THT launch gay drug alcohol support

By Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk • February 3, 2006 - 0:00

The THT has launched a new drug and alcohol support service

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The Terrence Higgins Trust has launched a new drug and alcohol support service for young lesbian, gay and bi-sexual (LGB) people in Lambeth. The scheme, called High NRG, is being run in Waterloo and will support under 25's who need advice and information on drugs and alcohol.

The service offers one to one counselling and group work and is funded by Lambeth Council's Young People's Substance Misuse Grant. Those using the service will have the opportunity to find out more about the effects of drugs and alcohol, talk about their own experiences and explore ways of reducing the impact of drugs and alcohol.

Gareth Davies, Youth Service Manager at THT said "Alcohol and drugs play a major role in the lives of many young LGB people. The service isn't there to preach but to help people make more informed choices around their use of drugs and alcohol. Having accurate information and being able to talk about these issues should encourage young people to be safer and to take fewer risks."

The group, which lobbies for greater understanding of the impacts of HIV and sexual health, says 46 per cent of young gay men engage in unsafe sex. Alcohol was identified as the most common reason for taking sexual risks.

NRG provides a range of services including employment and education training, advice on sexual health and HIV, key work, mentoring, family liaison, events and special projects. It also runs 3 weekly social groups.

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