This report sets out the key findings and overall messages from a series of consultations with young people about the impact of drug use on their lives, their families and communities that took place during the period November 2022 – March 2023. The consultations conducted on behalf of the Department of Health aim to ensure that the voice of young people can be heard at the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use scheduled for April 2023. 

The consultations targeted two distinct groups of young people: young people drawn from the general population; and young people who are directly impacted by drug use on a variety of levels. Nine young people contributed to the work of the Youth Advisory Group in preparing for the consultations. A total of 22 young people drawn from the general population took part in a face-to-face group consultation event in the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in November 2022. A total of 33 young people who are directly impacted by drug use on a variety of levels completed a written survey in March 2023 facilitated by youth workers in three separate services.