Needs Assessment: Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Services in Edinburgh City - Final Report

Abstract

The aim of this needs assessment is to inform the implementation of priority 1 and 3 of the Edinburgh Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (EADP) Children, Young People and Families Action Plan (2011) which states: - ‘Fewer children and young people using drugs and children and young people choosing to drink alcohol start later in life and take fewer risks.' - ‘More children and young people receive appropriate and timely support for alcohol and drug use' To do this effectively, the needs assessment set out to fulfil the following aims:  - Provide an understanding of local need in relation to young people and alcohol and drug use in Edinburgh.  - Analyse best practice in alcohol and drug services for young people elsewhere in Scotland and the UK.  - Provide recommendations for future service development. Objectives:  - To identify the prevalence of problem alcohol and drug use among young people in Edinburgh.  - To map existing drug and alcohol services in Edinburgh.  - To explore young people's perceptions of an effective alcohol and drug service.  - To provide an overview of models of good practice in young people's alcohol and drug services elsewhere in Scotland and the UK.   - To make recommendations regarding priorities and models for young people's alcohol and drug services in Edinburgh.