Meeting the Needs of Vulnerable Young Men: A Study of Service Provider Views

Abstract

This article uses a qualitative approach to elicit the views of 31 professionals who provide services to vulnerable young men. The findings reveal six key themes following focus group interviews: (i) the importance of masculinity in explaining problematic behaviour; (ii) the misuse of alcohol and drugs; (iii) alienation and social isolation; (iv) concerns about suicide and self‐harm; (v) the quality of existing services; and (vi) recommendations for changes to services. Service providers generally acknowledged the social context in explaining these behaviours and argued for enhanced services and a more developed skills base in working with vulnerable young men.

Exploring the Needs of Socially Excluded Young Men

“…Other research on the psychological impact of the conflict has shown that adolescents' exposure to direct and indirect violence has been detrimental to their mental health and well‐being (MacAloney and others, ), leading to negative coping mechanisms such as denial (O'Reilly and Stevenson, ). Meanwhile high levels of psychological and mental health needs often remain unmet by health and social care services (Campbell and others, ; McAlister and others, ).…”

Are Male Role Models Really the Solution?

“…Robb (2001) identified a similar ambivalence in the attitudes of male childcare workers. More recently, the notion that positive male role models are one way in which the complex needs of vulnerable and at risk young men might be addressed, has also been explored (Campbell et al 2011). Based on a study of a mixed group of thirty-one members of staff from eighteen different agencies who provide services to vulnerable young men in Northern Ireland, Campbell et al (2011) found that a number of practitioners appealed for more sensitive approaches to improve services.…”

Ships passing in the night

“…In comparison to the UK, average mental health needs in Northern Ireland are 25% higher (Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, 2004). Social exclusion, as well as unemployment and under employment are also major concerns (Campbell et al, 2013: Rondo¤ n et al, 2014. Although many young people have never experienced 'the Troubles', young people in Northern Ireland face a real threat of inheriting the psychological vulnerability of their parents that was created by the con£ict (McGrellis, 2004;McAlister et al, 2009).…”

“…Although many young people have never experienced 'the Troubles', young people in Northern Ireland face a real threat of inheriting the psychological vulnerability of their parents that was created by the con£ict (McGrellis, 2004;McAlister et al, 2009). Northern Ireland is no di¡erent in this regard, and has experienced low socioeconomic progress as a result of the ongoing presence of sectarian divisions, especially in low income, segregated communities (Davidson & Leavey, 2010;McCormick & Harrop, 2009;Rondo¤ n et al, 2014;Campbell et al, 2013). According to a report by the World Bank (2011), youth unemployment is a constant in all con£ict situations globally.…”

“…Alienation among young people is also closely correlated to issues of deprivation, high levels of poverty and low educational attainment (O⁄ce of the First and deputy First Minister, 2013). Therefore, amidst the continuing legacy of the past and the ever present threat of sectarianism in the present, young people in Northern Ireland are clearly dealing with serious issues of social exclusion, fear and intimidation and unemployment (Campbell et al, 2013;McGrellis, 2005;McAllister et al, Ships passing in the night: psychosocial programming and macro peacebuilding strategies with young men in Northern Ireland, Intervention 2014, Volume 12, Number 1, Page 43 -60 2009; Morrow et al, 2013;Rondo¤ n et al, 2014). Low aspirations in young people, in relation to education and employment, may lead to an increased likelihood of anti-social behaviour, community alienation and subsequent punishment attacks (i.e.…”