the fix - oct 2010
DESCRIPTION
drug and alcohol newsletterTRANSCRIPT
1
Top
CONTENTS
Click on links to access these articles
Children Concerned about par-ents 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 15 October 2010 THE FIX
A leading Northern Ireland
anti-smoking charity has
called for stricter laws to
safeguard children from the
dangers associated with sec-
ond hand smoke.
Action Cancer is campaign-
ing 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 environ-
mental tobacco smoke (ETS),
otherwise known as second-
hand smoke, are well docu-
mented and it‘s now recog-
nised as a substantial public
health hazard. The main
places children and young
people face exposure to ETS
is within the home and in ve-
hicles‖
Action Cancer is to launch a
lobbying and briefing cam-
paign aimed at ensuring wide
-ranging political support for
a commitment to early legis-
lation on a smoking ban to
protect minors. Ms Kerr said
the charity would be encour-
aging 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 North-
ern 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 news-
letter 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,
like drug information and
issues that are in the news
Leading Charity Calls for Tighter Smoking Laws
Page
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2
Naphyrone Banned.
Top
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 sub-
stance use.
Of the 5,700
calls re-
ceived be-
tween March
2009 and
March 2010,
over two-
thirds of the callers had mentioned their par-
ents drinking as a source of concern for them.
The report also suggested that children call-
ing 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 rec-
ognised that children living with parental al-
cohol 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 percent-
age of the 150000 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 last-
ing 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
from of children will only normalise alcohol
misuse.‖
To read this report in full click here
The legal high drug marketed as the replace-
ment for Mephedrone has been banned under
the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Since the 23rd July,
the substance Na-
phyrone and its re-
lated compounds,
also known as NRG
1, Energy, and
Rave1, has been re-
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 ver-
sions of the substance.
Minister for Crime Prevention, James Bro-
kenshire stated ―The gov-
ernment is deeply con-
cerned 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 meant his is the case. Any-
one buying a legal high is putting their health
at risk and could be committing a criminal
offence‖
To view more on this story please click here
Children Concerned Regarding Parental Substance Use
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3
Top
Steroid Advice Considered By Government.
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of
Drugs has issued a report recommending
strengthened laws on ana-
bolic steroids following con-
cerns about the number of
users in the UK. The council
have considered the potential
harms of the substances
which are already controlled as a Class C
drug.
The report was issued following concerns
about an increasing number of people using
the substance. The British Crime Survey for
2009 – 2010 indicated that 50,000 people
aged between 16 and 59 years had used ana-
bolic 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 minister for crime
prevention James Bro-
kenshire said: ―abuse of
anabolic steroids is harm-
ful; we are committed to
stopping the unlawful
supply and use of these dangerous substances
which can cause serious 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 Introduc-
tion of Powers to Prohibit or Restrict Irre-
sponsible Alcohol Promotions.
The Consultation will be running to Monday
06th 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 pro-
motions.
The DSD is keen to hear from everyone who
will be affected by the proposed changes, in-
cluding consumers of alcohol, trade associa-
tions, criminal justice workers or those who
run or work in pubs, clubs, supermarkets or
other outlets selling alcohol.
Correspondents are asked to submit their
views as early as possible during the consul-
tation period to allow as much time as possi-
ble for consideration.
Responses may be done online by clicking
here.
Alternatively the Microsoft Word version of
the questionnaire may be downloaded by
clicking here.
The closing date for responses is Monday 6th
December 2010.
The Community Support Service would like
to encourage as many people as possible to
complete this consultation and let the deci-
sion makers know your thoughts on alcohol
promotions.
Introduction of Powers to Prohibit or Restrict Irresponsible Alcohol Promotions
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Telephone: 08457 90 90 90
4
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 mak-
ing good use of their hi-tech ‗heat-seeking‘
helicopters (warm rooftops are a clear give-
away 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 grow-
ers‘ – 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 canna-
bis plants from
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 se-
lective 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 equip-
ment 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 tetrahydrocannabi-
nol (THC). The skunk and other similar va-
rieties 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 aver-
aging 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 avoid
the stronger forms such as skunk or if using
reduce your dosage.
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 a powerful fake
drug that is currently flooding the area.
The tablets in a distinctive blue shade
with a heart shaped hole in the middle
are being sold as 10mg doses of diaze-
pam.
However the ―blues‖ , the street name for
diazepam, are about 5 times stronger than
the usual variety of the drug.
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Top
STATISTICS
The 11th annual re-
port on drug related
deaths in the UK has
been released by , pre-
senting information
on drug related deaths
that occurred during
2009. the main purpose 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 in respect of this phenome-
non. It contributes to the reduction and pre-
vention of drug-related deaths in the UK due
to the misuse of both licit and illicit drugs.
The key findings from the report indicated
that across the UK there were 2182 notifica-
tions 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
white male 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 statis-
tics click here
Drug Related Deaths in Northern Ireland
Alcohol fuelled house parties that spiral into
violent assaults have contributed to North
Down‘s recent crime rise.
Alcohol was also a major factor in the in-
creased number of local people seriously in-
jured on local roads, according to the latest
police statistics.
Juveniles becoming involved in the end of
exam assaults and a spate of high profile bur-
glaries have also given local police cause for
concern.
Speaking at a North Down District Policing
Partnership (DPP)
meeting, Bangor
police chief Mark
McEwan said ―we
have taken steps to
counteract this in-
crease.‖
Crime figures for the first quarter for the fi-
nancial 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 encourag-
ing to note that in four major areas we are
succeeding significantly; anti-social behav-
iour; seizures of alcohol, criminal damage
and drug seizures‖
Mark McEwan credits this to strong partner-
ship 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 be-
haviour by 133 incidents.
In a bid to tackle this issue, the Police have
also made 166 alco-
hol seizures, equal-
ling 745 alcohol
units, made 372 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 or-
der 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
Alcohol fuels rise in Violence
TEXT 82111 0800 77 66 00 Page
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Top
Local Events
The PHA Drug and Alcohol Community
Support Service and the leaders of Millisle
Youth Forum joined forces recently to pro-
vide local young people some alternatives to
substance abuse.
Millisle is a small
rural seaside com-
munity in County
Down but the risks
of alcohol and drug
use is as relevant
here as in more ur-
ban area. Commu-
nity workers in Millisle have been concerned
about substance misuse and specifically the
increase in ―legal highs‖. Anti-social behav-
iour has been increasing in the area and some
young people are now finding themselves
being threatened by paramilitary action be-
cause 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 impor-
tant 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 Commu-
nity 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 your-
self and leaving your comfort zones, can be
more thrilling than a chemically induced high
you might get from drugs. The physical ac-
tivities were designed taster sessions, high-
lighting other activities that are available
within the Down area, which the young peo-
ple could engage in
on a longer term ba-
sis, such as skills
training from Bel-
fast Community Cir-
cus, 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 n the community
with the support of local agencies and ser-
vices.
The group are keen to continue to engage at-
risk young people in the local area with pro-
grammes that can give them positive alterna-
tives to substance misuse.
Millisle Summer Project.
A crisis can be an emotionally stressful event
or traumatic change in a persons 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 men-
tal health problems, drug and substance mis-
use, relationship breakdowns, loss of job or
bereavement, anything which makes the per-
son feel that they cannot cope or continue
living.
FASA offer
Walk in service –
9am - 5pm Monday to
Friday at FASA‘s cen-
tres
Safe and Confidential
surroundings
Talk to someone who wants to under-
stand
Listening Ear sessions – someone to talk
to in your time of need, someone to listen
Support and Guidance
Befriending
Advocacy
Links to therapeutic services – counsel-
FASA Crisis Response Service
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7
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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 repro-
ductive organs. In men the main hormone is testosterone which is also responsi-
ble 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 sur-
veys 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 in-
creasingly getting involved in taking steroids to improve their body image, leading many re-
searchers to conclude that this could be considered as reverse anorexia‖, with people thinking
they are not big enough.
What can we do?
In response to the growing usage 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, bt
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 mus-
cles. 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 pre-
scribed 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 virus‘s if the users inject and share injecting equipment
Stunted growth in young people
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, even when steroid use stops.
Both males and females experience other problems, such as sleep disor-
ders, confusion, depression and paranoia. Users can also experience skin
problems, usually manifesting in acne.
Counterfeit steroids pose additional risks. Many are made without the
controls of legitimate drugs, and as a result, vary in purity and safety.
Experts are agreed that although the use of steroids does not result in
physical dependence, regular use can lead to a psychological dependence when the user is con-
vinced they cannot perform well without being on drugs.
Page
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8
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 ful-
fil 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 Mulhol-
land, 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 incorpo-
rates 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 place-
ments 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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9
Together they enter into a year long commitment to achieve
these goals and most importantly enjoy building a positive rela-
tionship together and have fun. MACS mentoring aims to re-
duce loneliness and isolation and seeks to improve confidence,
self esteem and social networks. ―Dare to dream‖ is the mis-
sion, 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 vul-
nerable 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 indi-
vidually 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 2009-2010 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
Email : [email protected]
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 developing
a drug and alcohol strategy at a more local level, mapping local pro-
vision, identifying gaps and priorities for action and working in re-
sponse to local need. If you would like to be involved in NORDAG and be kept up to dates
with group developments, please click here to email the Community Support Worker for the
local area Page
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10
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 The Falls Community Council. For more information you can
contact any of these organisations directly or visit www.ascert.biz.
FASA 178 - 180 Shankill Road
Belfast BT13 2BH
Tel: (028) 90803040
Fax: (028) 90323231
Email:
Web:www.fasaonline.or
g
ASCERT 23 Bridge Street
Lisburn BT281X
Tel: (028) 92604422 Fax: (028) 92608974
Email: train-
Web: www.ascert.biz
Falls Community
Council 275-277 Falls Road
Belfast BT12 6FD
Tel: (028) 90202030
Fax: (028) 90202031 Email
Web:www.fallscouncil.c
Top
Training
Dates Course Title Venue Time
03.11.10—
10.11.10
Drugs Alcohol and Mental
Health
Link Centre, Newtow-
nards
7pm—9pm
01.12.10 Drugs Alcohol and Mental
Health
Downpatrick 10am—4
pm
27.01.2011 Drugs Alcohol and Mental
Health
ASCERT Lisburn 10am—
4pm
Taking the Lid Off.
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 t he 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.
Page
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Upcoming Courses for the general public and voluntary sector.
11
Community Support New Recruits!
The Drug and Alcohol Community Support Service are pleased to welcome two new recruits
to the team.
Viv Thompson 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:
07545928222
Fergal will be the Com-
munity Support Worker
for the Colin area and
for South Down work-
ing 19 hours a week
and will be based be-
tween ASCERT‘s main
office in Lisburn and sub office in Downpa-
trick..
He lives in Belfast, is married and has seven
children (and a new puppy).
He has a vast amount of experience in com-
munity development dating back to 1990.
Fergal is also currently in his second year of
a BSc Hons Degree in Community Develop-
ment 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, com-
munity secretary and later chair person
of the Poleglass Residents Association
Youth development worker in Ander-
sonstown
Community Development worker in
Andersonstown
A development worker for the Ard
Eoin Fleadh Cheoil
Co-ordinator of the Ligoniel Commu-
nity Empowerment Partnership and
later the Greater Ballysillan and Ligo-
niel CEP
And Community Engagement Officer
for the National Trust.
Fergal also currently works part time in the
Southern Board 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 Thompson
Contact:
Viv will be taking
over as the Com-
munity Support
Worker for Lis-
burn 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.
Before moving to Northern Ireland, Viv was
a senior support worker in Move On, promot-
ing 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 peo-
ple leaving local authority care and delivered
workshops in mainstream schools as well as
schools where the young people experience
social, emotional and behavioural difficulties,
delivering homelessness prevention advice
and information across. Her working life be-
gan with youth worker within 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 Ire-
land 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.
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12
Drug and alcohol issues are areas of
concern for many groups and most
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.
If drug or alcohol issues are a concern to your group or community and you would like to
discuss how we can support you to respond to those issues then contact the support worker in
your area.
Top
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
COMMUNITY SUPPORT WORK-
ERS IN YOUR AREA
Lisburn City Viv Thomson
ASCERT
23 Bridge Street
Lisburn, BT28 1XZ
Tel: (028 92604422
Fax: (028) 92603874
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.ascert.biz
DOWN DISTRICT
Fergal McCann
ASCERT
23 Bridge Street
Lisburn, BT28 1XZ
Tel: (028) 92604422
Fax: (028) 92603874
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.ascert.biz
NORTH DOWN & ARDS
Aislinn Quinn
ASCERT 4 Queens Parade,
Bangor BT20 3B
Tel: (028) 9127 1322
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.ascert.biz
SOUTH & EAST BELFAST
James Scott
FASA
178 - 180 Shankill Road Belfast.BT13 2BH Tel: (028) 9080 3040
Fax: (028 9032 313 Email: [email protected]
Web: www.fasaonline.org
NORTH & WEST BELFAST
Diane McMullan
FASA
178 - 180 Shankill Road Belfast BT13 2BH Tel: (028) 9080 3040
Fax: (028 9032 313
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.fasaonline.org
ILLUSTRATIONS EDITOR
Damien McDonagh
Volunteer
ASCERT
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