Youth policy
The Youth Policy project aims to prevent and reduce harm amongst young people by raising awareness of the key issues affecting young people’s relationship with alcohol, influencing government policy nationally and improving models of service delivery locally.
The number of young people in the UK never to have drunk alcohol is rising, however the average weekly consumption of alcohol by young people has more than doubled since 1990. Those who are drinking are drinking more than ever before with corresponding increases in outcomes associated with risk taking behaviour as well as longer term health impacts.
Project outline
The Youth Policy project aims to better understand how young people up to 18-years old in England and Wales use alcohol, what shapes their decision making and the information and support available. The first year of the project will focus on “grassroots” issues around young people and alcohol, specifically in a local context. The second year focus is on levers that that affect young people and alcohol at a broader national level. Further information on the project work areas will be posted shortly.
The project puts the views of those who work in the alcohol field and young people themselves at the heart of developing guidance and practical tools for services and a government policy focused campaign. Through a series of regional seminars, focus groups and consultations young people and those working in the alcohol sector will have the opportunity to directly input to the project. Details about all consultation events will be posted in due course, however if you are interested in participating please email youthpolicy@alcoholconcern.org.uk
The Youth Policy project is a three-year project jointly funded by Comic Relief and the Tudor Trust.