A multi-agency partnership aimed at the prevention and reduction of harm from substance misuse among children and young people in Ceredigion has been launched.

The Harm Reduction and Prevention Partnership first met in April 2017 but has now been formally launched to coincide with Safeguarding Week.

The partnership brings together senior personnel from a range of agencies to ensure a co-ordinated and consistent approach to harm reduction and prevention.

The work of the partnership builds upon the SchoolBeat.Cymru programme. It includes promoting awareness of existing harm reduction and prevention provision, universal and targeted work within schools, colleges and clubs, developing a flowchart for partners to respond to substance misuse incidents, and sharing the most recent information on existing and emerging trends and dangers.

Barry Rees, chair of the Harm Reduction and Prevention Partnership and corporate director for Ceredigion County Council, said: “There is a concern that children and young people in Ceredigion are becoming increasingly vulnerable to significant harm in relation to substance misuse and associated activities.

“We must face the fact that there are substance misuse issues within the county, including in our schools and other education providers, as well as in the wider community.

“Therefore this partnership brings together key partners to work proactively, openly and visibly on prevention and harm reduction.

“Within the partnership, information is shared on existing harm reduction strategies and how they can be drawn together into a combined, multi-agency strategy. Initially, the partnership has focused on the Aberystwyth area but its scope will expand to include the whole of the Ceredigion.”

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