Young People

Our Young Person’s Service is known locally as YP@Motiv8.

Young People's Service

Confidential support for young people facing alcohol, drug, gambling and gaming challenges.

YP@Motiv8, our Young Person’s Service, offers free, confidential, and non-judgemental support for young people facing challenges related to their own or someone else’s alcohol, drug, gambling, or gaming issues. The service provides a safe space to talk in confidence, support to reduce or quit substance use or problematic behaviors, cannabis use check-ups, face-to-face appointments, education and advice, as well as email and text support. It also offers guidance for those affected by a loved one’s struggles with alcohol, drugs, gambling, or gaming.

Young People

Important Information to be aware of...

Drugs and Alcohol

Alcohol and drugs change the way we think, feel and act, increasing your chances of getting into difficult situations that impact your body, mind and safety.

Don’t wait for drugs or alcohol to cause problems in your life. Speak to someone before a habit becomes a dependency.

Overdose Advice

Never leave someone on their own! If they are sleepy or you can’t wake them, put them on their side (in recovery position) and call an ambulance (999).

If any of this sounds familiar

  • “People need to know how easy it is to get hooked.”
  • “I used to just smoke weed but now I’m trying other things.”
  • “I can’t sleep without cannabis.”
  • “I’m worried about my friend when they drink.”
  • “I don’t want to do anything anymore, I need someone to talk to.”
  • “I don’t get much sleep because I am gaming at night which makes getting up in the mornings difficult.”
  • “I think I want to change my drug use but don’t want my friends to know.”
  • “I can’t have a good time anymore without drinking or taking drugs.”
  • “I spent most of my time gaming.”
  • “Once I start drinking, I find it hard to stop.”
  • “I’m gambling more and more.”

If any of the above statements sound familiar you may be developing a problem. Arrange a confidential appointment to talk about your situation with an experienced counsellor.

SOAR

SURVING ORGANISED exploitation ACROSS the Island

What is SOAR?

RECOVERING Lives is a Lottery Trust-funded initiative and a new project that seeks to offer intensive support to help the growing number of young people at risk or already involved in the illicit drug trade. This helps put an end to the practice of exploiting our young people to do the work of organised drug gangs, causing damage to them and the community.

Are you at risk of exploitation?

Ask yourself the following questions…  

  • Has someone asked you to sell drugs to pay off a debt?
  • Have these people been your friends, but are now asking you to do things you don’t want to?
  • Are you worried you are going to get into serious trouble but fear these gangs more than the police?

We can help you. Our Young Persons Worker will assist you in breaking away from these influences and help with finding yourself again with a listening ear, counselling and support to get your life back. Contact us today. 

Could a young person you care for be at risk of exploitation?

If you can answer “yes” to any of these questions, the young person might be at risk of exploitation…

  • Have you noticed your young person has funds they shouldn’t have or items of clothing, mobile phones, or other items you didn’t purchase?
  • Do they go missing or have new friendship groups, often with those older than them?

Did you know that those involved in the drug trade are now known to exploit young people within the illicit drug trade? They do this by making them feel a sense of belonging, acting as friends and rewarding them with free drugs, money, or gifts. As the young person becomes more involved, the relationship becomes more controlling and often abusive with threats of harm and injury if they do not do what is asked of them.

Support is available for you too even without the engagement of the young person themselves.