Establishing a baseline for the community perception target set out within the Alcohol Theme of Glasgow s Single Outcome Agreement

Transcription

1 NORTH WEST GLASGOW Full Locality Report Establishing a baseline for the community perception target set out within the Alcohol Theme of Glasgow s Single Outcome Agreement ADP Glasgow City Alcohol and Drug Partnership

2 CHAPTER 1 Background and Methodology 1.1 In 2014, Glasgow City Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP) commissioned a repeat of the Ripple Effect research (originally undertaken in 2007) across 12 neighbourhoods in Glasgow City. The aim was to provide a baseline of progress towards achieving a reduction in levels of negative community perception of the impact of alcohol use on communities. Alcohol & Drug Community Engagers (ACEs) were trained and supported to undertake the research alongside the existing Prevention and Education service provider commissioned by NHSGGC and a commissioned research company. 1.2 Across the city, the research comprised a mixed method approach involving a survey of 2,618 community members (conducted face-to-face, online and self-completion) and 290 individuals taking part in qualitative research (either participatory appraisal methods or focus groups). 1.3 This is one of 3 locality reports, which outlines the results in relation to North West Glasgow where 787 questionnaires were completed and 97 respondents took part in qualitative research. There are 4 neighbourhood reports relating to North West Glasgow, which provide the quantitative survey results for Drumchapel, Ruchill/Possilpark, Lambhill/Milton and Dumbarton Road Corridor (DRC). There is also a comprehensive report outlining the background/introduction, methodology, results and conclusions/recommendations of the research in relation to Glasgow which can be accessed at

3 CHAPTER 2 Demographics 2.1 Demographics of survey respondents The majority of the sample was female (65% versus 35% male) Figure 2.1 displays the age of the respondents. Just under four in ten respondents (37%) were aged between 16 and 38 years old, with 40% being aged 50 years or older. Figure 2.1: Age of respondents Base = % 25% 23% 23% 17% *The sum of responses do not equal 100% due to rounding In terms of working status (see Table 2.1), just under half the sample were in employment (49%) with a further 5% being in education. A fifth of the sample was unemployed, 14% were retired and 8% were not working due to ill health. Table 2.1: Working status Base = 757 Working Status % of respondents Employed 49% In education 5% Unemployed 20% Retired 14% Not working due to ill health 8% Carer 2% Other 3% *The sum of responses do not equal 100% due to rounding Almost all respondents were of white Scottish origin (97%). 2.2 Demographics of qualitative respondents Of the 97 respondents who took part in the qualitative research, 70% were female and 30% were male. Given the nature of the qualitative research using the participatory appraisal methods, it was not possible to gather more demographic information from respondents. The purpose of the qualitative research was partly to engage with more vulnerable and minority groups and thus respondents included BME groups, those with mental health issues and kinship carers.

4 CHAPTER 3 Is Alcohol a Problem in Your Community? 3.1 Is alcohol a problem in your community? Respondents were asked to what extent they agreed or disagreed that alcohol is a problem in their community. The results are displayed in Figure 3.1. The results indicate that the significant majority of respondents (79%) agreed that alcohol is a problem, with 52% strongly agreeing and 27% tending to agree. Only 8% disagreed that alcohol is a problem. Figure 3.1: To what extent do you agree/disagree that alcohol is a problem in your community? Base = % 45% 40% 35% 52% 30% 27% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 10% 6% 2% 3% 0% Strongly agree Tend to agree Neither Tend to disagree Strongly disagree Don t know *The sum of responses do not equal 100% due to rounding Generally in the qualitative research, respondents spoke about how alcohol was a multifaceted problem which was difficult to separate from the range of other social issues faced in communities. In fact, alcohol was described as a painkiller used to mask problems faced by some individuals including boredom and lack of purpose, and also as a form of escapism. It s not alcohol that s the problem; that s just the painkiller. It s the behaviours that lead to the alcohol. It makes you feel good and becomes the solution to the range of problems faced in these communities It addresses these short term. Its escapism and a socially acceptable form of escapism. It just causes so many problems and issues, and affects everyone from fights to poverty to bad role models for our kids.

5 3.2 Perceived problems caused by alcohol Respondents were asked what problems alcohol creates in communities. Table 3.1 displays the results for North West Glasgow, the four neighbourhoods in North West Glasgow, and Glasgow overall. Table 3.1: Perceived problems in the community caused by alcohol Base: North West = 787; DRC = 244; Drumchapel = 204; Lambhill/Milton = 145; Ruchill/ Possilpark = 194; Glasgow = 2,618 Problem North West DRC Drumchapel Lambhill/ Milton Ruchill/ Possilpark Glasgow Antisocial behaviour 70% 59% 74% 80% 73% 69% Violence 61% 46% 69% 69% 65% 61% Vandalism 50% 39% 50% 66% 53% 48% Litter 48% 41% 45% 61% 51% 45% Increased noise at night Negative health effects 47% 41% 51% 59% 43% 43% 44% 38% 47% 48% 44% 41% Gang fighting 43% 30% 49% 52% 45% 42% Damages reputation of community Decreased sense of safety Sustains poverty cycle 43% 30% 48% 56% 45% 40% 37% 30% 41% 38% 41% 34% 35% 26% 41% 35% 40% 31% Drinking Dens 31% 21% 36% 36% 36% 30% Increased gender based violence 24% 17% 31% 19% 29% 21% Agent purchase 22% 11% 29% 21% 28% 22% Territorialism 20% 15% 22% 21% 25% 20% Increased sexual crimes 18% 12% 28% 15% 19% 17% Don t know 4% 9% 3% 1% 5% 4% * responses add up to more than 100% as multiple responses were allowed The majority of respondents indicated that alcohol was associated with antisocial behaviour (70%) and violence (61%). Gang fighting was also mentioned by 43% of respondents. In the qualitative research, respondents spoke about how alcohol could lead to violence and antisocial behaviour which led to a range of community problems including feelings of intimidation. Lots of violence and antisocial behaviour, makes the area a horrible place to live. People fighting, swearing at each other, it makes you feel intimidated in your own community. The weekends are the worst, gangs hanging about. I stay in on weekend nights to avoid it; I don t want to get involved.

6 3.2.3 Vandalism and litter were further alcohol related problems (50% and 48%). The community looks a mess, no-one cares. Roads are left unfixed, rubbish lying everywhere, no 20 Plenty signs, cars are left smashed up Respondents also indicated that alcohol leads to increased noise at night (47%), negative health effects (44%), damages the reputation of the community (43%), and leads to a decreased sense of safety (37%). In the qualitative research, respondents mentioned that alcohol can lead to a lack of investment in the area and a sense among residents that their community is forgotten. It has a massive negative effect on this community.the area then becomes blacklisted and there is a lack of investment so the community is left in isolation Increased gender based violence (24%) and increased sexual crimes (18%) were further perceived problems. It s not just what you see; it s what goes on indoors. Family problems, relationship breakdown, jealousy, lots of domestic violence caused by alcohol Agent purchase was a further perceived problem (22%) both in relation to people being pressured to buy alcohol for young people, and also in terms of parents buying alcohol for their children. I get asked every other night, Gonna go and get me a carry out? I didn t realise how rife that was, and how easy it was for them to get alcohol. And then you say no and they give you abuse. My daughter s school friends are drinking at 12, and their parents are buying it for them. 3.3 Neighbourhood differences in perceived problems caused by alcohol There were some differences between neighbourhoods in relation to perceived problems caused by alcohol. Community perceptions of particular alcohol related problems were significantly less common in the DRC area than in the other three neighbourhoods, North East and Glasgow overall. These problems are displayed in Table 3.2, i.e. antisocial behaviour, violence, vandalism, gang fighting, damages reputation of the community, drinking dens, and agent purchase. Table 3.2: Perceived alcohol problems in the community where less DRC respondents reported an issue (1) Base: North West = 787; DRC = 244; Drumchapel = 204; Lambhill/Milton = 145; Ruchill/Possilpark = 194; Glasgow = 2,618 Problem North West DRC Drumchapel Lambhill/ Milton Ruchill/ Possilpark Glasgow Antisocial behaviour 70% 59% 74% 80% 73% 69% Violence 61% 46% 69% 69% 65% 61% Vandalism 50% 39% 50% 66% 53% 48% Gang fighting 43% 30% 49% 52% 45% 42% Damages reputation of community 43% 30% 48% 56% 45% 40% Drinking Dens 31% 21% 36% 36% 36% 30% Agent purchase 22% 11% 29% 21% 28% 22% * responses add up to more than 100% as multiple responses were allowed

7 3.3.2 Significantly less respondents in DRC than in Drumchapel and Ruchill/Possilpark perceived there to be the following alcohol related problems: decreased sense of safety; sustains the poverty cycle and increased gender based violence. Table 3.3: Perceived alcohol problems in the community where less DRC respondents reported an issue (2) Base: North West = 787; DRC = 244; Drumchapel = 204; Lambhill/Milton = 145; Ruchill/ Possilpark = 194; Glasgow = 2,618 Problem Decreased sense of safety North West DRC Drumchapel Lambhill/ Milton Ruchill/ Possilpark Glasgow 37% 30% 41% 38% 41% 34% Sustains poverty cycle 35% 26% 41% 35% 40% 31% Increased gender based violence 24% 17% 31% 19% 29% 21% In Drumchapel, significantly more respondents agreed that violence was a problem than in North West Glasgow and Glasgow overall. In addition, more respondents in Drumchapel than in Lambhill/Milton, North West Glasgow and Glasgow overall considered increased gender based violence and increased sexual crimes to be a problem. Table 3.4: Perceived alcohol problems in the community where more Drumchapel respondents reported an issue Base: North West = 787; DRC = 244; Drumchapel = 204; Lambhill/Milton = 145; Ruchill/ Possilpark = 194; Glasgow = 2,618 Problem North West DRC Drumchapel Lambhill/ Milton Ruchill/ Possilpark Glasgow Violence 61% 46% 69% 69% 65% 61% Increased gender based violence 24% 17% 31% 19% 29% 21% Increased sexual 18% 12% 28% 15% 19% 17% crimes * responses do not equal 100% as multiple responses were allowed In Lambhill/Milton, more community members considered antisocial behaviour to be an alcohol related problem than in the DRC, North West and Glasgow overall. Also, significantly more respondents agreed that vandalism and litter were alcohol related problems than in the other three neighbourhoods, North West and Glasgow overall. In addition, more respondents in Lambhill/Milton than in DRC, Ruchill/Possilpark, North West and Glasgow overall considered alcohol to lead to increased noise at night and that it damages the reputation of the community.

8 Table 3.5: Perceived alcohol problems in the community where Lambhill/Milton respondents reported an issue Base: North West = 787; DRC = 244; Drumchapel = 204; Lambhill/Milton = 145; Ruchill/ Possilpark = 194; Glasgow = 2,618 Problem North West DRC Drumchapel Lambhill/ Milton Ruchill/ Possilpark Antisocial behaviour 70% 59% 74% 80% 73% 69% Vandalism 50% 39% 50% 66% 53% 48% Litter 48% 41% 45% 61% 51% 45% Increased noise at night Damages reputation of community 47% 41% 51% 59% 43% 43% 43% 30% 48% 56% 45% 40% * responses add up to more than 100% as multiple responses were allowed Glasgow

9 CHAPTER 4 How does Alcohol in the Community Affect you Personally? 4.1 Respondents were asked what types of issues alcohol use in their community created for them personally (see Table 4.1). This appeared to be a fairly problematic question in the survey, as respondents often perceived the question in relation to their own alcohol use and drinking patterns, which despite further explanation and illustration from the interviewer was often difficult to overcome. It may be that this issue was too sensitive and complex to broach in the survey, and that the discursive nature of the qualitative research was a more appropriate medium to fully investigate this issue. Table 4.1: Perceived problems caused by alcohol in the local community that personally affect the respondent Base = 787 Problem % of respondents Personal safety 39% Appearance of area where you live 33% Quality of life 31% Mental health issues 22% Restricted movement 19% Physical health issues 18% Agent purchase 12% Don t know 6% * responses add up to more than 100% as multiple responses were allowed 4.2 The most commonly mentioned ways in which alcohol affected the respondent personally were in relation to personal safety (39%) quality of life (31%) and mental health issues (22%). Respondents also spoke of the time bomb nature of alcohol in communities, which was said to impact on quality of life and perceptions of safety. In the winter, the blinds are down at 4pm at night and people just don t go out. It s the uncertainty; you just don t know what will happen. It s so unpredictable. You can be in a pub having a quiet sociable drink and somebody beside you kicks off and then you re seeing the aggression, the violence. 4.3 A third of respondents (33%) indicated that alcohol affected the appearance of the area in which they lived. Alcohol has a big impact on our area. It drags the area down cause of the litter and vandalism.

10 CHAPTER 5 Which Community Groups are Affected by Alcohol? 5.1. Respondents were asked which particular community groups were affected by alcohol. The results are displayed in Figure 5.1 Figure 5.1: Community groups perceived to be affected by alcohol Base = 787 Young People 69% Children 52% Older People 53% Families 63% 5.2 Respondents stressed how alcohol affects everyone in the community to some extent. The significant majority agreed that young people were affected (69%) followed by families (63%), older people (53%) and children (52%). 5.3 Older people were said to be affected in relation to feelings of intimidation and restricted movement, which led to a reluctance to use their community, particularly in the evening. A lot of older people are frightened.don t feel they can walk about in their own community. If you re out and about, you re always looking all about you and keeping vigilant; it s not a nice way to live in fact you would just avoid going out yourself. 5.4 Families and young people (33% and 25% respectively) were highlighted to be most affected. Young people and alcohol were frequently associated throughout the research, both in relation to alcohol related problems such as antisocial behaviour and also in relation to the reasons why some young people did turn to alcohol which included experimentation, boredom and a lack of direction. There was a sense of empathy towards young people who had a lack of opportunity. Respondents said it was unfair to always lay the blame with young people, thus creating a stigma which young people had to continually overcome. A lot of young people are affected because they don t have anything to do, and everything they would like to do costs money which they don t have In areas like this, they leave school without the qualifications to get them anywhere and no chance of a job so they re off to a bad start and then there s no jobs in the area It s the lack of hope and boredom, it passes the time and takes their mind off it for a while. Too easy to blame everything on young people, especially in these areas. There becomes a negative stigma surrounding young people which leads to an apathy from social work and support workers towards these kids; there s no point in helping them. 5.5 The impact of alcohol on family life was also highlighted in relation to poor role models for young people, alcohol leading to family breakdown, a lack of suitable facilities, (i.e. parks and other safe play areas), safety concerns, and the incidence of kinship carers. Older people are often affected by the things their families are doing, so many grandparents are now having to care for their grandchildren they thought that part of their life was over.

11 CHAPTER 6 Which Community Areas are Affected by Alcohol? 6.1 Respondents were asked to indicate what areas in their community were affected by alcohol from a prescribed list. The results are displayed in Table 6.1. Table 6.1: Community areas perceived to be affected by alcohol Base = 787 Area in community affected by alcohol % of respondents Parks and waste ground 51% Off licences and surrounding areas 40% Secluded areas 37% Shopping centres 34% Problem not specific to any area 22% Don t know 8% * responses add up to more than 100% as multiple responses were allowed 6.2 Parks and waste ground were most commonly said to be affected (51%) followed by off licenses and surrounding areas (40%) and secluded areas (37%). 6.3 Parks and waste ground were said to be most affected by 21% of respondents. Respondents commonly mentioned people often gathered in parks at night to drink alcohol and littering parks with empty bottles. This made some parents unwilling to use parks and local community areas, or let their children play outside. These findings very much link to reduced feelings of safety and restricted movement experienced by some respondents. Families don t want to let their kids out to play. They feel intimidated so kids are being forced to play indoors, prisoners in their own home. They are supposed to be a nice part of the community but people are discouraged from using them due to the state of them. 6.4 Just over a third of respondents (34%) said shopping centres were affected. Saracen Street, the row of shops in Lambhill and Drumchapel Shopping Centre were mentioned as problem areas which resulted in some community members avoiding these areas. Reported issues included antisocial behaviour, young people drinking publicly and agent purchase. Drug dealing was also mentioned in relation to Drumchapel Shopping Centre. There s a massive issue at the shopping centre, much drunk and disorderly behaviour. You can ignore them but you never know when they will shout abuse as you as you walk by. It makes you cautious. I don t like using the shops there as there s a lot of young people drinking, and asking you to buy drink for them.

12 CHAPTER 7 What Can Be Done? 7.1 An important aim of the research was to gather community suggestions on what actions could be taken to improve alcohol related problems in the community. Seventy one percent of respondents provided an answer to this question. This was an open question where the verbatim answers were coded (see Table 7.1) Table 7.1: What could be done to improve the issues in your community caused by alcohol? Base = 540 Solutions Community resources % of respondents More activities for young people 20% More services 27% More and better employment opportunities 6% Community Safety More community police 31% Education and awareness More education and awareness 22% Licensing issues Stricter licensing 9% Reduce accessibility of alcohol 6% Agent purchase 3% Ban on alcohol 1% * responses add up to more than 100% as multiple responses were allowed 7.2 The most common suggestion was more community police on the beat (31%). Respondents indicated that a more visible and higher police presence would deter much of the antisocial behaviour that takes place, particularly during the weekends and evenings. Where are your community police where and when they re needed? In the parks, open spaces? That s where we need to see them, especially at night because the public aren t able to stop it cause they re too frightened. 7.3 Just over a quarter of survey respondents (27%) indicated the need for more services including more support and rehabilitation services. Increasing community services was suggested as a means of improving community spirit, and encouraging residents to engage with their community and be less isolated. It s all changed. Neighbours don t care and look out for each other..people are becoming isolated. So we need more services and resources to encourage people to get out more and be part of their community.

13 7.4 A further suggestion in the survey was for more education and awareness raising on the impacts of alcohol (22%). Specifically, education which equips young people with the skills and resilience to resist peer pressure, and which originates at a family and community level to help change the culture of alcohol in the community. The need for early intervention involving educating children from primary school onwards was suggested as a means of challenging the Scottish culture and acceptability of misusing alcohol. Alcohol being perceived as the norm was considered to be a serious problem which has to change. Start providing the positive messages as early as you can show them a much better way, and let them know what can go wrong if they choose the wrong path. It s all about education. Peer pressure is massive it causes young people to drink as they want to be accepted whether it is good or bad choices they are making. We need to teach young people about positive choices. Both my parents drank and then I drank. When I look back it was like taught behaviour, I never even thought about it. It s just the norm. 7.5 A fifth of survey respondents indicated a need for more diversionary activities and youth groups/clubs. This was suggested to have a dual purpose, both providing young people with a distraction from drinking alcohol on weekend evenings but also to engage young people in positive activities and give them different interests. The need for consultation with young people on such activities was strongly recommended to ensure the provision meets need. You need to think of how these are advertised and pitched to young people, as otherwise it can be seen as geeky to go. We need to fund more diversionary stuff that young people actually want to do on the weekend evenings. 7.6 The issue of stricter licensing was mentioned by 9% of survey respondents, with 6% suggesting restricting the accessibility of alcohol, with a further 3% mentioning improvements in terms of agent purchase and 1% suggesting a ban on alcohol. Respondents commented that alcohol was too available and accessible for people, both due to the number of both pubs and off-licenses in their local communities but also due to agent purchase. The availability of alcohol was said to exacerbate the cultural problem of alcohol. Too many off licenses and places where people can buy alcohol, it s everywhere. And that helps to fuel the idea that alcohol is acceptable and normal for everyone all the time! That s how young people are getting it The shop owners need to take more responsibility, they see young people hanging about and they know its happening but they don t care % of survey respondents mentioned more and better employment opportunities in the area as a means of reducing alcohol related problems.

14 CHAPTER 8 Conclusions and Recommendations 8.1 Conclusions The purpose of the 2014/2015 Ripple Effect research was to provide a baseline measure of community perceptions surrounding the problem of alcohol in communities. While the quantitative result shows that there has been an improvement since the previous Ripple Effect research, the qualitative research suggests that the impact alcohol has on the community is a great as ever The results appear to suggest that in order to address any alcohol related problems, there is a need to consider much wider social issues impacting on communities, i.e. deprivation, poverty, unemployment, neglect, family breakdown, lack of opportunity, and lack of hope linked to disadvantage. Alcohol was described as a form of escapism and a symptom of many of the problems which do exist in communities Alcohol was said to lead to a range of problems in the community including antisocial behaviour, violence and vandalism. This led some respondents to perceive a lack of investment in their community. Alcohol was also said to affect the respondent in relation to personal safety, the appearance of the area and quality of life. Some respondents spoke of feeling intimidated by the time bomb nature of alcohol related problems in their community Glasgow s harmful relationship with alcohol was further supported by the current research. A significant factor impacting on choices, behaviours and attitudes towards alcohol in the North West was the fact that alcohol was viewed by some as an accepted part of everyday life, meaning some children were raised within this culture of alcohol acceptance. A common theme in the research was the impact of parenting and role modelling on a child which was very much linked to the cultural nature of the problem There was a very strong connection between young people, alcohol and problems in the community throughout the research. However, as well as at times blaming young people for much of the antisocial behaviour that takes place, respondents also expressed empathy towards young people who were seen as an easy target to blame for alcohol related problems. Providing young people with a greater sense of direction and opportunity was a suggestion for how to address this issue The research revealed a number of community areas prone to the negative impact of alcohol. Parks and waste ground, secluded areas, and shopping centres caused concern for community members. Some respondents spoke of park areas being damaged, and avoiding shopping areas due to people drinking alcohol and agent purchase Suggestions on what could improve the issues in the community caused by alcohol included more police, more services to better engage the community, and awareness and education including early intervention to challenge the culture of alcohol.

15 8.2 Recommendations The report generated a range of recommendations relating to the process, key themes, and suggestions to be taken forward for the next Ripple consultation. Key recommendations included the following. It is recommended that: 1. The cultural nature of the problem of alcohol in these communities has to be considered, in order to challenge the long term attitudes and expectations surrounding alcohol consumption and related behaviours; 2. There is greater support and intervention targeting the family, and parents in particular, in order to improve the outcomes for young people; 3. Resources are targeted towards further prevention and education interventions for young people, to delay the onset of alcohol intake, and focus on resilience approaches to risk taking behaviours so young people have the ability to resist peer pressure; 4. There are more tailored diversionary activities for young people, which they are consulted on, to provide an alternative to alcohol consumption; 5. Resources are targeted towards providing opportunities for young people in the form of volunteering, training or employment; 6. The range of factors impacting on the quality of life of community respondents are considered when developing interventions and approaches; 7. Given that the community identified agent purchase as a significant issue, interventions tackling agent purchase are undertaken, e.g. Community Alcohol Campaigns; 8. Interventions to curb antisocial behaviour, vandalism and other problems associated with alcohol are directed to areas including parks and waste ground, secluded areas and shopping centres; 9. Community members should be supported to be more involved and less isolated by having more community events in community venues, and by providing wider opportunities for people to be involved in shaping the future of their community; 10. There is increased promotion and awareness raising of community facilities and youth provision that do exist in communities, and that this is included as part of the dissemination process; 11. Community members, particularly young people, are consulted about improvements and details of service and youth provision; 12. Actions are taken to change the stereotypical view of an individual experiencing alcohol addiction and to raise awareness of the addiction; 13. The results of the Ripple Effect research are shared widely with stakeholders who have an interest and investment in improving Glasgow communities and making them Thriving Places as the scale and complexity of the problem necessitates a multi-agency approach; and 14. Given the scope of the research and the number of factors which have arisen as key themes, it is recommended that where possible the Ripple Effect links in with other related pieces of work such as Community Alcohol Campaigns. Prepared by Dr Judith Harkins Dudleston Harkins Social Research Ltd judith@dudleston-harkins-socialresearch.co.uk