Substance misuse is one of the most common and yet preventable risks to a young person’s health and development.
Smoking, drinking and trying drugs is one of the most common ways in which young people may push boundaries. There are things you can do to help your child, but if you think your child may be using alcohol or drugs to help them cope with worries or mental health problems, go to your GP.
Alcohol
Alcohol changes the way people act and affects their decision making. The more they drink, the less careful they are. This can have serious consequences when it comes to sex and their personal safety.
It is illegal for people under the age of 18 to buy alcohol, it is also illegal for an adult to buy or attempt to buy alcohol on behalf of someone under 18. Alcohol affects different people in different ways and also affects young people differently to adults.
How alcohol can affect children and young people:
Drugs
Most young people don't take drugs
But you probably can’t stop your child from coming into some contact with drugs, but by staying as informed as possible, you can help them make the right choices when they do.
For more information visit: FRANK
Get help for drugs and alcohol abuse
OASIS
Oasis at Positive Steps in Oldham provides a free and confidential service to all young people (under 19s) who would like some help or advice. They can help children and young people reduce or stop their drug and/or alcohol use. They are flexible with their approach and can work around their needs. They can see children and young people at school, college, or at home.
OASIS operates a referral system and anyone can refer children and/or young people including: the young person themselves, parents/guardians/carers, or professionals from any agency. All we ask is that the young person is aware of the referral and consents to it being made. OASIS offeres parenting support for parents/guardians/carers concerned about their child's/young person's alcohol and/or drug use. This parenting support can be accessed by getting in touch with us.
Positive Steps, Medtia Place, 80 Union Street, Oldham, OL1 1DJ.
Freephone 0800 988 2208
oasis@positive-steps.org.uk
Monday-Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm (closed weekends and bank holidays)
BROOK
OASIS is part of the Integrated Sexual Health & Substance Misuse Health Service Offer also with Brook Oldham. Brook is a free, confidential contraception and sexual health service to anyone under the age of 21 living in the Oldham Borough. Brook Oldham has an online appointment booking system with 4 easy clicks and includes same day appointments. You can also use the Ask Brook 24/7 online service.
Brook Oldham Opening hours :
Monday - Friday 10.00am - 5.30pm Appointments and Drop In
Saturday 12.00pm - 01.00pm Drop In (Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays)
Positive Steps, Medtia Place, 80 Union Street, Oldham, Ol1 1DJ
Freephone : 0800 988 2209
Get more information from:
Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
T: 0161 770 7777
All content © 2020 Oldham Safeguarding Children Partnership
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