Substance use continuing to cause preventable harm

The use of alcohol, tobacco, vapes and drugs continue to cause "significant and preventable harm" in the community, a report says.

The States of Guernsey's Combined Substance Use Strategy 2025 Annual Report found a key focus to protect children and young people from substance-related harm was still needed.

However, the report, looking at the progress of the five-year strategy, said 89% of its work was in progress and it had achieved more than half of its targets.

Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink said the report demonstrated the value of a coordinated, evidence-based approach to prevention, policy, and support, "particularly in protecting children and young people from harm".

The report said the strategy had achieved 56% of its targets with less than a year to go.

New legislation has been passed as part of the work, including a ban on the sale and supply of vapes to under-18s.

More than 700 hours of substance and substance-use education had been delivered in schools, officials said.

But some things set out within the strategy's timeframe would not be accomplished by the end of the year, the report said.

These mainly included alcohol policy measures, such as bans on alcohol sponsorship of sporting events, lowering the drink-drive limit in line with the World Health Organisation recommendations, and introducing laws to ban multi-buy promotions.

The report said these had been stalled for a number of reasons, including the difficulty and complexity of writing new laws without causing problems or loopholes in other areas.

Alcohol was still the biggest source of harm locally, causing about nine deaths a year, it said.

Brink said: "Our close partnership with the Health Improvement Commission helps ensure that action across legislation, education and services delivers meaningful change to improve health and wellbeing, reduce harm and build a safer, healthier future for all islanders."

Andrea Nightingale, substance use lead for the Health Improvement Commission, said that, alongside its ongoing prevention activities within the community, its partners played a "vital role" in supporting islanders, from prevention and early intervention to treatment and recovery.

"Their commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred services ensures people can access the right help when they need it most," Nightingale added.

The States said it was the first strategy to take a "fully integrated health-based approach" to substance use across the bailiwick.

The Combined Substance Use Strategy 2027-2032 was published in March.

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