We encourage Local Drug Action Teams (LDATs) to link with existing alcohol and other drug-related harm prevention programs that have been shown to work.
A limited number of existing programs are listed below. You may find other programs through local health services, peak bodies and by drawing on local knowledge and networks. There may be a number of existing programs already in place in workplaces and higher education institutions that you can support and build on.
Existing programs in Australia relating to Alcohol, Other Drugs and Young Adults include:
Existing programs may have an alcohol and other drug focus, or possibly a different overall focus such as health promotion. Be mindful to look outside the alcohol and other drug sector, as programs that target young adults may be working towards other health and social outcomes.
Due to the limited number of quality programs available and the need for tailored approaches, many LDATs will work with community organisations to develop and deliver a targeted activity/ies for their community.
Setting objectives for your Community Action Plan activity is an important part of the planning process.
Some example objectives for activities aimed at reducing alcohol and other drug use among young people are provided below. Groups can develop their own objectives, although you may find these a useful starting point:
For more information on how to formulate SMART objectives see Set Your Objectives
Strong partnerships between Local Drug Action Teams, workplaces and higher education institutions are essential to increase awareness around harm minimisation methods, while also working to change the cultural acceptance of substance use in workplaces and on campuses within this age group.
LDATs can work with a variety of partners both within workplaces and campuses, as well as external organisations and services in the broader community when delivering their activities.
Partners can support your action in different ways, including providing resources and venues for activities, hosting and promoting activities, and providing opportunities for volunteering and social engagement, and through financial support, among others.
Your specific approach to working with young people in higher education and the workplace may influence the type of individuals, networks and organisations that your group partners with.
Partners may include:
All alcohol and other drug activities need to be adequately resourced. Below is an indicative list of resources required for community organisations to deliver activities relating to reduce the use of alcohol and other drugs among young people. Local Drug Action Teams may be able to provide some of these resources but may also need to partner with others to access additional support.
This is not an exhaustive list and your LDAT should be mindful that the resources required will be influenced by the activities being taken by your team.
Resources
While you are planning your activity, it is important to consider measures of success for your activity. Determine how you will evaluate the success of your activity linking your success measures to your objectives.