Is the Insight Platform service meeting the needs of families and young people with substance misuse issues?

Healthwatch Haringey undertook research on how well the Insight Platform service was meeting the needs of young people and families affected by substance misuse. The research involved 44 participants, including 31 current service users and family members, eight school staff who referred into the service, and five young people who were not currently using the service. The study explored experiences of the service, barriers to accessing support, and opportunities for improvement. 

Current service users were overwhelmingly positive about the support they received. Participants particularly valued their relationships with key workers, the flexible and holistic nature of the service, and its whole-family approach. Many reported that support extended beyond substance misuse to include help with housing, benefits, employment and social services. While satisfaction with the service was very high, some participants felt there should be more support locations available, improved online services and website content, and more one-to-one support for young people. 

Young people who were not using the service reported that substance misuse was often seen differently by their peers than by professionals, with drug and alcohol use not always perceived as a problem. They highlighted concerns about stigma, fear of judgement and worries about confidentiality, which could discourage young people from seeking help. Participants felt schools should provide more education about drugs and alcohol and suggested that awareness could be improved through social media, positive role models and peer-led approaches. School staff who referred into the service were highly positive about Insight Platform and praised the quality of its staff, communication and support.

The report concluded that Insight Platform was providing a highly valued service but would benefit from greater visibility and outreach. Healthwatch Haringey recommended a stronger communications and marketing campaign, increased use of social media, peer educators with lived experience, greater engagement with schools and social work teams, more training for parents and professionals, and exploration of ways for young people to access support anonymously.