Concern over drugs and violence
Concerns about health issues, drugs, and violence in Saltash were expressed in the largest piece of research ever carried out into the fears and needs of young people in the town.
In a report outlined to town councillors recently it was said that 498 of 557 young people surveyed last year felt there should be a health drop-in centre for youngsters in the town.
As a result Andy Rance of 'Livewire', which carried out the research, said he believed there are strong grounds for establishing some form of local health provision for young people in Saltash. Many youngsters said they felt uncomfortable visiting their family's GP, while l48 of the 557 maintained they had nowhere to turn to for health advice.
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Mr Rance said that one of the main issues was that of sexual health, followed closely by the need for advice on drugs, healthy eating, alcohol and smoking.
In the research, carried out by 'Livewire' formerly Saltash Boys' club, young people aged between 12 and 20 were surveyed over a three week period in November l998. Those taking part were interviewed by youth workers and teenagers.
Other issues which were ranked as important were homelessness, lack of affordable accommodation, crime, unemployment, drugs in general, and the environment.