Brighton & Hove Youth Services open evening - 8 July

Hear 17 year old Esther talk about her problems with drugs and the help she received from the RU-OK? under 18s substance misuse service. This story comes as various services for young people host an open day today (Wednesday 8 July) Esther had problems with a range of substances including cannabis, cocaine and MDMA that led to her ending up in A&E. She referred herself to the RU-OK? under 18s’ substance misuse service. A range of experts skilled in supporting young people, their families and carers are showcasing their services at an open evening today (Wednesday 8 July). Located in the centre of Brighton, the services include education and employment, under 18s substance misuse as well as family therapy. Visitors will be able to talk to youth offending and crime prevention experts, volunteers as well as service users and have a look at the service’s in-house music studio. The open evening showcases four services working together and in partnership with health, police and probation to offer support to young people in the city. The four services that will be showcasing their offering are: • Youth Offending Service which provides preventative services for young people at risk of offending or involved in anti-social behaviour • Family First Team, which offers skilled functional family therapist that offers therapy in family homes and work with families in distress • Youth Employability Service (YES) which provides information and advice to 16-19 year olds not in employment, work or training as well as face to face support. • RU-OK? under 18s’ substance misuse services which provides individually tailored treatment programme and a school drop in service as well as support for young people who attend A&E due to alcohol or drug use The open evening will be held at 1 Regency Rd (off West Street), Brighton, BN1 2RU. Anna Gianfrancesco, Youth Offending Service and RU-OK? service manager, said: “We provide support for young people, families and carers. “Whether it’s being at risk of re-offending, substance misuse issues or advice on education and training, these four services are ideally located in the city centre to complement each other. “I would urge anyone that cares for a young resident and is concerned for their welfare or simply wants to be better informed about what’s on offer to come along to this open evening.” Real story: Esther (not her real name) is a local 17-year old that has had problems with a range of substances including cannabis, cocaine and MDMA that led to her ending up in A&E. She referred herself to the RU-OK? under 18s’ substance misuse service. Esther continues to receive treatment, is doing well and working hard on her exams.
For more info on the event contact Alex Cooter or Sue Thorne on 01273 296 169 For more info about RU-OK? go to www.ruokservice.co.uk #ruok? #brighton #children #drugs