An underlying and undetected mental health epidemic is causing young at-risk people to turn to alcohol, drugs and, possibly, suicide.

Recreational drug users need to become more aware of the dangers of mixing cocaine, ecstasy, and amphetamines with alcohol, according to some of the country’s drug experts.

Sometimes they get bad press, but many young people can and do make a difference in their communities.

THE actions of selfless young people are to be acknowledged with the launch of the 2011 West Cork Garda Youth Awards.

UP TO 150 people from around Kinsale have developed a new project to increase young people’s awareness of their mental health needs.