on how to deal with these problems and in groups we worked out the best ways to help them under certain conditions. I was very impressed by the reactions of all the social workers in putting the childrens’ future before the law and other considerations.
I found it particularly interesting talking with the other people attending the course as well as the course leader about the need for more interventionary policies in trying to get young people to use less or no cannabis. Such interventionary policies involve getting young people to have toher interests to play sport, have hobbies etc. Many of us agreed that it was not the cannabis that was a problem but the lack of alternative facilities to engage the children that made them turned to cannabis.
I have given links below to some of the organisations from which the social workers came. If you need advice or anyone you know needs it these people can, will and do help!
Fazed Drug Project
C/o Ward End Park House
Washwood Heath Rd
Birmingham B8 2HB
Tel: (0121) 303 1345
Drugs.Education.Project@birmingham.gov.uk
YMCA
From providing housing, training and community health and fitness facilities to supporting young people and their families, YMCAs in over 250 communities in England encourage, support and challenge young people to become the best that they can be. National.
www.ymca.org.uk
Compass
Compass offers advice, information and a support service specifically for young people under the age of 18 years, parents/carers, anyone concerned about a young person and drugs and professionals working with young people. Telephone 07919 368083/07789 400359. National.
www.compass-uk.org
CAAAD Project, The (Community Action Around Alcohol and Drugs)
Community based drug and alcohol project specialising in easy to access harm reduction services for people concerned about their own or someone elses drug or alcohol use. We provide support, counselling, hepatitis service, complementary therapies and up to date information on drug and alcohol related issues which can be accessed by phone, email or by dropping in.
Barton Hill Settlement
188 Lawrence Hill
Bristol
BS5 0DR
Tel 0117 904 2297
Fax 0117 904 2200
Email caaad@bartonhillsettlement.org.uk
http://www.bartonhillsettlement.org.uk
A Way Out (Addicted Women and Youth Outreach)
Provides outreach services for women and young people with substance misuse issues. Drop in centre where women can shower and have a change of clothes. Canteen facilities. Also arrange basic training. Legal advice on housing from a solicitor who visits the centre every Thursday afternoon. Drop in is welcome whenever the service is open.
47 George Street
Thornaby
Stockton-on-Tees
TS15 0NZ
Tel: 01642 655071
The Shadow Project
The Shadow project, a initiative between Coventry PCT and Coventry Youth Service, provides education and prevention work with young people with a focus on sexual health, teenage pregnancy, drugs, smoking and healthy lifestyles. Shadow runs sessions in schools, youth clubs and other youth settings.
South Field Old School South St
Coventry
CV1 5EJ
Tel: 024 7622 7083Swindon and Wiltshire Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service (SWADS)
Offers help and counselling for anyone concerned about alcohol and drug taking.
Afternoon support group 2.00pm - 4.00pm everyday.
Drop in Clinic 9.30am - 11.30am
Tel: 01793 695405
Swindon and Wiltshire Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service (SWADS)
Offers help and counselling for anyone concerned about alcohol and drug taking.
Afternoon support group 2.00pm - 4.00pm everyday.
Drop in Clinic 9.30am - 11.30am
Tel: 01793 695405
