Assistant Minister for Health Pru Goward today announced a series of community education forums to support local communities dealing with the harmful impacts of ice.
Ms Goward said the NSW Government will partner with the Australian Drug Foundation to deliver ‘breaking the ice in our communities’ public forums across NSW including in high need areas. The first two forums will be held in Tweed Heads and Wollongong next month.
“We need a whole-of-government, whole-of-community approach to tackle the problem of ice and help local communities understand how best to access information, support and practical resources in their area,” Ms Goward said.
The forums will help build and strengthen important community partnerships, by bringing together a range of local people including representatives from police, health services, youth services, Family Drug Support and local non-government drug and alcohol services.
Ms Goward said as well as delivering on its election commitment to educate the community, the NSW Government has opened new stimulant treatment services in hospitals and enhanced NGO-led community treatment services in rural and regional communities.
“Strong, informed and united communities are our best defense against this insidious drug that is having a devastating effect in our communities,” Ms Goward said.
“The forums form part of a broader strategy to empower communities to work together and enhance the work that the 70 Community Drug Action Teams (CDATs) are already doing with local communities across NSW.”
For more than 55 years, the Australian Drug Foundation has been one of Australia’s leading bodies offering educational information, drug and alcohol prevention programs and advocating for strong and healthy communities.
For more information on the forums please go to www.adf.org.au/breakingtheice
Anyone concerned about how ice is affecting themselves or a loved one are encouraged to seek help by calling the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on (02) 9361 8000 (metro) 1800 422 599 (regional/rural), speaking with their GP, or visiting www.yourroom.com.au for further information.
Online Source
