Larne police counselling initiative first

This is the first such initiative anywhere in Northern Ireland and is seen as a way to help the borough’s young people to lead a more positive lifestyle.

A steering group involving youth service providers, schools and the PSNI was recently established to explore possibilities to deliver counselling services in Larne.

The idea originated from issues the police were having with anti-social behaviour and underage drinking – a partnership was formed between New Life Counselling, the Feder-ation of the Retail Licensed Trade (FRLT) and the PSNI.

Through the partnership, FRLT provided some funding to New Life Counselling to provide group based counselling for a group of young people in Larne, to educate and explore issues around alcohol misuse. This was successfully delivered and subsequently the PSNI secured funding for one-to-one counselling for young people, group-based counselling and parenting workshops.

Colin Neill, chief executive of FRLT, said: “The FRLT supports the delivery of practical initiatives to address issues of alcohol misuse and underage drinking through a range of local partnerships with local authorities and statutory agencies.

“Our financial support in the delivery of the New Life Counselling Positive Lifestyle Choices Programme has allowed the licensed trade to further enforce our key messages on safety and responsible alcohol consumption while helping young people to understand the consequences of alcohol misuse and develop practical skills to manage their behaviour.”

Noel Rogan PSNI sector commander for the Larne Borough, said the role of the police is often seen as one of enforcement.

“However, we are aware that enforcement alone may not always be the best way to resolve a particular problem in the long term. There will be occasions when raising awareness of the problems associated with alcohol misuse, through education delivered by appropriate support mechanisms, will achieve results that will be more beneficial to both the individual and the community.

“Through this programme partner agencies will be able to offer practical, visible and professional assistance that will help to tackle the many difficult issues affecting the Borough. This initiative, which is the first of its kind in any of our Policing Districts, was funded through the Policing With The Community and Police Property Funds. I am delighted that Larne has taken the lead and is seeking new ways to resolve serious harm issues, including underage drinking and alcohol misuse,” he said.

These programmes are currently being set up for delivery in the coming months. Further information on the programme is available from New Life Counselling on 028 90746184. Some publicity materials and referral forms for those wishing to access counselling have been left with the YMCA.

New Life Counselling, established as a provider of counselling services and operating in Belfast since 1993, provides services and support for children, adults and families on a range of issues from depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, drug/alcohol problems, self harming and suicidal behaviour.

Currently provide counselling with all post primary schools in the Larne area and across most of the province funded by the Department of Education, New Life Counselling operates to the highest ethical and professional standards. Counsellors are trained and experienced and the organisation is accredited by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Further information on New Life Counselling can be accessed through www.newlifecounselling.net where there is also an online referral form which can be used by those wishing to access services.