THE FIX
Issue 15 October 2010
“ The Fix is a bi-monthly e-newsletter that keeps you up to date about drug or alcohol related issues”
CONTENTS Click on links to access these articles
Children Concerned about parents drinking 2 Naphyrone banned
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Steroid Advice
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Green fingered dealers
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Statistics
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Local events
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Substance in focus
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Service Profile
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Training
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Community Support
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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, like drug information and issues that are in the news
Leading Charity Calls for Tighter Smoking Laws 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 secondhand 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
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Children Concerned Regarding Parental Substance Use 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 twothirds 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 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 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 from of children will only normalise alcohol misuse.‖ To read this report in full click here
Naphyrone Banned. The legal high drug marketed as the replace- to prevent suppliers switching to new verment for Mephedrone has been banned under sions of the substance. the Misuse of Drugs Act. Minister for Crime Prevention, James Brokenshire stated ―The govrd ernment is deeply conSince the 23 July, cerned about the issues of the substance Naphyrone and its re- ―legal highs‖ which is why we took swift action lated compounds, also known as NRG to ban this new drug. There is also clear evidence 1, Energy, and Rave1, has been re- that just because a substance is advertised as ―legal‖ does not meant his is the case. Anyclassified as a class B drug and will carry one buying a legal high is putting their health with it a maximum penalty of five years in prison for possession and 14 years in prison at risk and could be committing a criminal offence‖ for supply, alongside an unlimited fine. This law will be also ban generic compounds To view more on this story please click here 2
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Steroid Advice Considered By Government. 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 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 anabolic steroids. The recommendations include
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 Brokenshire said: ―abuse of anabolic steroids is harmful; 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.‖
Strengthened laws to reduce availability of To read this report in full click here the drugs, To learn more about anabolic steroids, click Making it illegal to order substances online here Introduction of Powers to Prohibit or Restrict Irresponsible Alcohol Promotions 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 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 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. 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. 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 decision makers know your thoughts on alcohol promotions.
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Green-fingered dealers! Police seizures of cannabis plants in Northern popularity and availability of skunk which Ireland have been steadily increasing for the can also be partly attributed to the trend in past number of years from 1,448 in 2006/07 home grown cannabis. Strong cannabis is to 5, 484 plants in grown through processes that can include se2009/10 (and in lective breeding (with seeds being carefully actual fact, a total cultivated so that they will produce plants of of 31,000 plants steadily higher potency), use of hydroponics were seized in and special heating and lighting systems. The 2008/09 as a result smart shops often sell the hydroponic equipof PSNI operations ment required as well as the seeds and some actively targeting have even opened up retail outlets as cannabis factories). PSNI are putting the ‗hydroponic‘ stores. finds down to better detection work, better information being provided by people in local According to Drugscope skunk is in fact only communities and the fact that they are mak- one of 100 or so varieties of cannabis plant ing good use of their hi-tech ‗heat-seeking‘ which have high levels of tetrahydrocannabihelicopters (warm rooftops are a clear give- nol (THC). The skunk and other similar vaaway especially in winter)! rieties are often grown indoors – the more intensive the cultivation and nurture the Its big business when you consider that ten higher the THC content which can often be seeds can be bought on the internet for less seen on the buds as crystal or liquid. They than £50 and that each plant can make up to a report that ‗traditional' herbal cannabis can £1000. The rise is being attributed not only to range from between two and four per cent enterprising dealers but also to ‗social grow- THC content with more potent varieties averers‘ – people growing enough to supply only aging between 10 and 14 per cent – whereas themselves and a small circle of friends. some of the ‗skunk‘ varieties can reach up to 20 per cent. It is perfectly legal to buy cannabis seeds however it is illegal to actually grow canna- Messages bis plants from Police are asking communities to be vigilant these seeds! So as and to look out for strange activity/comings was seen with the and goings at abandoned buildings. ‗legal‘ highs For those who use cannabis – be aware of the loophole, smart type of cannabis you are using, try to avoid or head shops (as the stronger forms such as skunk or if using well as their reduce your dosage. internet equivalents) are making a fortune selling a wide variety of ‗legal‘ marijuana Police in North Down are alerting local seeds bearing the warning: residents to beware of a powerful fake drug that is currently flooding the area. WARNING: MISUSE OF DRUGS ACT 1971 The tablets in a distinctive blue shade By section 6 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 with a heart shaped hole in the middle it is an offence to cultivate any plant of the genus Cannabis in the UK without a license are being sold as 10mg doses of diazefrom the Secretary of State. Anyone commitpam. ting an offence contrary to this section may be However the ―blues‖ , the street name for imprisoned or fined, or both. Potential customdiazepam, are about 5 times stronger than ers are advised against breaking the law. the usual variety of the drug. Another worrying development is the rise in Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
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STATISTICS Drug Related Deaths in Northern Ireland The 11th annual report on drug related deaths in the UK has been released by , presenting 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 phenomenon. It contributes to the reduction and prevention 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 statistics click here
Alcohol fuels rise in Violence Alcohol fuelled house parties that spiral into iour; seizures of alcohol, criminal damage violent assaults have contributed to North and drug seizures‖ Down‘s recent crime rise. Mark McEwan credits this to strong partnerAlcohol was also a major factor in the in- ship working in the area, with organisations creased number of local people seriously in- such as FASA, and projects they are involved jured on local roads, according to the latest in such as Street Safe and Street Kyds. These police statistics. projects have helped reduce anti-social beJuveniles becoming involved in the end of haviour by 133 incidents. exam assaults and a spate of high profile bur- In a bid to tackle this issue, the Police have glaries have also given local police cause for also made 166 alcoconcern. hol seizures, equalSpeaking at a North Down District Policing ling 745 alcohol Partnership (DPP) units, made 372 and meeting, Bangor made 12 referrals to police chief Mark the council for breach McEwan said ―we of council-alcohol for have taken steps to breach of councilcounteract this in- alcohol bye laws. Chief Inspector McEwen crease.‖ said police were also on target to increase the Crime figures for the first quarter for the fi- number of illegal drug seizures by 5% in ornancial year (April—June 2010) show total der to dismantle drug gangs within North crime has risen by 3.6 % from 908 incidents Down He highlighted there had been nine recorded last year, to 941. more seizures compared to the same period However Mark McEwan said ―it is encourag- last year. ing to note that in four major areas we are To read the full article click here succeeding significantly; anti-social behav-
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Local Events Millisle Summer Project. The PHA Drug and Alcohol Community Support Service and the leaders of Millisle Youth Forum joined forces recently to provide local young people 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 more urban area. Community workers in Millisle have been concerned about substance misuse and specifically the increase in ―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 from Belfast 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 n the community with the support of local agencies and services. The group are keen to continue to engage atrisk young people in the local area with programmes that can give them positive alternatives to substance misuse.
FASA Crisis Response Service 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 mental health problems, drug and substance 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 - 5pm Monday to Friday at FASA‘s centres 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 Advocacy Links to therapeutic services – counsel-
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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‖, 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 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 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 disorders, 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 convinced they cannot perform well without being on drugs. 7 Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
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Service Profile Mulholland After Care Service. Vision All young people will be supported in relationships to express 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. Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
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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 2009-2010 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 : info@mulhollandaftercare.co.uk 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 provision, identifying gaps and priorities for action and working in response 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 9 local area Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Training 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. Falls Community Council 275-277 Falls Road Belfast BT12 6FD Tel: (028) 90202030 Fax: (028) 90202031 Email sal@fallscouncil.com Web:www.fallscouncil.c
FASA 178 - 180 Shankill Road Belfast BT13 2BH Tel: (028) 90803040 Fax: (028) 90323231 Email: info@fasaonline.org Web:www.fasaonline.or g
ASCERT 23 Bridge Street Lisburn BT281X Tel: (028) 92604422 Fax: (028) 92608974 Email: training@ascert.biz Web: www.ascert.biz
Upcoming Courses for the general public and voluntary sector. Dates
Time
Course Title
Venue
03.11.10— 10.11.10
7pm—9pm Drugs Alcohol and Mental Health
Link Centre, Newtownards
01.12.10
10am—4 pm
Drugs Alcohol and Mental Health
Downpatrick
27.01.2011
10am— 4pm
Drugs Alcohol and Mental Health
ASCERT Lisburn
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. 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
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.
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. 10
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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: fergal@ascert.biz 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 Community Empowerment 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 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: Vivian@ascert.biz 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. 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 difficulties, delivering homelessness prevention advice and information across. Her working life began 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 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.11
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Drug and Alcohol Community Support Service
COMMUNITY SUPPORT WORKERS IN YOUR AREA
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.
Lisburn City Viv Thomson ASCERT
23 Bridge Street Lisburn, BT28 1XZ Tel: (028 92604422
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.
Fax: (028) 92603874 Email: vivian@ascert.biz Web: www.ascert.biz DOWN DISTRICT Fergal McCann ASCERT 23 Bridge Street Lisburn, BT28 1XZ Tel: (028) 92604422 Fax: (028) 92603874 Email: fergal@ascert.biz Web: www.ascert.biz
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.
NORTH DOWN & ARDS Aislinn Quinn ASCERT 4 Queens Parade, Bangor BT20 3B Tel: (028) 9127 1322 Email: aislinn@ascert.biz Web: www.ascert.biz SOUTH & EAST BELFAST James Scott FASA 178 - 180 Shankill Road
Belfast.BT13 2BH
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
Tel: (028) 9080 3040 Fax: (028 9032 313 Email: james@fasaonline.org 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: diane@fasaonline.org Web: www.fasaonline.org ILLUSTRATIONS EDITOR
Damien McDonagh Volunteer ASCERT damien@ascert.biz
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