Michael Lloyd Steve Kenny Sefton Council Children and Young People’s Substance Misuse Health Needs Assessment Michael Lloyd Steve Kenny

About the health needs assessment Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council commissioned CPI to support the delivery of a health needs assessment (HNA) looking at the needs of children, young people and their families around substance misuse. The HNA is looking at: Prevention Treatment Children and young people affected by substance misuse of parents/carers

Our approach Overview The HNA includes: consultation with professionals consultation with young people (both in treatment and not in treatment) primary data analysis – using a range of data sets comparison data – comparing data for Sefton with Wirral and Stockport

Key findings There has been a downward trend in treatment numbers in Sefton since a peak in 08/09. Data for Wirral also shows a downward trend whilst the picture in Stockport fluctuates

Key findings Substance use in Sefton is generally similar to the national picture. Cannabis is the main problematic drug – as is also the case for Wirral and Stockport Cocaine is a feature in Sefton (28%) although Wirral was slightly higher (30%)

Key findings Young people in treatment have a range of complex vulnerabilities Domestic abuse is a feature in the lives of 45% of clients Other’s substance misuse is a feature in the lives of 47% of clients

Key findings Trends in substance misuse Cannabis use is perceived to have become normalised among young people over the last decade. Cannabis is combined with alcohol use among many vulnerable groups. Alcohol-related hospital admissions appear to be on a downward trend indicating changing levels of consumption. There is a perceived emergence of ketamine which appears to be more accessible and is linked to exploitative party events.

Key findings Vulnerabilities The “toxic trio” (mental health, substance misuse and domestic abuse) seems to permeate the lives of the most vulnerable families. Parental/carer substance misuse is perceived to have a significant impact in terms of: Young people’s health and their subsequent substance misuse The wider community Research indicates that the more risk factors that are present in young people’s lives the more likely they are to misuse substances.

Key findings Role of the family Given the relationship between parental/carer substance misuse and young people’s substance misuse, there was a perceived need to look at adopting a wrap-around family approach rather than looking at adult and young people’s issues in isolation. It was felt that lessons could be learned from initiatives like the Turnaround Programme (Troubled Families).

Components outstanding A number of HNA elements will be completed this week: “Dip” sample of case files of young people in treatment to understand the range of vulnerabilities that they exhibit Consultation with children and young people Venus Centre Netherton Park Neighbourhood Centre Christ Church Youth and Community Centre SMASH (x2) The HNA will report back during the week commencing 3rd April.

Group work In your group consider the following question: “From your perspective, what is missing in terms of support services for children and young people who are directly or indirectly affected by substance misuse?”

Group work In your group consider the following question: “From your perspective, what should the priorities be for commissioners to improve the support that is available for children and young people who are directly or indirectly affected by substance misuse?”

Group work In your group consider the following question: “Who needs to be involved in the design and co-production of services for children and young people who are directly or indirectly affected by substance misuse?”

Group work In your group consider the following question: From your perspective 1. what is missing in terms of support services for children and young people who are directly or indirectly affected by substance misuse?” 2. what should the priorities be for commissioners to improve the support that is available for children and young people who are directly or indirectly affected by substance misuse?” 3. “Who needs to be involved in the design and co-production of services for children and young people who are directly or indirectly affected by substance misuse?”