Moray youth addiction service may join taskforce

A Moray addictions service for young people has been invited to join a taskforce set up to deal with under-age drinking.

Young Persons Addiction Counselling (YPAC), launched at Keith two weeks ago, offers confidential help to those aged 12 to 24 who have problems with drink, drugs, gambling or computer games.

The coordinator of the service, Robert Bruce, recently attended a meeting of the Operation Avon Working Group after an invitation by Sergeant Colin Taylor of Moray Community Safety Unit.

It was held prior to a swoop by Operation Avon officers on Friday which netted a large haul of drink from children aged between 10-16 at Cooper Park in Elgin.

It included a bottle of vodka, eight bottles of cider, nine cans of beer, five bottles of beer and eight bottles of Buckfast.

Police say an 18-year-old man was charged with buying alcohol for an under- age person in Elgin town centre, and inquiries are ongoing.

Sgt Taylor said under-age drinking continued to be a regular problem in Moray, but said police wanted to steer children in the right direction, rather than punishing them for their actions.

He said they were keen to deal with the background issues which lead children to drink or take drugs, and invited YPAC to join the working group to strengthen the services offered to young people.

He said: “Working with them, rather than against them, has more of an effect and gets to the root of the problem rather than them doing it again.”

Mr Bruce said the youngsters had to want their help, but said counselling was available if required.

He said he did not yet know how YPAC would be able to fit in with Operation Avon, but he looked forward to attending the monthly meetings to learn more about their expected role.

He said the charity was waiting for referrals to come in from social work department or individuals, adding: “At the moment we can give out leaflets offering our services and how people can contact us if they want help.”