More teenagers in Telford need drug treatment
The number of young people seeking help for substance misuse has risen across Telford and Wrekin, according to new figures.
Data from the BBC Shared Data Unit shows that 40 under-18s were in treatment across the borough during 2024/25. This is an increase of 10 compared to the previous year.
The figures reveal that 25 of those receiving support were male. While most were older teenagers, 10 of those in treatment were aged 15 or under.
Cannabis remains the primary concern for local youngsters, accounting for 30 of the cases. Alcohol was the second most common issue with 25 cases, while cocaine and ecstasy each accounted for five.
Education officials confirmed that 25 school suspensions were issued in the area for drug and alcohol misuse during the same period. No pupils were permanently excluded for these reasons.
Helen Onions, director of public health at Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “Telford & Wrekin Council has increased investment in outreach and educational work, as well as strengthened partnership working with the Youth Justice Service and local NHS services over the last two years, resulting in increased referrals.
“This does not necessarily indicate an increase in the incidence of problematic alcohol and drug use among young people in the area.
“As a result of this expanded support offer, the number of young people receiving specialist treatment has increased from 29 in March 2022 to 57 in November 2025.
“In addition, the council funds a specialist young people’s recovery organisation to work with young people already using substances, helping to prevent escalation into more serious and harmful use requiring specialist treatment.”
The trend in the borough reflects a wider rise across the county. In the neighbouring Shropshire Council area, treatment numbers rose from 90 to 115 over the same period.
