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

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

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

Page

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

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

Page

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

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.

Page

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

5

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

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

6

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

Page

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

7

Top

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

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

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.

Page

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

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 : 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 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

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

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:

info@fasaonline.org

Web:www.fasaonline.or

g

ASCERT 23 Bridge Street

Lisburn BT281X

Tel: (028) 92604422 Fax: (028) 92608974

Email: train-

ing@ascert.biz

Web: 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

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

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

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:

fergal@ascert.biz

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:

Vivian@ascert.biz

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.

Page

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

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: 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

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 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

Page

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12