Ossory Youth, in association with Kilkenny Drug Awareness Week 2008, will present an information stand in the Market Cross Shopping Centre this Saturday September 27 between 10am and 4pm.
People are invited to visit the drugs information stand where drug workers and addiction counsellors from Ossory Youth and Aislinn Adolescent Addiction Treatment Centre, Ballyragget will be available to answer any questions and provide drug information.
A 2007 HSE report highlighted an increase in the number of people in the south-east seeking treatment for cocaine and heroin addiction; over 2,600 individuals in the south-east were assessed and treated for drug related problems in 2007.
“Ossory Youth is pleased to support Kilkenny Drug Awareness Week to help raise awareness of and to combat drug use and the associated problems of drug abuse here in Kilkenny,” says Mel Bay of Ossory Youth.
Education and support services, such as those offered by Ossory Youth in Kilkenny, seek to tackle the problem of drug abuse by informing the wider public of the dangers associated with drug use. Kilkenny Drug Awareness Week will incorporate various events throughout the city including seminars, teen talks and exhibitions.
The purpose of Kilkenny Drug Awareness Week is to promote a positive lifestyle and healthy living, to create an awareness of the reasons behind drug use, recognise prevention work already in place, encourage people to reflect, promote organisations involved in drug prevention and intervention, and empower local communities to act against drugs.
For further information on Drug Awareness Week contact Mel Bay of Ossory Youth on 087 9845019/ 056 7761200 or by email to: mbay@ossoryyouth.com for details of all events.
