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The results of a survey into the needs of young people in a Suffolk town could lead to more resources being made available for teenagers, including a teenshelter, visits from a mobile cinema and new computers.
Research carried out for the Substance Misuse Action Group (SMAG), which is funded by the Babergh Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) – one of whose partners is Babergh District Council, has shown that nearly 80% of over 450 teenagers questioned in Hadleigh felt there was a lack of facilities for their age group. The survey also showed that whilst the majority felt safe in the town, nearly one in every five didn’t. More concerning was the finding that 37% of youngsters thought that drug and alcohol misuse was a problem amongst their age group.
The research will form the basis of a report that will be considered by the action group next Wednesday (16th June). The report also recommends that £15,000 be spent on improving facilities in Hadleigh so that local young people have more things to do and are encouraged to channel their skills and energies away from substance misuse and other acts of anti-social behaviour.
"The majority of young people in Hadleigh are law-abiding and an asset to their community" explained Tim Mutum, Vice-Chairman of SMAG and Babergh’s Head of Leisure & Community Services. "What is clear, though, is that many young people are all too aware of the need for more things to do and the problems that may arise if these are not forthcoming".
The report suggests investing £15,000 in a number of projects, including the use of the Suffolk Digital Cinema Network to screen ten films over the summer, a contribution towards a teenshelter for young people to hang out, the purchase of new computers at the East House Youth centre and the part-funding of a sports coach.
The CDRP conducted a similar survey last year in Great Cornard, the results of which resulted in funding for the drop-in centre at Poplar Road to provide facilities and advice services for young people as well as other sections of the community.
"We believe that these types of initiatives, alongside the skills and energy of the young people themselves, can make a positive difference to life in Hadleigh".
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