Hard-hitting Youth Forum tackles drink and drugs ‘blight’
Thursday, 23 October 2008
Road Traffic branch officers, Charlette Nixon and John Wilson, show DPP vice chairperson Ethne McAnespie, Jessica Aiken, Hayley Lowry, Christopher Gillen, councillor Charles Chittick and Laura McPhillips the up-to-date equipment
As shock Department of Health statistics this week revealed that nine per cent of 15 to 34-year-olds in Northern Ireland have sampled cocaine, with over half of recent users reporting that powder was 'fairly easy' or 'very easy' to obtain, Omagh District Policing Partnership's Youth Forum event, driving home the dangers of drugs and alcohol, hit a nerve for many local teens.
More than 100 Year 11 pupils from post primary schools in Omagh district attended the annual Youth Forum arranged by the District Policing Partnership in Omagh Leisure Complex on Friday last.
This year, in addition to consulting young people - and in an effort to prevent youth crime - the programme included disseminating some hard-hitting information about the effects of underage drinking and drug use.
Constable Peter Thompson, from the PSNI., presented startling figures and statistics on underage drinking and drug abuse and their effects.
To reinforce the message he highlighted scenarios from police experiences, such as when a young person had been found drunk and brought back to their parents, only to be told 'to go upstairs quietly' as they had visitors in.
He indicated that parents must also take responsibility for their children.
Representatives from the Fire Service showed a shocking DVD detailing the effects of the misuse of fireworks in the lead up to Halloween - a message especially appropriate, following the finding of the home-made fireworks in Banbridge last week.
This included vivid footage of a young girl, who had lost her hand as a result of inappropriate handling of fireworks.
The overall message of the presentations by the various agencies was that they wished to prevent crime - rather than have to react to it.
The regional manager of Crimestoppers, Ms Susan Brew, also attended the meeting and highlighted he work of Crimestoppers - an independent charity, completely separate from the police.
Anonymity
She emphasised to the young people present that if they were not prepared to report crime to the police, the privacy and anonymity of Crimestoppers is an alternative option.
She advised them that there is no recording made of the call, and that telephone numbers are not traceable, so callers cannot be identified. The only information that Crimestoppers seek is information about criminal activity.
Omagh District Policing Partnership presented figures on the top five policing priorities for the Omagh District, following its recent consultation.
The priorities were identified through public consultation with a range of people, including senior citizens, students at Omagh College, migrant workers, general postal surveys, community groups and disabled people. The top five priorities were anti-social behaviour - including underage drinking and drug use, offences against individuals - including assault, dangerous or careless driving, speeding and theft from vehicles.
It was advised the priorities would be presented to the PSNI for inclusion in the local policing plan. The PSNI will be monitored on their performance in relation to these issues.
The DPP highlighted the finding from the survey that students at South West College, an age group of 16-24, were mostly concerned about underage drinking and drug use.
The young people attending the Youth Forum then engaged in group discussions on topics ranging from the age-old problem of drinking at Omagh's underage haunt - the Grange Park - to anti-social behaviour at the bus depot in the lead-up to Halloween.
Young people indicated that they wanted to see more of a police presence at the bus depot in the lead-up to Halloween, as the fireworks are already being let off. Some young people indicated their fear of the effects the lethal weapons could have. It was also advised that 'students as young as 12 were buying and letting fireworks off in the Omagh area from vans going around estates'.
Other comments made included the stereotyping of young people - they advised it is not always young people that let fireworks off, but older young adults.
Other agencies present included the Youth Justice Agency, Victim Support, Roads Policing and information on the Community Safety Partnership.
All students received a pack of relevant information as well as a personal alarm. This personal safety initiative of Omagh District Policing Partnership vice-chairperson, Ms Eithne McAnespy, is in response to the rise in the number of assaults on young people in Omagh at night.
