An Active Youth Participation Project, driven by young people who have got into trouble & drink Alcohol (London)

But those who are drinking, drink M O R E : Nearly 4,000 children hospitalised with alcohol poisoning last year  Binge Drinking  Problematic Drinking  Confrontations & ASB  Arrests: entering the Criminal Justice System

Previous research suggests:  There are links between offending and alcohol use  Young offenders drink more than the wider population  Nationally, (10-17yrs) drinking is responsible for 80k+ violent offences per year Young people interviewed (Demon Drink) reported :  Excessive drinking associated with “losing control”  38% of young people admit to being drunk while they committed their offence  74% felt alcohol encourages violent and aggressive behaviour  47% felt someone should have tried harder to help them before they reached the point...excluded / arrested  Young people strongly associate alcohol with a loss of control, aggression and fights

Less Young People entering the Criminal Justice System because of Alcohol

 Better and earlier recognition, support & treatment  Using a Social and Health Model  Encouraging YOS teams to screen better for alcohol when using ASSET+  Providing evidence & testimony to policy & decision-makers (YJB, MOPAC, MP’s)

 Less young Londoners drink compared with elsewhere in the Country  Cannabis is considered more of a problem  Society has a confusing relationship with Alcohol  Involving the young people most affected by this issue (to drive and co-produce the project) is very difficult

 Opportunity of co-producing a Project with elements of research and campaigning  Accredited Peer Research training  Skills development, Capacity building, Confidence  Develop a strong, collective Voice  Have Fun  Working creatively to research and produce recommendations  Access to policy and decision makers  Vouchers  A Reference

 Opportunity for partnership working  If you are working with young people who might be suitable for this project this is an opportunity for them and you

 Youth Alcohol Advertising Council Open to any young person  Its The Drink Talking : Network of Youth Activists Open to any young person

Steve Curtis Youth Engagement Officer Alcohol Concern