NHS Lanarkshire’s Health Improvement team is looking for the views of young people and parents/carers to help develop new resources about substance use, alcohol, and harm reduction.
This short survey focuses on alcohol, vaping/nicotine products, and cannabis to help better understand who young people turn to for advice on these topics.
Those who can take part will contribute to creating accessible information and support that reflects the real experiences and needs of families across Lanarkshire.
The team’s objective is to deepen understanding of:
- What young people feel they need to know
- What they would like their parents to understand about current drug and alcohol trends
- Parents’ knowledge, perceptions, and concerns
NHS Lanarkshire’s Health Improvement team has previously consulted with young people about alcohol, vaping, cannabis, and cocaine. One key finding was that young people do not always turn to their parents for help or advice. Some reported feeling unsure about who to speak to or what information they can trust.
Laura Sinclair, Health Improvement Senior – Alcohol, Vaping & Cannabis, NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Substance use among young people is a significant national public health concern. It is often associated with other risk behaviours, including bullying, early sexual activity, unintentional injuries, and later problematic substance use.
“Evidence suggests that one of the most effective harm reduction approaches is fostering open and informed communication between parents and young people about substances and expectations around their use.
“We want to share these insights with parents and carers to help them better understand young people’s perspectives and how they can provide effective support.
“Our goal is to develop an accessible resource that reflects the information and support identified as most important by participants. This resource will support more informed and open conversations within families and communities about substance use and harm reduction.”
Who can take part?
- Parents and carers of young people
- Young people aged 13-25
What will you gain?
- An opportunity to share your views and experiences
- A chance to help shape how young people and adults build trusting relationships
- Support in developing confident, open conversations
- The opportunity to make a positive difference for young people across Lanarkshire
Take the survey
Complete this short survey here.
Further information
For more information, please contact:
- Leah.O’Connor@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
- Laura.Sinclair@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
