Drug & Alcohol Awareness Week November 11th-16th 2013

Calendar of Events Western Region Drugs Task Force

The mission statement of the Western Region Drugs Task Force (WRDTF) is to work in partnership with statutory, voluntary and community sectors to significantly reduce the harm caused by substance misuse through a concerted focus on: Supply Reduction, Education, Prevention, Treatment, Rehabilitation and Research.

The WRDTF is a co-ordinating body established in May 2003 as one of the key recommendations of the National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008. Using a partnership approach, it researches, develops and implements a co-ordinated, regionally appropriate response to substance misuse in , Mayo and Roscommon.

Its objectives are to develop an integrated and well managed response to drug and alcohol problems, propose a range of solutions and service interventions based on the five pillars of the National Drugs Strategy and ensure that all responses are monitored and evaluated according to best practice and value for money principles.

1 The Western Region Drugs Task Force presents its third Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week from November 11th-16th 2013. The Awareness week is organised by WRDTF in partnership with South West Mayo Development Company (SWMDC) and the Galway Roscommon Education Training Board (GRETB).

The aim of this year’s awareness week is to increase awareness of drug and alcohol related issues in the region, promote harm reduction and to highlight the support services available in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.

45 events will take place across the region under the chosen themes for 2013: Alcohol in the Home; Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medication; Social Media and Alcohol; Underage Drinking and Cannabis.

The overall objectives of the week are: • To highlight alcohol as the most widely-used drug in the region; • To increase awareness of the needs of families affected by substance use; • To highlight the supports available in the region; • To encourage and support local communities and services to engage in drug and alcohol issues and promote harm reduction; • To create an opportunity for individuals to reflect on their own drug and alcohol use; • To raise public awareness about other drug issues including prescription, over-the-counter medications and cannabis; • To explore the influence of social media on substance use and young people.

For further information contact the WRDTF at 091 480044 or [email protected]

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3 Home Truths The Culture of Alcohol in our Homes At the Clayton Hotel, Galway Monday November 11th 2013 at 11am

11.00 Seminar Registration

11.15 Welcome by Martin Lee Chairperson of the Western Region Drugs Task Force

11.25 “The Culture of Alcohol” Dr. Mark Garavan , Galway Mayo Institute of Technology, Castlebar

11.45 Mr Liam Horan will host individual interviews with guest speakers:

Dr Ann Hope , Consultant Researcher, Trinity College, Dublin Alcohol and the Harm to Others

Ms Gráinne McMahon , Editor, GALWAYnow Magazine Media Influences and the Increasing Wine Culture

Dr Bobby Smyth, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist The Influence of Parents upon Teenagers’ Drinking Decisions

Ms Suzanne Costello , CEO Alcohol Action Ireland Campaigning for Change

1.00 Mr Liam Horan will host a panel discussion with all speakers

1.30 Questions and Answers

1.45 Short Break for Refreshments

2.00 Official launch of WRDTF Awareness Week 2013 By Minister Alex White, TD 4 Monday 11th Galway City

Home Truths: The Culture of Alcohol in our Homes The WRDTF will host this seminar on alcohol in the home. Speakers include Dr Mark Garavan, Dr Ann Hope, Ms Gráinne McMahon, Dr Bobby Smyth and Ms Suzanne Costello. Venue: The Clayton Hotel, Galway Time: 11am Audience: Open to all Contact: WRDTF 091-480044 or [email protected] to book at place

Official Launch by Minister Alex White, TD Following the Home Truths Seminar Minister Alex White, TD will officially launch the WRDTF Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week 2013. Venue: Clayton Hotel, Galway Time: 2.00pm Contact: WRDTF 091-480044 or [email protected]

Photo Exhibition* Galway DiocesanYouth Services (GDYS) presents a weeklong photographic exhibition on how alcohol can affect the community. Venue: No 4, Drop-In Centre, Augustine St. Time: All week Audience: GDYS Service Users Contact: Paul Fallon 091-568483 Galway County

Don’t Lose to Booze! The Loughrea Project, Youth Work Ireland Galway presents an exhibition of photography that examines underage drinking in the Loughrea area. It will showcase an original and creative drink awareness campaign based on young people’s photographic ideas. There will be workshops in different classes to explain dangers of alcohol misuse. Venue: St Raphael’s College, Loughrea Audience: Secondary school students Time: School Hours Contact: Letizia Gorina 087 7814882

The Effects of Alcohol Misuse and the Available Supports Solas Family Resource Centre, , presents this information session for family members from Headford, Cahirlistrane and Shrule. Venue: Anglers Rest, Headford Time: 8pm Contact: John Middleton 093 36446

5 Alcohol and Substance Abuse Information Evening & ASAP Club Policy Launch Sarsfields GAA and Camogie club are hosting an information evening and also launching their club’s ASAP policy. Venue: Arús Mhuire, New Inn, Co. Galway Time: 7.30pm Audience: Club members Contact: Gabriel Gormally 087 2303330

Information Evening on Drug & Alcohol Use and Cyber Bullying Community Centre presents an information session to educate and raise awareness of the dangers of substance use and cyber bullying. Venue: Ballinderreen Community Centre, Galway Time: 8.00pm Audience: Adults/parents of school-going children Contact: Breandán Ó Loinsigh 085 1743916 [email protected]

Roscommon

Parent Drug Initiative As part of the Regional Parents Drug Education Initiative theWestern Region DrugsTask Force, An Garda Síochána, SPHE and HSE Drugs Service present the initial information evening for parents of students attending Castlerea Community School. This is the first of four Monday evening workshops. Venue: Castlerea Community School Time: 7.30pm Contact: Gillian Conway 086 7814779

Mayo

Rethinking Drinking Launch of ‘alternatives to drinking’ campaign by GMIT Student Union, Castlebar. The Student Union will distribute alcohol info packs, highlight special discounted offers on local fun alternatives and promote healthy living for students. Time: 11am Audience: GMIT students, Castlebar Contact: Mark Duffy, Student Union President 094 9043109

6 Tuesday 12th Galway City

The Challenges of Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medication Let’s Get Talking Galway presents this seminar on the challenges of prescription and over-the-counter medication with the aim of reducing the potential for addiction to medication. Venue: 7/8 Tuam Road Centre, Tuam Road, Galway Time: 12 noon Audience: Local Health Professionals Contact: 091 765500 / 083-4079182

Galway Diocesan Youth Service (GDYS) Photo Exhibition*

Substance Use and Autism Spectrum Disorder, Young People's Evening The first in a series of events on substance use andAutism Spectrum Disorder, alcohol will be the focus of this event. Venue: Foróige Youth Café, Fairgreen, Galway Audience: Teens with ASD Time: 6pm Contact: Louise Sheehy 087-3589108 or [email protected]

Galway County

Don’t Lose to Booze! The Loughrea Project, Youth Work Ireland Galway presents an exhibition of photography that examines underage drinking in the Loughrea area. It will showcase an original and creative drink awareness campaign based on young people’s photographic ideas.There will be workshops in different classes to explain dangers of alcohol misuse. Venue: St Raphael’s College, Loughrea Audience: Secondary school students Time: School Hours Contact: Letizia Gorina 087 7814882

Parents Drug Education Information Night As part of the Regional Parents Drug Education Initiative the Western Region Drugs Task Force, An Garda Síochána, SPHE and HSE Drugs Service present an information evening for parents of students attending Coláiste Mhuire, , Co Galway. Venue: Colaiste Mhuire, Ballygar Time: 8pm Contact: Emma O’ Donnell 09066 24740

* See Monday's event details 7 Mayo

Alcohol in the Home Ballina Family Resource Centre presents a community information session on alcohol in the home and the impact on families. Venue: Ballina Family Resource Centre Time: 2.30-4.30pm Audience: Local community Contact: Shirley Moyles 096 75573

Achill Tablet Dump Community information session by a local pharmacist about some significant concerns regarding the use of medications. The session will also provide an opportunity for people to safely dispose of unwanted, out-of-date or unidentifiable prescription and over the counter medication. Venue: Óstán Oileán Acla/Achill Island Hotel Time: 10.30 -12.30pm Audience: All age groups in the community Contact: Genevieve Grealis/Mary McNamara 098-20842

Indoor Soccer Tournament MayoTravellers Support Group is running a Drug andAlcoholAwareness Indoor Soccer Tournament.The aim of the event is to highlight positive alternatives for young people. Venue: Davitt College, Castlebar Time: 6-8pm Audience: Teenagers 13-17 involved in the Castlebar Sports Forum Contact: Cora Staunton 087 9637732/094 9028400 [email protected]

Achieving Success in Sport, What Does it Take? Exploring all aspects of sporting life including topics such as: sport and health; sport and management; the culture of alcohol, and the demands of high performance athletes. An initiative of Mayo Sports Partnership, WRDTF, South West Mayo Development Company and Mayo County Development Board. Venue: Breaffy House Hotel, Castlebar Time: 7.30pm Audience: Sporting coaches and public (over 16 years) Contact: Mayo Sports Partnership 094 9047025 to book your place.

8 Tuesday 12th Continued Roscommon

Launch of Roscommon SAFE Link Support leaflet The official launch of the support leaflet developed as a resource for the service users of Roscommon SAFE Link Domestic Violence Service and the wider community. Venue: SAFELink Boyle, Crescent View House, Boyle, Co. Roscommon Time: 11am Audience: Closed event Contact: Gillian 086 7814779 or Patricia 086 2300353

Alcohol and Social Media Presentation of findings examining the relationship between social media, young people and alcohol. Venue: Abbey Community School, Boyle Time: All day Audience: Students of Abbey Community College Contact: Boyle NYP 071 9662488

Alcohol in the Home Boyle Community Harm Reduction Initiative (CHRI) presents a community information evening looking at alcohol in the home, including a presentation by local students on the relationship between social media, young people and alcohol. Venue: Family Life Centre, Boyle Time: 8-10pm Audience: Local Community Contact: Family Life Centre, Boyle 071 966 3000

9 Wednesday 13th Galway City

Preventing and Reducing Alcohol Related Harm in Galway Priorities for 2014 The Galway Healthy Cities Alcohol Forum is hosting a round table consultation with agencies, organisation groups and individuals who are interested in preventing and reducing alcohol related harm in Galway City. There will be some input from speakers followed by group discussion on selecting collective priorities for 2014. Venue: Jigsaw Galway, Fairgreen Rd. Time: 9.30am- 1pm Contact: Evelyn Fanning/Fiona Donovan 091-737252/737263 [email protected]/[email protected]

Galway Diocesan Youth Services (GDYS) Photo Exhibition *

Galway County

Don’t Lose to Booze! The Loughrea Project, Youth Work Ireland Galway presents an exhibition of photography that examines underage drinking in the Loughrea area. It will showcase an original and creative drink awareness campaign based on young people’s photographic ideas. There will be workshops in different classes to explain dangers of alcohol misuse. Venue: St Brigid’s Vocational School, Loughrea Audience: Secondary school students Time: School Hours Contact: Letizia Gorina 087 7814882

* See Monday's event details

10 Wednesday 13th Continued Mayo

The Big Debate Second Year Applied Social Studies Students will take part in a debate titled: Should cannabis be legalised?. Time: 10.30am Audience: GMIT Students Castlebar Contact: Pat Conway 087 7400011

Ballinrobe Tablet Dump Community information session by local pharmacist about some significant concerns regarding the use of medications. The session will also provide an opportunity for people to safely dispose of unwanted, out-of-date or unidentifiable prescription and over-the-counter medication. Venue: Tacú Family Resource Centre, Ballinrobe Time: 11.30-1pm Audience: Local community Contact: Mary Jackson 094 9542908

Alcohol in the Home Le Cheile Family Resource Centre will host a community information session on alcohol in the home and its impact on families. Venue: Le Cheile FRC, Tucker St, Castlebar Time: 1.45pm Audience: Local community Contact: Anne Conway Walsh 094 9025126

Responding to Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme TheWRDTF, in conjunction withAn Garda Sióchana will present an information session on the national Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme. Venue: Le Cheile FRC, Tucker St, Castlebar Time: 3pm Audience: Local community Contact: Anne Conway Walsh 094 9025126

11 Thursday 14th Galway City

Re-launch of the Strengthening Families Programme The Inter-agency Steering Committee of the Strengthening Families programme is delighted to re-launch the programme. Over the next three years there will be a strategic roll out of SFP across the Galway region. There will be an opportunity to sign up for training, speak to those involved and to network with other agencies. Audience: Family support organisations and agencies whose work involves contact with young people (12-16years) in Galway City and County or their families. Also for families who may be interested in participating in the programme or looking for more information. Venue: Dochas don Oige, Liosban Industrial Estate, Galway Time: 2.00-3.30pm Contact: Rachel Browne 086 0273098 [email protected]

Galway Diocesan Youth Services (GDYS) Photo Exhibition*

Galway County

Launch of Information and Awareness Raising Leaflet The Loughrea Family and Community Resource Centre, will launch their new information leaflet on prescription and over-the-counter medication. Venue: Loughrea Family and Community Resource Centre. Bride St, Loughrea, Co. Galway Time: 11am-1pm Audience: Local community members, groups, organisations and agencies. Contact: Áine Deely 091-871149 [email protected]

Don’t Lose to Booze! The Loughrea Project, Youth Work Ireland Galway presents an exhibition of photography that examines underage drinking in the Loughrea area. It will showcase an original and creative drink awareness campaign based on young people’s photographic ideas. There will be workshops in different classes to explain dangers of alcohol misuse. Venue: St Brigid’s Vocational School, Loughrea Audience: Secondary school students Time: School Hours Contact: Letizia Gorina 087 7814882

* See Monday's event details

12 Thursday 14th Continued

Keeping Well During Pregnancy West Travellers Intercultural Development (WTID) will run an information session for Traveller Women on the theme of “Alcohol and Pregnancy Don’t Mix”. Venue: WTID Bru Bhride Church View, Tuam, Co Galway Time: 11am −1pm Audience: Traveller women Contact: Caroline Canny 093 52515 [email protected]

Tuam Community Training Centre Photo Exhibition Tuam CommunityTraining Centre will showcase their photo exhibition demonstrating the pros, cons and healthy alternatives to prescription medication. Venue: Tuam Community Centre, Vicarschoraland, Tuam, Co. Galway Time: 2.30-4pm Audience: Open to the community Contact: Hazel Fleming 093-28115

Mayo

Candle of Hope Organised by the Mayo Family Support Group (FSG), a candle will be lit in solidarity with all families whose lives have been touched in any way by addiction. Venue: Holy Rosary Church, Castlebar Time: 10.30-6pm Audience: All Welcome Contact: Mayo FSG 087-1692648

Roscommon

Launch of ‘Drug Safety In The Home’ Leaflet The County RoscommonTraveller Health Programme presents an information session and launch of ‘Drug Safety InThe Home’ resource designed by Community Healthcare Workers for the wider community. Venue: Roscommon LEADER Partnership Boardroom Co. Roscommon Time: 11am Audience: General public Contact: Úna Daly 0906630252 / 086 7716574 [email protected]

13 Thursday 14th Continued

Drug and Alcohol Awareness Information Workshop The Outreach Roscommon, Family & Visitor Centre, Castlerea Prison is hosting an information workshop on substance use and its impact on families. Venue: Outreach Roscommon Family Visitors Centre, Castlerea Prison Time: 12.30-2.30pm Audience: Family members of prisoners Contact: Maureen Connelly 085 8020901 094 9620404

Castlerea Prison Drug and Alcohol Awareness Initiative Castlerea Prison is delighted to launch a series of events taking place in the prison raising awareness of drug and alcohol issues including the development of a drug and alcohol awareness DVD, Tablet Dump and an in-house Cannabis information leaflet designed and developed by prisoners of the GRETB School wing. The launch is part of a week-long in-house awareness programme on various substance use issues. Time: 2.30pm Audience: Prison Community Contact: Gillian Conway 086 7814779

Public Speaking Competition Grand Final Students from secondary schools in County Roscommon will compete in the final of a Public Speaking Competition.This large scale project was developed in order to create awareness amongst young people about the impacts of alcohol upon society and to encourage them in challenging attitudes that exist in relation to Irish culture and alcohol. Venue: Abbey Hotel, Roscommon Time: 7.30pm Audience: Open to all Contact: Emmet Major 087-6629953/Pat Conway 087-7400011

Launch of Substance Misuse and Child Protection Policy for Local Clubs The Hurling, Camogie and Football Community in Athleague, Tremane and Fuerty Castlecoote invite you to the launch, by Mr Liam O’ Neill, President of the GAA, of their new Alcohol, Substance Misuse and Child Protection Policy for local clubs. Venue: St Ciaran’s Community Centre, Castlecoote, Co Roscommon Audience: Community of Athleague/Tremane/Fuerty & Castlecoote Time: 7.30pm Contact: Kevin McGeeney 087 9848702 [email protected]

14 Friday 15th Galway City

AD/HD and Substance Use: “Making an Invisible Disability Transparent” INCADDS presents a seminar with Keynote speakers DrTimothy Bilkey and Geurt van de Glind. Dr Bilkey will present a Toolkit for GPs. The toolkit is designed for early detection and treatment for children and adults with AD/HD and Substance use. Date: Friday 15th & Saturday 16th Time: 9am to 4pm Venue: Ardilaun Hotel, Galway Contact: INCADDS 091 755090 [email protected] to register

Galway Simon Education and Awareness Morning Galway Simon Community presents an awareness-raising event on substance use, recovery and relapse prevention. Venue: Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill Time: 9.45am - 1pm Audience: Service Providers and the General Public Contact: Tom Holton 087 7533297

Galway Diocesan Youth Services (GDYS) Photo Exhibition*

Galway County

Wellness Day For Family Members Affected by Substance Abuse The Drug and Alcohol Family Support Network (DAFSN) invites family members affected by substance use to a wellness and relaxation day in Brigit’s Garden. Venue: Brigit’s Garden, , Galway Time: 10am - 4.30pm Audience: Family members (over 18) affected by substance use Contact: Debbie McDonagh/Orla Walshe. 091-480044 Places limited

Ballinasloe Candlelit Vigil: Candles of Hope The Ballinasloe Substance Misuse Response Group (BSMRG) invites you to a vigil of hope, supported by the local choir groups. A candle will be lit in solidarity with all families whose lives have been touched in any way by addiction. Venue: St. Michael’s Square Time: 5.30pm Contact: Frank Hunt 087 6420870 All are welcome and candles will be provided

* See Monday's event details

15 “Zoom Out” Short Film Premiere Oughterard Youth Café presents the premiere of a short film “Zoom Out” undertaken by local young people on underage drinking. Venue: Oughterard Youth Café, Oughterard, Co. Galway Time: 8pm Audience: 13−18 yr olds Contact: Barry Dillon 087 6768774

Mayo

St Joseph’s School Public Speaking Event A public speaking project for TY students organised by St. Josephs Secondary School to create awareness among young people about the impact of alcohol on society and to challenge attitudes that exist in relation to Irish culture and alcohol. Venue: St Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford Time: 9.30am Audience: TY Students Contact: Pat Conway 087 7400011

Blianta an Déagóra The WRDTF launch “Blianta an Déagóra: Treoir do thuismitheoirí chun a ndéagóirí a chosaint nuair atá siad imithe ón mbaile san oiche” the Irish edition of its Teenage Years leaflet. Venue: Colaiste Comáin, Rossport Time: 2.30pm Audience: Local Community Contact: Pat Conway 087 7400011

16 Saturday 16th Mayo

WASTED The story of how two Dublin families cope with their daughters’ addictions takes centre stage at the Linenhall Arts Centre.

This new play is scripted and acted by family members affected by drug addiction and is told from the point of view of parents, grandparents, siblings and the drug users.

The story for ‘Wasted’ is based on the real-life experiences of the cast and crew and deals with the fall-out from drug addiction and the impact that addiction can have of all generations of the same family.

Venue: Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, Co Mayo Time: 7.30pm Audience: Open to all (free admission- ticket required) Contact: Le Cheile Family Resource Centre, Tucker St. Castlebar 094 9025126

17 The Linenha Arts Centre, Castlebar Saturday 16th November at 7.30pm Sharp Admission Free - Ticket required For tickets & more information contact Le Chéile Family Resource Centre 094 9025126

This performance is hosted by Western Region Drugs Task Force

printed by [email protected] or 0872207119 18 For Further Information on the Awareness Week:

Liam O’Loughlin: 087 6217728 Galway City &

Emmet Major: 087 6629953 East Galway & South Roscommon

Pat Conway: 087 7400011 Mayo & North Roscommon

WRDTF, Unit 6, Galway Technology Park, Parkmore, Galway 091-480044 www.wrdtf.ie