Have Your Say:
Are we overreacting in being particularly concerned for 18-25 year olds who appear to be self-medicating with drugs and alcohol in response to the environment and culture around them?
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A generation of young people may be binge drinking their lives away, oblivious to the dangers of social exclusion and homelessness that could result from their excessive behaviour. Thinking ‘it will never happen to me', some young drinkers are falling into a cycle of severe alcohol dependency without realising the long-term harm they are doing to themselves, their families and to those around them.
The research, produced with the University of Kent and Cardiff University and involving a series of clinical assessments of 967 homeless adults using Salvation Army hostels and day centres around the UK and Ireland, reveals particularly alarming results for 18-25 year-olds than for any other age group.
| Click here to download The Seeds of Exclusion 2009 report in pdf format |
The Seeds of Exclusion 2009 builds on research first published by The Salvation Army in July last year, which revealed a lack of positive and supportive relationships with family or friends amongst respondents who are homeless and socially excluded. To see the Seeds of Exclusion 2008 report, click here.
The Seeds of Exclusion 2009 extends the sample size of the research and includes analysis by age and by region. The latest report is released on 2nd July, which for Salvationists is known as "Founders' Day" - the birthday of The Salvation Army.
From its earliest days The Salvation Army has believed in the importance not just of helping people in need but also in intervening to prevent people getting into need. In the 1890's Willam Booth, one of the co-founders of The
Salvation Army mapped out this vision in 'In Darkest England and the Way Out'. The Seeds of Exclusion 2009 report is based upon those pioneering principles.
The people with whom The Salvation Army works are real people with real needs and real potential.
Mary's story: "I was classed as a hopeless case by almost every other service for homeless people....now I know I'm loved"
Kevin's story: "I'm starting to feel confident with myself once more and I'm actually beginning to live life again."
Paul's story: A life-time of heavy drinking cost Paul his marriage, his job and his home. Thankfully he decided to get help before it cost him his life.
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