Leading Charity Calls for Tighter Smoking Laws Top CONTENTS Click on links to access these articles Children concerned about parents drinking 2 Naphyrone banned 2 Steroid advice 3 Green fingered dealers 4 Statistics 5 Local events 6 Substance in focus 7 Service profile 8 Training 10 Community Support 11 “The Fix is a bi-monthly e-newsletter that keeps you up to date about drug or alcohol related issues” Issue 17 November 2010 THE FIX A leading Northern Ireland anti-smoking charity has called for stricter laws to safeguard children from the dangers associated with second hand smoke. Action Cancer is campaigning for smoke to be banned in vehicles carrying children and teenagers under 16 years of age. Smoking has been banned in public places, such as bars and restaurants since 2007, however the charity says this only goes part way towards protecting young people from second hand smoke. Geraldine Kerr, spokesperson for Action Cancer states ―the damaging effects of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), otherwise known as second-hand smoke, are well documented and it‘s now recognised as a substantial public health hazard. The main places children and young people face exposure to ETS is within the home and in vehicles‖ Action Cancer is to launch a lobbying and briefing campaign aimed at ensuring wide-ranging political support for a commitment to early legislation on a smoking ban to protect minors. Ms Kerr said the charity would be encouraging the political parties to adopt a pledge to support the ban as a commitment in their manifestos or the forthcoming Assembly election. The Charity hopes that Northern Ireland could lead the way and introduce a smoking ban in vehicles to ensure our children are not exposed to second hand smoke, reducing the levels of health problems, economic commitment to treating these health problems and the likelihood of smoking uptake later in life. For more on this topic, click here The Fix is an electronic newsletter issued by the Drug and Alcohol Community Support Service which is a partnership between ASCERT and FASA. This service is funded by The Public Health Agency. Drug and Alcohol misuse is something that affects all communities and sectors and this newsletter will provide information on things like training opportunities, what helping services are available, as well as providing up to date drug information and highlighting issues that are in the news. Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Transcript
Leading Charity Calls for Tighter Smoking Laws
Top
CONTENTS
Click on links to access these articles
Children concerned about parents drinking 2
Naphyrone banned 2
Steroid advice 3
Green fingered dealers 4
Statistics 5
Local events 6
Substance in focus 7
Service profile 8
Training 10
Community Support 11
“The Fix is a bi-monthly e-newsletter that keeps you up to date about drug or alcohol related issues”
Issue 17 November 2010 THE FIX
A leading Northern Ireland anti-smoking charity has called for stricter laws to safeguard children from the dangers associated with second hand smoke.
A c t i o n C a n c e r i s campaigning for smoke to be banned in vehicles carrying children and teenagers under 16 years of age. Smoking has been banned in public places, such as bars and restaurants since 2007, however the charity says this only goes part way towards protecting
young people from second hand smoke. G e r a l d i n e K e r r , spokesperson for Action C a n c e r s t a t es ― t h e damaging ef fects of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), otherwise known as second-hand s m o k e , a r e w e l l documented and it‘s now recognised as a substantial public health hazard. The main places children and young people face exposure to ETS is within the home and in vehicles‖ Action Cancer is to launch a lobbying and briefing campaign aimed at ensuring wide-ranging pol i t ica l support for a commitment to early legislation on a
smoking ban to protect minors. Ms Kerr said the c h a r i t y w o u l d b e encouraging the political parties to adopt a pledge to support the ban as a commitment in their m a n i f e s t o s o r t h e forthcoming Assembly election. The Charity hopes that Northern Ireland could lead the way and introduce a smoking ban in vehicles to ensure our children are not exposed to second hand smoke, reducing the levels of heal th prob lems, economic commitment to treating these health problems and the likelihood of smoking uptake later in life. For more on this topic, click here
The Fix is an electronic newsletter issued by the D r u g a n d A l c o h o l Community Support Service which is a partnership between ASCERT and FASA. This service is funded by The Public Health Agency. Drug and Alcohol misuse is something that affects all
communities and sectors and this newsletter will provide information on t h i ngs l i ke t r a i n i ng opportunities, what helping services are available, as well as providing up to date drug information and highlighting issues that are in the news.
The children‘s charity NSPCC have revealed that the ChildLine helpline are receiving more that 100 calls a week from children who are worried about their parent‘s substance use.
Of the 5,700 calls received between March 2009 and March 2010, over two-thirds of the callers had mentioned their parents drinking as a source of concern for them. The report also suggested that children calling about their parents substance use were also more likely than other child callers to report abuse. The Head of the service highlighted that ―some children told ChildLine about their parent‘s severe mood swings, episodes of violence and emotional instability‖ and recognised that children living with parental alcohol and drug issues were at a higher risk of harm than other children, and highlights that ways needed to be found of helping them sooner.
Although concerns about parental drug and alcohol use see to make up a small percentage of the 150,000 calls received annually, the head of ChildLine states that ―the fall out from parental drug and alcohol abuse is a ticking time bomb in many children‘s lives. It‘s vital these children are helped before lasting damage occurs.‖ The report details that children, some as young as five, were often trying to cope with the additional pressure of role reversal in an attempt to look after their parents and other siblings, some reported that their parents were regularly sick and that caring for them had affected their schooling, or prevented them from forming friendships with other children.‖ But the report also highlights that children living in these circumstances can be fiercely protective of their parents, which could make them reluctant to seek help. Chris Sorek, chief executive of charity Drinkaware, said ―Lots of parents might be horrified to learn of the numbers of young people seeking help as a result of parental alcoholism, but the news should serve as a timely reminder that you don‘t have to be an alcoholic to have a direct impact on your children. Regularly drinking to excess in front of children will only normalise alcohol misuse.‖ To read this report in full click here
The legal high drug marketed as the replacement for Mephedrone has been banned under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Since the 23rd July, the substance Naphyrone (also known as NRG1, E n g e r g y a n d Rave1), and its related compounds, has been classified
as a Class B drug and will carry with it a maximum penalty of five years in prison for possession and 14 years in prison for supply, alongside an unlimited fine.
This law will be also ban generic
compounds to prevent suppliers switching to new versions of the substance.
Minister for Crime Prevention (in the UK Government), James Brokenshire stated ―The government is deeply concerned about the issues of ―legal highs‖ which is why we took swift action to ban this new drug. There is also clear evidence that just because a substance is advertised as ―legal‖ does not mean this is the case. Anyone buying a legal high is putting their health at risk and could be committing a criminal offence.‖
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs has issued a report recommending strengthened laws on anabolic steroids
following concerns about the number of users in the UK. The council have considered the potential harms of the substances w h i c h a r e a l r e a d y
controlled as a Class C drug.
The British Crime Survey for 2009/10 indicated that 50,000 people aged between 16 and 59 years had used anabolic steroids.
The recommendations include:
Strengthened laws to reduce availability of the drugs;
Making it illegal to order substances online;
More credible information and advice for users
A better focus on advertising users about the risk of blood borne viruses such as Hepatitis B and C which can result from sharing injecting equipment.
In response to the report, the UK Minister for crime prevention James Brokenshire said: ―abuse of anabolic steroids is harmfu l ; we are committed to stopping the unlawful supply and use of these dangerous substances which can c a u s e s e r i o u s psychiatric and physical problems. We will carefully review the recommendations set out in this report and respond shortly.‖
To read this report in full click here To learn more about anabolic steroids, click here
The Department for Social Development (DSD) has issued proposals for the Introduction of Powers to Prohibit or Restrict Irresponsible Alcohol Promotions. The Consultation will be open until Monday 6th December 2010 and applies to Northern Ireland. The consultation seeks to establish views on proposals to address harmful drinking by making changes to licensing legislation to prohibit or restrict irresponsible alcohol promotions. The DSD is keen to hear from everyone who will be affected by the proposed changes, including consumers of alcohol, trade associations, criminal justice workers or those who run or work in pubs, clubs,
supermarkets or other outlets selling alcohol. The Community Support Service would like to encourage as many people as possible to complete this consultation and let the decision makers know your thoughts on alcohol promotions. Correspondents are asked to submit their views as early as possible during the consultation period to allow as much time as possible for consideration. Responses may be done online by clicking here. Alternatively the Microsoft Word version of the questionnaire may be downloaded by clicking here.
Introduction of Powers to Prohibit or Restrict Irresponsible Alcohol Promo-
Police seizures of cannabis plants in Northern Ireland have been steadily increasing for the past number of years
from 1,448 in 2006/07 to 5,484 plants in 2009/10 (and in actual fact, a total of 31,000 plants were seized in 2008/09 as a
result of PSNI operations actively targeting cannabis factories). PSNI are putting the finds down to better detection work, better information being provided by people in local communities and the fact that they are making good use of their hi-tech ‗heat-seeking‘ helicopters (warm rooftops are a clear giveaway especially in winter)! Its big business when you consider that ten seeds can be bought on the internet for less than £50 and that each plant can make up to a £1000. The rise is being attributed not only to enterprising dealers but also to ‗social growers‘ – people growing enough to supply only themselves and a small circle of friends. It is perfectly legal to buy cannabis seeds
however it is illegal to actually grow cannabis p lan ts f rom these seeds! So as was seen with the ‗legal‘ highs loophole,
smart or head shops (as well as their internet equivalents) are making a fortune selling a wide variety of ‗legal‘ marijuana seeds bearing the warning:
Another worrying development is the rise in popularity and availability of skunk which can also be partly attributed to the trend in home grown cannabis. Strong cannabis is grown through processes that can include selective breeding (with seeds being carefully cultivated so that they will produce plants of steadily higher potency), use of hydroponics and special heating and lighting systems. The smart shops often sell the hydroponic equipment required as well as the seeds and some have even opened up retail outlets as ‗hydroponic‘ stores. According to Drugscope skunk is in fact only one of 100 or so varieties of cannabis plant which have high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The skunk and other similar varieties are often grown indoors – the more intensive the cultivation and nurture the higher the THC content which can often be seen on the buds as crystal or liquid. They report that ‗traditional' herbal cannabis can range from between two and four per cent THC content with more potent varieties averaging between 10 and 14 per cent – whereas some of the ‗skunk‘ varieties can reach up to 20 per cent. Messages Police are asking communities to be vigilant and to look out for strange activity/comings and goings at abandoned buildings. For those who use cannabis – be aware of the type of cannabis you are using, try to
WARNING: MISUSE OF DRUGS ACT 1971 By section 6 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 it is an offence to cultivate any plant of the genus Cannabis in the UK without a license from the Secretary of State. Anyone commit-ting an offence contrary to this section may be imprisoned or fined, or both. Potential custom-ers are advised against breaking the law.
Green-fingered dealers!
Police in North Down are alerting local residents to beware of an unknown drug which users are claiming is very potent—it takes the form of a blue tablet with a heart shaped indent/hole in the middle which dealers are selling as 10mg diazepam, however some reports are suggesting that these tablets could be up to 5 times stronger!
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STATISTICS
The 11th annual report on drug related deaths in the UK has been released, presenting information on drug
related deaths that occurred during 2009. The main aim of the Annual Report from the National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths is to inform the Government‘s monitoring of this important public health issue, and to detect and identify emerging trends and issues. The key findings from the report indicated that across the UK there were 2,182 notifications of drug related deaths occurring in 2009, which represents an
increase of 230 (11.8%) over the same reporting period in 2008. The highest rates of drug-related deaths
were in the 16-45 w h i t e m a l e categories. In Northern Ireland, the most prevalent drugs leading to drug
related deaths were sedatives (such as anti-depressants), opiates (heroin/methadone) and alcohol, and in many cases a combination of these drugs were found to be contributing factors to the cause of death. To read this report in full or for further statistics click here
Drug Related Deaths in Northern Ireland
Police have indicated that they have noticed several trends emerging, in the recent rise in crime rates in the North Down Area. Police have indicated that alcohol has been a major factor in increasing the number of people injured on the roads, and in violent assaults. Speaking at a North Down District Policing Partnership (DPP) meeting, Bangor police chief Mark McEwan said ―we have taken
steps to counteract this increase.‖ Crime figures for the first quarter for the financial year (April—June 2010)
show total crime has risen by 3.6 % from 908 incidents recorded last year, to 941. However Mark McEwan said ―it is encouraging to note that in four major areas we are succeeding significantly; anti-social behaviour; seizures of alcohol,
criminal damage and drug seizures‖ Mark McEwan credits this to strong partnership working in the area, with organisations such as FASA, and projects they are involved in such as Street Safe and Street Kyds. These projects have helped reduce anti-social behaviour by 133 incidents. In a bid to tackle this issue, the Police have also made 166 alcohol seizures, equalling
745 alcohol units, made 372 arrests and made 12 referrals to the council for breach of council-alcohol for breach of council-alcohol bye laws.
Chief Inspector McEwen said police were also on target to increase the number of illegal drug seizures by 5% in order to dismantle drug gangs within North Down. He highlighted there had been nine more seizures compared to the same period last year. To read the full article click here
The PHA Drug and Alcohol Community Support Service and the leaders of Millisle Youth Forum joined forces recently to provide local young people with some alternatives to substance abuse.
Millisle is a small rural seaside community in County Down but the risks of alcohol and drug use is as relevant here as in a more
urban area. Community workers in Millisle have been concerned about substance misuse and specifically the increase in the use of ―legal highs‖. Anti-social behaviour has been increasing in the area and some young people are now finding themselves being threatened by paramilitary action because of alleged drug use. The programme combined substance misuse education with a series of physical activities. Jo Scott, volunteer Youth Leader with the Millisle Youth Forum says, ―It was important that anything we would do with the group would be delivering serious messages but through fun activity. It had to be different to what they would be getting in school, or they would just turn off.‖ Aislinn Quinn, Drug and Alcohol Community Support Worker said, ―In the
mornings we provided interactive sessions focussed on the risks from substance misuse and using so called ‗legal highs‘, then each afternoon was spent participating in an adrenaline raising diversionary activity, to promote the idea that a natural high, caused by challenging yourself and leaving your comfort zones, can be more thrilling than a chemically induced high you might get from drugs. The physical activities were designed taster sessions, highlighting other activities that are available within the Down area, which the young people could engage in on a longer term basis, such as skills training f r o m B e l f a s t Community Circus, circuit training and boxing.‖ The youth leaders are keen to continue to build on this work recognising that the young people are keen to build on the knowledge they gained and to continue to work towards addressing the drug and alcohol related issues in the community with the support of local agencies and services. The group are keen to continue to engage at-risk young people in the local area with programmes that can give them positive alternatives to substance misuse.
Millisle Summer Project
A crisis can be an emotionally stressful event or traumatic change in a person‘s life that will have an impact or effect on their everyday living. A crisis can provoke
suicidal thoughts or self harm. Many factors can cause a person to feel in suicidal crisis, these range from mental health problems, drug and alcohol misuse, relationship breakdowns, loss of job or bereavement, anything which makes the person feel that they cannot cope or continue living.
FASA offer:
Walk in service – 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday at FASA‘s offices in Bangor and Belfast.
Safe and confidential surroundings
Talk to someone who wants to understand
Listening Ear sessions – someone to talk to in your time of need, someone to listen
Support and Guidance
Befriending
FASA Crisis Response Service
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Substance in Focus
Anabolic Steroids
What are anabolic steroids? Anabolic steroids are a group of hormones which occur naturally in the body. They are responsible for growth, physical development and functioning of reproductive organs. In men the main hormone is testosterone which is also responsible for masculine features such as the growth of body hair and the deeper voice. Anabolic steroids also have a building effect on the body and increase muscle tissue. Steroids have a limited medical use in the UK, mainly in the treatment of anaemia. Prevalence Steroids have been used in competitive sport since the 50‘s, however in recent years, anabolic steroids have increasingly been used for non medicinal purposes by body builders, athletes and other sports people and door men and security guards. Although it is difficult to be accurate in the precise number of people using steroids, some surveys show that between 20 and 40 per cent of those attending some gyms have used steroids. Alongside those using anabolic steroids to enhance a sporting performance, young men are increasingly getting involved in taking steroids to improve their body image, leading many researchers to conclude that this could be considered as reverse anorexia‖. What can we do? In response to the growing use of steroids, the government has changed the law to increase the penalties for supplying steroids, but possession for personal use is still not an offence. In sports, the use of steroids and other performance enhancing drugs has led to widespread drug testing, but this will only combat the problem at a competitive level, and is unlikely to affect those who are at most risk of unmonitored side effects and infections due to injecting. Risks Although medical experts disagree, on balance it seems that taking anabolic steroids combined with intensive training and a high protein diet builds body weight and increases the size of muscles. They also often make users feel more aggressive and competitive and better able to perform strenuous physical activity. There are reports of regular users becoming physically violent and sexually abusive, in a fit of so called 'roid rage'. But whether those involved had violent tendencies in the first place is unclear. Users often take steroids in multiple combinations and at much higher doses than would be prescribed medically. Some of the main risks include:
Liver abnormalities and a rare form of hepatitis Hypertension – steroids encourage the body to retain water and raise blood pressure HIV and other blood borne viruses if the users inject and share injecting equipment Changes in male reproductive system. Sperm output and quality is reduced and can take 8 months to return to normal. Sex drive may at first increase but then be lowered. Some men have also experienced over development of their breast tissue. Changes in the female body include increased sex drive and menstrual problems. There have also been reports of the development of ―male‖ features, such as the growth of facial and body hair and the deepening of the voice. Once these symptoms happen they are usually irreversible Both males and females experience other problems, such as sleep disorders, confusion, depression and paranoia. Users can also experience skin problems, usually manifesting in acne.
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Service Profile
Mulholland After Care Service
Vision All young people will be supported in relationships to ex-press choice, to embrace opportunities, grow safely and fulfil their potential.
Mission MACS provide services adapted to young people promoting opportunities and access to housing, education, health, employment, leisure and citizenship.
History of MACS MACS was established in 1990 to provide a range of services for vulnerable young people aged 16-25 years. In the last 20 years MACS has succeeded in developing an approach which is effective and sustainable. The values and model of the organisation, particularly its approach to user involvement, are at the centre of this success. The organisation was known as Friends Of Willowfield Association until 1996 when its name was changed to Mulholland After Care Services (MACS) in memory of Phil Mulholland, who pioneered after care services for young people in Belfast in the 1980s. Following the introduction of the Children (Northern Ireland) Order (1995) the legislative context in which we had been working changed with fewer young people going into the care system, and therefore fewer care leavers. MACS responded to this change by widening its remit to incorporate vulnerable young people as potential service users. Ethos For the last 20 years MACS has kept central to its practice, the ethos of interdependence. Interdependence is a realisation that we are all mutually dependent on each other. It incorporates a view of people being able to step outside the prevalent culture of self-sufficiency and independence. We believe that dependence is disabling but independence is isolating. We value the interconnectedness of all people. This has been, and will remain the focal point to project work undertaken with young people. Therefore, the core values of recognising young people as experts, young people as individuals and young people who can work together to realise potential, this lies at the heart of the work we do. Services Supported Housing – “Move in to Move on” The Supported Housing Service is funded in partnership with the NIHE Supporting People and Belfast & South Eastern Trusts. It aims to support young people leaving care aged 16 -21 to make the transition to interdependence and their own tenancy. There are 12 placements across 2 sites: 6 placements in single unit self contained flats in South Belfast and 6 placements in single unit self contained flats in East Belfast. ―Move in to move on‖ is the mission, 30 young people between 2009-2010 have been supported in placements. Mentoring Service – “Dare to Dream” MACS Mentoring Service is currently funded by Children in Need, Wellnet, Lloyds TSB,
Awards for All and Victoria Homes Trust. Mentoring provides a voluntary relationship
with a mentor for young people when they feel they are most vulnerable, typically in
evenings and weekends. The mentoring relationship focuses purely on the needs and
goals set by the young person and volunteer mentor.
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Together they enter into a year long commitment to
achieve these goals and most importantly enjoy building a
positive relationship together and have fun. MACS
mentoring aims to reduce loneliness and isolation and seeks
to improve confidence, self esteem and social networks.
―Dare to dream‖ is the mission, between 2009 and 2010, 58
young people have been supported across Belfast, Colin and Downpatrick areas.
Floating Support Service – “Building futures together” The Floating Support Service is funded through the Housing Executive‘s Supporting
People Programme and Wellnet. This service offers flexible, person centred holistic
services to vulnerable or at risk young people aged 16-25 to enable them to maintain
interdependent living in the community. Each young person will have a tailored support
plan that addresses individually assessed needs. Our support focuses on ten priority
areas: managing tenancy and accommodation, motivation and taking responsibility,
emotional and mental health, and physical health, managing money, social networks
and relationships, drug and alcohol use, self care and living skills, meaningful use of
time and offending. ―Building futures together‖ is the mission, between 2009/10, 180
young people were successfully supported across Belfast, Colin and Downpatrick
areas.
Contact Us Registered Office: Mulholland After Care Services 4 Lower Crescent Belfast BT7 1NR Tel: 028 9031 3163 Fax: 028 9033 2214 Registered Office: Mulholland After Care Services 17b English Street Downpatrick BT30 6AB Tel: 028 4461 5155 Fax: 028 4461 6551 For more information visit www.macsni.org
Local Drug and Alcohol Forum. NORDAG—North Down and Ards Drug and Alcohol Awareness Group is an interagency group made up of service providers and community representatives who meet on a regular basis to develop a drug and alcohol strategy at a more local level, map local provision, to identify gaps and priorities for action and respond to local needs. If you would like to be involved in
NORDAG and be kept up to date with group developments, please click here to email the Community Support Worker for the local area.
SUBSTANCE MISUSE TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR THE VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR
A wide range of training programmes are available FREE to the staff and volunteers of community and voluntary sector organisations. This can be training developed to meet your very specific needs or accredited training courses at levels 1 to 3. This training is provided by the Eastern Drug and Alcohol Consortium which comprises ASCERT, FASA and Falls Community Council. For more information you can contact any of these organisations directly or visit www.ascert.biz.
Taking the Lid Off. It is estimated up to 40000 children in Northern Ireland are living in families where
there is parental substance misuse. The ‗Taking The Lid Off‘ training course is a FREE 2 day workshop to enhance the
capacity of those working with families affected by parental substance misuse.
This training is provided by the Taking The Lid Off Partnership (ASCERT, SEHSCT and Barnardos) on behalf of the Eastern Drug and Alcohol Co-ordination Team through the Public Health Agency.
TTLO-A2-4 10th & 11th November 2010
TTLO-A2-5 15th & 16th December 2010
TTLO-A2-6 12th & 13th January 2011
TTLO-A2-7 9th & 10th February 2011
To register for any of these courses, please call Siobhan McIlroy on (028) 92604422 , register online at www.ascert.biz, or contact the Community Support Worker in your area.
The Drug and Alcohol Community Support Service are pleased to welcome two new recruits to the team. Viv Thomson and Fergal McCann will now be the Community Support workers for South Down and Lisburn, covering the Colin area, right down to Downpatrick. We are including a brief profile in this months edition of both the new workers. Please feel free to get in touch with them or if you see them at events or in your community go up and say hi!
Name: Fergal McCann Contact: [email protected] 07545928222 Fergal will be the Community Support Worker for the Colin area and for South Down working 19 hours a week and will be based between ASCERT‘s main office in Lisburn and sub office in Downpatrick. He lives in Belfast, is married and has seven children (and a new puppy). He has a vast amount of experience in community development dating back to 1990. Fergal is also currently in his second year of a BSc Hons Degree in Community Development through the University of Ulster. Fergal has worked in a variety of community settings across Belfast and beyond including:
Voluntary youth work in Poleglass and Lenadoon A voluntary development worker, community secretary and later chair person of the Poleglass Residents Association Youth development worker in Andersonstown Community development worker in Andersonstown A development worker for the Ard Eoin Fleadh Cheoil Co-ordinator of the Ligoniel C o m m u n i t y E m p o w e r m e n t Partnership and later the Greater Ballysillan and Ligoniel CEP And community engagement officer for the National Trust.
Fergal also currently works part time in the Southern area for the Probation Board. He is looking forward to meeting the groups within Colin and South Down and assisting them in tackling drugs and alcohol issues.
Name: Viv Thomson Contact: [email protected] 07545928225 Viv will be taking over as the Community Support Worker for Lisburn working 16 hours a week, and will be based in ASCERT‘s head office in Lisburn. Viv has recently moved from Edinburgh to Newtownards. She has two children and a kitten. Before moving to Northern Ireland, Viv was a senior support worker in Move On, promoting tenancy sustainment and working towards preventing homelessness and often supported people living with addiction and mental health issues. Previous to this she was senior mentoring co-ordinator for a project aimed at young people leaving local authority care and delivered workshops in mainstream schools as well as schools where the young people experience social, emotional and behavioural diff iculties, delivering homelessness prevention advice and information across. Her working life began as a youth worker in the Community Education Department in Midlothian. In 2007 Viv attended Cardonald College Glasgow where she achieved SVQ III in health and social care. She has also studied conflict management, child protection and has an ILM level 3 in Management. Before leaving Edinburgh, Viv completed her first year in Edinburgh Napier University studying Social Science, and hopes to resume this when she has settled into Northern Ireland life! Viv has over the years raised thousands of pounds for various charities from activities such as walking the great wall of China, jumping out of a plane and jumping off the Forth Rail Bridge. She is looking forward to her newest challenge of working in Lisburn.
Drug and alcohol issues are areas of concern for many g r o u p s a n d m o s t communities, and often groups feel they are not equipped with skills or knowledge to respond to these issues confidently. ASCERT and FASA have been funded by The Public Health Agency to provide a Drug and Alcohol Community Support Service to local communities in the Belfast and South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust areas.
There are 5 Community Support Workers and they can provide mentoring support to local groups to develop actions that address substance misuse at a community level.
Community Support Workers will work with groups to identify their needs and help groups set their own aims and objectives, design an appropriate intervention, implement their initiative and evaluate its impact.
Furthermore the Community Support Worker can provide up to date information on drug and alcohol training, trends of use and support in applying for funding etc.
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Drug and Alcohol Community Support Service
The Community Support Service can:
· Provide accurate information on drug and alcohol issues
· Raise awareness of drug and alcohol services
· Help you assess local need
· Help promote regional drug and alcohol campaigns in your area
· Help you to develop initiatives or local action plans
· Help you access drugs and alcohol training
· Link you to other communities or groups addressing similar issues
· Link you to local drug and alcohol forums in your area
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