We began delivering outreach work to young people where drugs and alcohol were an issue some 15 years ago, initially through European Social Funding (ESF). This work grew steadily and was then commissioned through local councils: Crime and Disorder Reductions Partnerships (CDRPs) and lately Community Safety Partnerships and Kent Drug and Alcohol Action Team (KDAAT).

The work has predominately related to preventative and early intervention work including substance misuse educational programmes delivered in schools. This also involved a very successful peer mentoring programme entitled Cascade which ran in schools across Kent for 10 years. Structured Interventions are delivered on a group and individual basis for those with identifiable concern / vulnerability around drug and/or alcohol use. One to one substance misuse counselling is also delivered and our specialist drugs and alcohol young people’s workers are all trained in multi-agency working and undertake formal screening and assessment processes such as Child Assessment Framework (CAF) and  refer on to a range of other agencies where appropriate.

Since 2006 we have been funded by Supporting People to provide supported accommodation for 23 homeless young people. This is not a specific drugs and alcohol service but involves a whole range of life skills provision and support for young people in managing vulnerabilities and moving to independent living.

Recently we have been commissioned to provide targeted alcohol interventions particularly in hot spot areas where anti social behaviour is associated with alcohol (and often Drug) use. Following an assessment of need, including the use of the Alcohol Audit tool for young people, Our workers engage with the young people and offer a structured intervention where required. This delivery uses a flexible, responsive and community based approach and has been very effective in increasing knowledge and understanding of consequences and in reducing alcohol use.

Kenward Trust has also been commissioned to provide the Drug Intervention and Support Programme (DISP) across Kent for the last 5 years. This is an intervention programme which offers an alternative to first time entry to the criminal justice system due to cannabis use and an alternative to school exclusion due to substance misuse. Referrals are predominately from the police and schools but can be from a range of agencies and / or parental / self referral.

All our young people’s service delivery is family focused and specific family support and intervention is offered alongside all our direct work with young people.