Liber8 workers move into Airdrie

Jul 8 2009 by Wendy Scott, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

OVER the past six weeks ground workers from Liber8 Lanarkshire Ltd have been hard at work in the streets of Craigneuk, Airdrie, preparing to deliver an alcohol and substance misuse programme to local youths.

This “Street Based” 18-month long programme, funded by NHS Lanarkshire and supported by Strathclyde Police, is being carried out at key times, principally in the evenings, with Liber8 Lanarkshire workers engaging with local young people.

Through time, and with the building up of relationships with these young people, it is hoped to significantly reduce their consumption of alcohol and misuse of illegal substances within the Craigneuk and surrounding areas.

In every community where Liber8 Lanarkshire’s “Street Base” programme is active, dramatic reductions have been experienced in youth alcohol consumption, street drinking and anti-social behaviour.

Monklands Superintendent Henry Campbell said:” Liber8 have a proven track record. Their efforts have helped to reduce levels of anti-social behaviour and substance misuse by young people in other towns and I welcome their assistance within the Craigneuk area of Airdrie.”

Working in conjunction with Liber8 Lanarkshire, a Youth Advisory Group comprising of young Volunteers, who come from a background of alcohol misuse themselves, will play an active part in discussing this programme offering and voicing their opinion as to the programmes future development . It is hoped that this vital role will encourage local youth participation.

Currently there are two trained Liber8 workers in the Craigneuk and surrounding areas. All Liber8 staff carry identification.