SOS chief urging society to do more to tackle NI teen drinking problem
Charity leader wants a strategy for children abusing alcohol
A top charity chief has called for a specific strategy to deal with the “growing” concern of under-age drinking across Northern Ireland.
Joe Hyland warns that something needs to be done as soon as possible.
And he is urging society to do much more to help tackle the problem.
Mr Hyland, SOS Bus chief executive, was speaking to Downtown & Cool FM after our story on the shocking extent of alcohol abuse among young people here.
We revealed yesterday that children as young as nine had been hospitalised.
“If young people had places to go - if they were valued – and that older people could mentor them – that they knew they didn’t really judge but just cared for them, then that’s what they would be attracted to,” Mr Hyland said.
“As a society I think we need to knuckle down and get some real focus around this.”
Mr Hyland believes local politicians are best placed to push through a plan to help eradicate the problem.
But he is worried by the Stormont vacuum.
“Stormont needs to get its act together and I’m not the first person to say that but I think they are having to go through some difficult times at the minute,” he added.
“I am very worried for charities because right now they are low-hanging fruit and we are getting hurt desperately.”