A combination of a focused community development project and determination by young people has finally yielded results. In early 2010, in response to community concerns, CorrAcla Teo called a public meeting where speakers from the Western Regional Drugs Task Force, (WRDTF ) were invited to attend. The well-attended meeting elicited some very positive feedback in relation to steps needed to address the issue of drugs and alcohol.
Transition year students from the former McHale College got involved and produced an information card with the contact details of groups dealing with drug or alcohol issues. In October, Pat Conway from WRDTF and the co-ordinator from CorrAcla, Genevieve Grealis met the TY students of the new Coláiste Pobal Acla to assist with their project.
Mr Conway organised a Mayo Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week throughout the county in November. The transition year students launched the information card that week in Ostán Oileán Acla. The card, which fits easily into a wallet, details eight organisations that are easily contactable if needed. The card is hugely popular and is available in every public outlet in the area. For more information, log onto Facebook and type in ‘TY project- Help is Just a Phone Call Away.’
