The main aim of a Youth Substance Misuse Officer's role is to engage with young people up to the age of 18 who show substance misuse needs, with a particular emphasis on alcohol, cannabis and New Psychoactive Substances (NPS).
The team act as a rapid first point contact for young people in crisis, in relation to substance misuse. They provide a universal early intervention service, delivering harm reduction advice to prevent the escalation of risk taking behaviour by young people.
If the person is over 18 years old, you can find out what other support is available for drug and alcohol misuse.
How to make a referral
We are a first point of contact for young people in crisis in relation to substance misuse. We mainly receive referrals from Health and Police; however referrals can be made by other statutory or voluntary agencies or individuals.
If you are unsure on suitablilty
Please call for a discussion.
North Cumbria (Carlisle and Eden)
Abi Macrae
Email: abi.macrae@cumbria.gov.uk
Mobile: 07825 340514
West Cumbria (Allerdale and Copeland)
Barry Arnison
Email: barry.arnison@cumbria.gov.uk
Mobile: 0788 794 7621
After you've made a referral
After we get your referral an officer will complete an assessment of the young person's alcohol, substance use or misuse, usually within the family home, with the aim to deliver appropriate education, harm reduction advice, relating to the misuse and related risk taking behaviour.
If more help is needed
The Youth Substance Misuse Team are part of a multi-agency approach therefore if it is identified that further work is required, an Early Help Assessment will be carried out to ensure the young person receives the correct support and achieves the best outcome.