The purpose of our research program is to ensure that young people are actively involved in the design of project content and it also provides a platform for young people to be advocating for their own support needs around alcohol and other drugs.
Youth Solutions’ research program is supported by a broader research advisory group made up of members from the University of Sydney and Western Sydney University. This collaborative working group was created in late 2018 to assist Youth Solutions in increasing it’s research capacity.
Investigators: Prof Jioji Ravulo, Dr Emily Deans, Dr Elizabeth Conroy, A/ Prof Ilse Blignault, Prof Anthony Shakeshaft
Research Officer: Jason Lal
Research Volunteer: Joseph Abdo (Bi-Lingual Cross Cultural Clinical Consultant)
The aim of this project is to generate new knowledge to support alcohol and other drug community services in understanding how to include Pacific perspectives in service design and to provide culturally safe referral pathways and resources.
A further 15 participants were recruited to support Youth Solutions ongoing commitment to understanding the needs of service users.
Funding Declaration: Western Sydney University, SWSLHD Drug Health Services
Funding Declaration: Camden Council
Publication: Deans E, Ravulo J, Blignault I, Conroy E. Understanding the needs of local youth to inform drug and alcohol prevention and harm reduction services: A qualitative study. Health Promot J Australia. 2020:00:1-9.
Report: Understanding the alcohol and other drug needs of young people living in Camden
This project involved qualitative interviews with 15 young people recruited from the LGBTIQA+ community about the appropriateness of alcohol and other drug prevention and harm reduction resources. The findings from this research study were used to develop a video resource for use in our health education workshops. The video focuses on the drug cannabis, providing helpful harm reduction information for young people in our community. The resource also highlights the warning signs for us to watch for that might indicate a friend or family member is developing a tolerance to cannabis.
Funding Declaration: The AURORA Group
This project involved qualitative focus groups with 30 young people currently transitioning through the NSW Youth Justice System about the substances that have caused them concern and the socio-cultural factors that have shaped their involvement in drug use. We are currently working on two papers for publication which we hope will support the AOD sector in providing support and advocacy for vulnerable youth populations.
Funding Declaration: SWSLHD Drug Health Services, University of Wollongong.
Posted on 14th June 2022
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