Early intervention and prevention services

This section gives information on education and prevention services available across Northern Ireland which address drug and alcohol issues or concerns. These services are available in a number of settings such as in schools, workplaces, community and youth centres and clubs with many providing free drug and/or alcohol focussed awareness-raising advice, materials, sessions or programmes.

Region: NHSCT/NDACT

The NDACT Connections Service (hosted in Northern area by Start 360) acts as the operational arm of the Northern Drug and Alcohol Coordination Team (NDACT); assisting the Team to take forward its priority actions and to work with other stakeholder organisations and partnerships in the area to develop and deliver drug and/or alcohol related projects, events and initiatives

Region: NHSCT/NDACT

Delivery of age-appropriate life-skills and harm-reduction programmes to vulnerable young people using, or at-risk of using, substances

Region: NHSCT/NDACT

The One Stop Shop Service provides a youth friendly, holistic health and well-being service where young people, aged 11-25, have opportunities to socialise and to get advice and support on a range of issues

Region: NHSCT/NDACT

A peer education service which identifies young people using, or at risk of misusing, alcohol and encourages them to participate in a 6 week diversionary course and which can also provide alcohol awareness sessions in youth settings

Region: NHSCT/NDACT

YES is a holistic health and well-being service for young people, aged 11-25, and is funded by the Public Health Agency. It provides:

  • A walk in service for information, support and signposting on a wide range of health & wellbeing issues.
  • A safe social space for young people in Ballymena town centre thorugh a Drop In service.
  • Activities promting positive health & wellbeing - fishing, crafts, football, health & fitness programmes.
  • Volunteering and development opportunities with our Youth Forum, with training and support provided.
  • C Card Sexual Health Service for 16-25 year olds - providign free condoms, dental dams, femidoms and lube.
  • A venue promoting young up and coming musicians with regular Gig Nights
  • An outreach service supporting local schools and youth groups 
  • Peer led group duiscussions/workshops on issues impacting young people
Region: BHSCT/BDACT, NHSCT/NDACT, SEHSCT/SEDACT, SHSCT/SDACT, WHSCT/WDACT

This service is a structured support service for young people aged 11-25 years old, living in Northern Ireland, who have been impacted by parental substance misuse and mental health problems.
The Service offers flexible one to one support at a time and place to suit you. Self help support is also available on our website.

We look at:
1. What is living with this like for you
2. Information: Learning more about alcohol and alcohol misuse
3. How do you cope?
4. What supports do you have?
5. Where you can get further support.

We also train other professionals to use the intervention within their own services.