community centres

This episode of Radio 4's Woman's Hour series looks at building a network for young people and NSPCC youth centres. When a young person has problems, often the last thing they want to do is to confide in a social worker. Many regard such people as frightening figures of authority with a quite terrifying degree of power over their lives, including the right to take them away from their families, or to force them to move foster homes against their will.

In 2007 the Government launched a 10-year plan for young people. Its full title was ‘Aiming High for Young People: A Ten Year Strategy for Positive Activities’. This document outlines the commitments made within the plan and how the Government plans to implement these. It includes contact information so that young people can get involved and give their opinions.

Although alcohol is widely recognised as a major generator of employment and income from exports in Scotland, a considerable (and increasing) amount of harm is associated with its misuse.

The effects of this misuse – which are considered in this paper – are wide, and generate substantial costs not only for the health service, but also for criminal justice, communities, employers, and the wider Scottish economy.