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.”

Over the coming weeks health promotion outreach teams will be distributing information about the services in and around bars, clubs, saunas and sex venues in Lambeth.  Alternatively you can call Dan on 020 7803 1684 or 07771 858 057 for further information.

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Notes to editors

• Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity, providing a wide range of services for over 60,000 people a year.  The charity also campaigns and lobbies for greater political and public understanding of the personal, social and medical impact of HIV and sexual health.
• Amongst young gay and bisexual men it is reported that 46% of young gay men engage in unsafe sex. Alcohol was identified as the most common reason for taking sexual risks (www.puffta.co.uk/survey/2004 results).
• Alcohol and drug use affects an estimated 20-30% of the LGB population – a higher rate than the general population.
• High NRG is one of the services available within THT’s LGB youth service. 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.