Battle against alcohol and drug misue set to go ahead

The Platform scheme has been commissioned by NHS Leeds to ensure support and advice is available through a range of programmes to anyone at risk of alcohol and drug abuse.

Official figures have revealed that the number of young people in Leeds who are being treated for alcohol problems is lower than the national average. However, while more young people are choosing not to drink, those who do are often drinking to excess.

The early intervention and prevention (EIP) team has been developed by NHS Leeds to prevent and reduce the level of harm related to alcohol and drug use amongst vulnerable young people.

The EIP team will work closely with the accident and emergency units at the city’s hospitals, and offer targeted support to young people and schools as well as training to professionals.

The Director of Public Health for Leeds, Dr Ian Cameron, said: “Acting early to prevent children and young people, particularly the most vulnerable, from developing long-term health and social problems caused by alcohol or drugs is extremely important.

“I’m delighted to announce that NHS Leeds and Leeds City Council have commissioned Platform to deliver an early intervention project.

“This is a positive step in reducing the impact of alcohol-related harm on children and young people in our city.”

As well as commissioning Platform to deliver a city-wide early intervention and prevention substance misuse project for young people, a number of recommendations have been made to reduce the risk of alcohol-related harm among children and teenagers in the city.

Some of the recommendations which will be considered by NHS Leeds and Leeds City Council include reducing the influence of parental “supply” of alcohol to children under 15 years and developing a training programme to support professionals working with children so that problems are identified earlier.

A child or young person who wants to take advantage of the support services on offer can contact the Platform project by calling 0113 397 1300.