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.

Youth Engagement Service (YES) - Start360
Start360
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
View service details >
Health Promotion/Improvement Dept - Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT)
Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT)
Region: NHSCT/NDACT

Health promotion and improvement publications and resources
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One to One Coaching - The Sober Coach
The Sober Coach
Region: WHSCT/WDACT

I am a Certified Professional Recovery Coach and Certified Life Coach specialising in helping anyone who wants to change their relationship with alcohol.

I work at an early intervention stage where clients have recognised their use of alcohol is somewhat problematic and want to make a change before things get worse.

As your coach, I will help:
- mentor and guide you in learning how to embark on a life without alcohol.
- feel supported by providing a safe, non-judgemental and confidential environment to discuss your current challenges with alcohol.
- develop a recovery plan with realistic goals, help keep you accountable to it and continually reassess and make adjustments as you progress.
- work with you collaboratively to resolve barriers to change.
- be your guide/mentor in relation to coping mechanisms, moving through the cycle of change and developing new behaviour patterns.
- deal with relapse and work towards reducing the changes of it happening again.
- be your cheerleader helping you identify and celebrate the changes and progress made.
- guide you to other sources of help if required.
Coaching is person centred (you are the expert on you), forward focused and goal driven.

IMPORTANT - Coaching does not replace therapy or counselling. A recovery coach does not diagnose conditions or treat them. A Coach is not medically trained therefore cannot provide guidance in relation to detox or assistance to those who are physically dependent on alcohol.
The Sober Coach -
Region: WHSCT/WDACT

Certified Professional Recovery Coach (CPRC)
As your coach, I will help:
- mentor and guide you in learning how to embark on a life without alcohol.
- feel supported by providing a safe, non-judgemental and confidential environment to discuss your current challenges with alcohol.
- develop a recovery plan with realistic goals, help keep you accountable to it and continually reassess and make adjustments as you progress.
- work with you collaboratively to resolve barriers to change.
- be your guide/mentor in relation to coping mechanisms, moving through the cycle of change and developing new behaviour patterns.
- deal with relapse and work towards reducing the changes of it happening again.
- be your cheerleader helping you identify and celebrate the changes and progress made.
- guide you to other sources of help if required.

Coaching is person centred (you are the expert on you), forward focused and goal driven.
IMPORTANT - Coaching does not replace therapy or counselling. A recovery coach does not diagnose conditions or treat them. A Coach is not medically trained therefore cannot provide guidance in relation to detox or assistance to those who are physically dependent on alcohol.
Derry Youth Engagement Service (YES) - Our Space
Our Space
Region: WHSCT/WDACT

A youth friendly, holistic health and wellbeing service where young people, aged 11-25 have opportunities to socialise and to get advice and support on a range of issues.

Referral process: Open Access
Youth Transition Project One Stop Shop - Dove House Community Trust
Dove House Community Trust
Region: WHSCT/WDACT

The Youth Transition Project 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
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HURT-Educational Services - HURT
HURT
Region: WHSCT/WDACT

HURT's drug and alcohol lifeskills programme can deliver workshops in school, youth and community settings.

HURT are approved to deliver a range of accredited programmes. We are approved by T.Q.U.K. (Training Qualification A.K) O.C.N. (Open College Network) and C.P.C.AB. (Central Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body) and facilitate programmes such as Level 3 Award In Education and Training Level 5 Substance Misuse Theory and Intervention.
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Health Improvement, Equality and Involvement - Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT)
Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT)
Region: WHSCT/WDACT
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Addiction Recovery Coaching - ARC Fitness
ARC Fitness
Region: WHSCT/WDACT

The Addiction Recovery Coaching is a unique approach to tackling the stigma of substance misuse enables individuals and their supporters improve their mental and physical wellbeing through physical activity, professional support, education, and community.

Referral Process: Open Access
Quest (WRAPP-Western Regional Alcohol Prevention Programme) - Action Mental Health
Action Mental Health
Region: WHSCT/WDACT

QUEST works collaboratively with people to identify triggers or patterns of behaviours that lead to periods of alcohol misuse or lifestyle decisions which are continually impacting negatively on their mental health - activities range from personal development programmes and stress management to confidence building and negotiating skills
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