Events in Granard and Longford to increase awareness about drug and alcohol related issues

The event was launched on Monday and it continues until Friday, November 24 and it will focus primarily on awareness and openness around the whole area of drugs and alcohol.  

The primary role of the MRDATF, which is funded by the Department of Health, is to research, develop, implement and monitor a co-ordinated response to the problem of drug and alcohol misuse as experienced in the counties of Longford, Westmeath, Laois and Offaly.  

The Awareness Week includes a range of events scheduled to take place across the midlands focusing on increased awareness about drug and alcohol related issues and to highlight the drug and alcohol support services available to people in the midland region.  

The wide range of events, including those in Granard and Longford, scheduled to take place have been organised by the MRDATF and Community, Voluntary and Statutory agencies within the midland region, each event has a specific target audience to include service providers, general public, parents, students and under 18’s.

Ms Antoinette Kinsella, Co-ordinator MRDATF stated, “The sixteen events scheduled to take place over the course of the week have been organised through a partnership approach involving a wide range of agencies working in the midland region.

On behalf of the Task Force, I would like to warmly thank all of the agencies involved and the Department of Health for their support in putting this programme of events together for the region. Events of this nature are very beneficial as they help raise awareness of the issues surrounding drug and alcohol misuse, help strengthen and support a community based focus to the problem and most importantly mobilise partnership responses at local and regional level."

LONGFORD EVENTS

Thursday, November 23

Awareness of Drug Addiction
A group currently engaged in the Youth Club will demonstrate using a mural/mosaic and posters their interpretation of drug addiction. The aim of the initiative is to raise awareness of the adverse effects of drug addiction. Refreshments will be served.

Venue: Lus na Greine Family Resource Centre, Main Street Granard, Co Longford
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Audience: First year and transition year students from local secondary school to be invited
Further information: Irene Reeves, Community/Family Support Worker tel: 089 7056061

Friday, November 24

Prize Giving Ceremony for Transition Year Competition
Transition year students from seven local secondary schools participated in a series of drug and alcohol awareness workshops.
These students then participated in the development of a range of videos with the aim of raising awareness of the effects and dangers associated with substance misuse. Prize giving ceremony to take place.

Venue: Temperance Hall, New Street, Longford
Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm
Audience: Students, Teachers & Service Providers
Further information: Aisling Nolan, Foróige tel: 086 8507371