To receive an introductory presentation in respect of substance misuse by children and young people.
Minutes:
Jillian Hunt, Head of Drug and Alcohol Services at Bracknell Forest Council, was based at New Hope in Bracknell. She circulated some examples of drugs and drug equipment to the Panel so that they could have some idea of the different type of drugs in the local community. She presented information about parental substance misuse which showed a generational cycle as was expected. More than 100 children nationally contacted ChildLine each week with concerns about their parents’ drinking or drug misuse; nationally there was evidence of parental substance misuse in over half of serious case reviews.
Jillian Hunt gave a full and concise introduction into young people and substance misuse, highlighting areas of concern in Bracknell Forest. The number of young people who presented themselves for treatment remained reasonably static at about 70 each year. The partnership working with other agencies such as the local police and the adult and young people’s services within Bracknell Forest Council, continued to work well and practices were in place with a view to working in a ‘joined up’ process so that there was neither a crossover of, nor duplication of work.
There was concern that the number of people using amphetamines in Bracknell Forest was higher than the national average, reflecting the level of mephedrone use locally. There had been a 5% reduction in 2013/14, with the demographics of the young people using this drug, being young people from the age of 12/13 years, not having smoked tobacco or cigarettes prior to using amphetamines. A possible explanation was that the drug was being manufactured in Bracknell Forest. The composition of the drug could vary enormously and it could contain toxic substances. Mephedrone had now been classified as a class B drug, and was highly addictive from the outset and cheaper than buying heroin or crack cocaine. Jillian Hunt informed the Panel that there was a strategic group looking at the use of mephedrone and that use of this drug was also starting to increase in neighbouring authorities. Locally drug and alcohol misuse was a focus and was a priority of the Borough’s Community Safety Plan and the LSCB Plan. The Youth Service was present in secondary schools each week and gave support by carrying out initial assessments.
Following a question from the Panel, Jillian Hunt advised that there had been a slight reduction in the number of drug misusers reoffending.
The team had previously received limited funding from the Department of Health for young people’s substance misuse services. This funding was now part of the Public Health Grant, and other contributions were received from the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Youth Offending Service.
New Hope normally held an annual event at their premises in Market Street, Bracknell where people could drop in and meet staff, see the work that the team did and perhaps meet individuals who had benefitted from the work. Jillian Hunt advised that the service provided for adults was on a payment by results basis.
Councillor Mrs Birch thanked Jillian Hunt for her very full presentation and an overview of substance misuse in Bracknell Forest to the Panel.