Community Liaison Worker
Mayo & North Roscommon
Annual Report
Jan-Dec 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction...... 3
Rationale for Community Liaison Worker...... 3
Role Of Community Liaison Role...... 3
Funding...... 3
Management Structure/Staff……………………………………………………..……3-4
Family Support...... 4
Community...... 4-17
Policy…………………………………………………………………………………...18
Interagency Work ...... 18
Training Attended and Personal Development...... 18
Appendices….………………………………………………………………………….19
Introduction
The Western Region Drugs Task Force (WRDTF) has funded projects that support and assist in the implementation of the new WRDTF strategic plan ‘The Way Forward’ 2011-2014. Each project is employed by a Project Promoter and works within the ethos of that organisation. One of the funded projects is the post of Community Liaison Worker for Mayo and North Roscommon and is hosted by South West Mayo Development Company.
Rationale for Community Liaison Worker Post
The rationale for the Community Liaison Post is borne from the Community Development process which is seen as an effective mechanism to develop local initiatives in tackling substance misuse issues.
Role of Community Liaison Work
The role of the Community Liaison Worker (CLW) is
•To assist the community develop its individual responses to substance misuse
•Forge interagency collaborations and joint initiatives to tackle the local problems
•Help drive initiatives and co-ordinate developments in line with the National Drugs Strategy and regional policies
•Identify the local impact of substance misuse and local service needs
•Assist in drug and alcohol policy development at a local level
•To signpost relevant services and supports in the area
Funding
The Community Liaison Worker project is funded by the Western Region Drugs Task Force
and funding is managed by South West Mayo Development Company.
Management Structure/Staff
The Community Liaison Worker is jointly managed by South West Mayo Development Company and the Western Region Drugs Task Force. The management team comprises of Gerry O'Neill CEO,SWMDC and Edith Geraghty, WRDTF Managing Director. The project is staffed by Pat Conway who is in position since December 2010.
Family Support
There is currently one Family Support Group in Co Mayo. The role of the CLW is to support the group in terms of provision of information in the form of leaflets,training and also support the group in its application for grant monies in which they were successful to the HSE National Lottery Funding and also WRDTF Family Support grant. The CLW was also involved in supporting the group participate and organise an event for the Regional Awareness Week.
In conjunction with Mayo North East LEADER Partnership and local addiction counsellor it was decided to apply to the WRDTF Family Support grant for monies to develop a 'Living with Addiction' course in Ballina, co Mayo. The application was successful and the programme will run in 2013.
Community
Launch of CHRI and Supportme.ie
The Community Harm Reduction initiative (CHRI) enables communities to address concerns about drug and alcohol misuse. CHRI is a structured response that aims to bring together local agencies, community organisations and also individual citizens in order to tackle an issue
that is too big for one sector to take on alone.
Supportme.ie is a website designed for people who wish to find information on all various support services available to them in the West of Ireland. 16 different categories are listed on the website from Addiction services to supports for new communities.
Both initiatives were developed by the 3 CLW's in the region and were launched in the Quad Youth Centre, Roscommon Town on the 10th of February 2012.
Raise awareness of CLW post and support services available in the area.
Launch of 'Stretch Your Mind Campaign' Ballinrobe (23rd March)
Wellness Day: St Nathy's, Ballaghadereen (20th April)
GMIT Fresher's Info Stand (11th September)
Castlebar JPC (8th October)
Roscommon JPC (16th October)
Roscommon County Council (22nd October)
GMIT Lecture to 3rd Year Applied Social Studies Group (6th December)
Westport JPC (10th December)
Galway Mayo Institute of Technology, Castlebar
The CLW is currently organising a Social Norms Marketing Project looking at Alcohol Consumption with the 3rd year AppliedSocial Studies Class. Social norms marketing is an approach used in alcohol education that attempts to change prevailing norms within a population, substituting positive for negative ones. Social norms programs apply a marketing approach to changing behaviours. Targeted primarily at younger people, it attempts to provide an accurate view about the reality of drinking among their peers and reduce the misperception that excessive drinking and drinking in general is widely prevalent.
As part of this project, the group carried out a campus survey. From the findings, the aim was to promote the idea that a majority of students who do drink are responsible, thereby correcting misconceptions and promoting responsible behaviour highlighted in a poster campaign titled Sozzled: Rethinking Drinking.(See appendices)
Here are some of the main facts that the group highlighted:
72% of GMIT students do not consider alcohol to be an important ingredient in enjoying college life.
90% of GMIT students do not feel under pressure to drink the same amount as their friends on a night out.
The majority of GMIT students do not feel alcohol is important in enjoying a night out with friends.
The majority of GMIT students consider Binge Drinking to be 8 + drinks, The World Health Organisation has defined binge drinking as drinking six or more standard drinks (about 3 pints of beer) during one drinking occasion.
In 2013, the group will carry out another campus survey to determine whether the campaign had an impact on the student population.
Regional Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week 2012
The overall aim of the Western Region Drugs Task Force (WRDTF) is to significantly reduce the harm caused to individuals and society by the misuse of drugs through a concerted focus on Supply Reduction, Prevention, Treatment, Rehabilitation and Research. These aims are in line with the overall aim of the National Drugs Strategy (interim) 2009-2016. An action under the Prevention pillar states “the development and implementation of a designated drug/alcohol awareness week/day with agreed themes and methodologies”. With this in mind, the Western Region Drugs Task Force are holding a Regional Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week from the 12th-18th of November.
Aim:
The purpose of the week is to increase the awareness of drug and alcohol related issues in the region and highlight drug and alcohol support services to people in Mayo, Galway and Roscommon.
Objectives:
- To highlight alcohol as the most widely misused drug in the region.
- To increase awareness of the needs of families affected by substance misuse, to highlight the supports available to them in the region and the benefits of engaging with these supports.
- To encourage and support communities in the region to reflect on local drug and alcohol issues.
- Provide organisations and communities with the opportunity to promote awareness of potential harm caused by alcohol and other drugs.
- To create an opportunity for people to reflect on their own drug and alcohol use.
- To support parents and highlight effective parenting as one of the most important factors in building resilience among young people.
There were over 50 events in the region with 25 taking place in my area of Mayo/ North Roscommon.
Monday 12th NovemberLaunch of WRDTF Drug & Alcohol Awareness Week 2012
Official launch and opening of the 2012 WRDTF Regional Drug & Alcohol Awareness Week with guest speakers.
Venue: Breaffy House Hotel, Castlebar
Time: 11am
Audience: All Welcome
Further info: Contact WRDTF 091-480044/
Ballinlough Youth Café
Ballinlough Youth Café will host a “Drug and Alcohol Workshop” presented by the Western Region Drugs Task force. The presentation will introduce, explore and discuss alcohol use amongst our teenagers. It will encompass cultural issues, learned behaviour, binge-drinking, safety concerns and assist in empowering concerned parents to approach this topic and set healthy examples for their children.
The focus will be on safety and harm reduction when teens go out at night
Venue: Ballinlough Youth Café
Date: Monday 12th 7pm-9pm
Audience: Free event open to parents
Further Info: Contact Mary Lynch 087 9453045
Tuesday 13th November
Mayo Travellers Support Group and Moy Sports Forum are holding a Drugs & Alcohol Awareness Indoor Soccer Tournament
Event will include a fun Drug & Alcohol Awareness Quiz and will be attended by Mayo Captain Andy Moran. The aim of the night is to offer positive alternative
Venue: Ballina Community Sports Centre
Date: Tuesday 13th November 6-8pm
Audience: 13-17 year olds
Further information: Vivienne Fitzmaurice at 096 75538/087 0524891
Alcohol and Pregnancy Don’t Mix
Launch of Alcohol and Pregnancy Don’t Mix poster and leaflet campaign.
Venue: Mayo General Hospital
Date: Tuesday 13th 2pm
Audience: General Public
Further Info: Pat Conway 087 7400011
Sozzled:Rethinking Drinking
Launch of social norms and alcohol campaign at GMIT Castlebar by 3rd year Applied Social Studies group.
Venue: GMIT Castlebar
Date: Tuesday 13th 11am
Audience: GMIT Students
Further Info: Pat Conway 087 7400011
Community Information day
Organised by Ballina Family Resource Centre highlighting the supports and services available in the Ballina area.
Venue: Ballina Family Resource Centre
Date: Tuesday 13th 11am-4pm
Audience: General Public
Further Info: Contact Ballina FRC 096 75573
The Sins of the Mother
A play about alcohol and the affects through the generations.
Directed by Edith Geraghty
Venue: Áras Inis Gluaire
Date: Tuesday 13th 7.30pm
Audience: Free Event for general public
Further Info:
Tumna/Shannon/Ardcarne & Cootehall Foroige
Parents Information Workshop
Venue: Drumboylan Community Centre, via Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Roscommon
Date: Tuesday 13th 2pm-4pm
Audience: Free event open to parents
Further Info: Contact Catherine Guckian 087 9887800
Parents information workshop
A presentation seminar to introduce, explore and discuss alcohol use amongst teenagers.
Venue: Boyle Family Life Centre
Date: Tuesday 13th 10am-12pm
Audience: Free event open to parents
Further Info: Contact Boyle Family Centre 071 96 63000
Wednesday 14th November
Autumn Wellness Day
Organised by the Regional Drug & Alcohol Family Support Network for members of family support groups throughout the region. The wellness and relaxation day will offer family members the opportunity to partake in individual relaxation therapies as well as ……..
Venue: McWilliam Hotel, Claremorris
Time: 9.30 to 5pm
Audience: Members of Family Support Groups in the Region
Further info: Orla Walshe 091 480044/087-7389175
GMIT Castlebar Workshop
One day educational workshop focusing on substance use and intervention skills for members of GMIT Castlebar who have a role in caring for students.
Venue: GMIT Castlebar
Date Wednesday 14th 10am- 4.30
Further Info: Contact Gillian Conway 087 7814779
Success in Sport. What does it take?
Exploring all aspects of sporting life including topics such as Sport and health, Sport and Management, Sport: The culture of Alcohol, and the demands of high performance athletes.
Venue: Breaffy House Hotel Castlebar
Date: Wednesday 14th 7.30pm
Audience: Free event for Sports Coaches and general public
Further Info: Mayo Sports Partnership 094 9047025
Community Information afternoon
A community information morning highlighting supports and services availbale in the Achill area.
Organised by CorrAcla
Venue: Corr Acla
Date: Wednesday 14th 12pm-3pm
Further Info: Contact CorrAcla 098 20842
Think before you drink
After 3 leave it be
Awareness campaign organised by Elphin No Name School Club looking at Binge drinking and the affects.
Venue: Elphin Community School
Date: Wednesday 14th 11.30am
Further Info: contact Pat Conway 097 7400011
‘5 Fact Campaign’
Organised by TY Class 2012 supported by Project Match Castlerea looking at highlighting 5 factual messages on the impacts of underage drinking on young people.
Venue: Castlerea Community School
Date: Wednesday 15th 11am
Audience: Students of Castlerea Community School
Further Info: contact Pat Conway 097 7400011
Thursday 15th November
Tacu Family Resource Centre Ballinrobe
Community Coffee morning highlighting supports and services in the local area
Venue: Tacu Family Resource Centre Ballinrobe
Date: Thursday 15th 11am-1pm
Audience: General Public
50/50 Phone a friend Coffee morning with talk by Gillian Conway
Venue: Castlecourt Hotel, Westport
Date & Time Thursday 15th 11am-1pm
Audience: General public
Further Info: 098 25050
Candle of Hope
Organised by Castlebar Family Support.
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
Date: Thursday 15th 10.30pm-6pm
Audience : All Welcome
Further Info: Contact Mayo Family Support Group 087-1692648
Community Matters
A community Information evening to enhance knowledge and challenge attitudes to substance misuse looking at topics such as over the counter medicines, community responses to drug/alcohol misuse, alcohol misuse and impacts on families and identifying protective factors for young people.
Venue: Tacú Family Resource Centre Ballinrobe
Date: Thursday 15th 7pm-9pm
Audience: General public
Further Info: Contact Tacú Family Resource Centre 094 954 2908
Talking Sport
Open debate looking at all aspects of sport from sports performance, team management, sport and health and alcohol and sport.
Venue: Abbey Hotel Roscommon
Date: Thursday 15th 7.30
Audience: Free event for sports coaches and general public
Further Info: Pat Conway 0877400011
Try High on Fun
Poster competition for TY Students exploring substance misuse issues among young people
Venue: St Nathys Secondary School Ballaghadereen
Date: Thursday 15th 2.30pm
Audience: Students of St Nathys Secondary School
Further Info: contact Pat Conway 097 7400011
Friday 16th November
Community Information Day
Organised by Project Match Castlerea highlighting the supports and services available in the Castlerea area including guest speakers on the day.
Venue: RWN Castlerea
Date: Friday 16th 11am-4pm
Audience: General public
Further Info: Contact Roscommon Women’s Network 094 9621690
Irish Culture and Alcohol: Is there a problem?
A public speaking project for TY students.
Organised by St Josephs Secondary School.
A public speaking project to create awareness among young people about the impacts of alcohol on society and to challenge attitudes that exist in relation to Irish Culture and Alcohol.
Venue: St Joseph’s Secondary School , Foxford
Date: Friday 16th 9.30pm
Audience: Students St Josephs Secondary, School Foxford
Further Info: Contact Pat Conway 097 7400011
Sunday 18th November
Elphin Cares….
Elphin Cares . . . . Is an action based community partnership between Elphin Community College, Elphin Youth Café, Elphin Health Centre, SOS Elphin, Youth Work Ireland Roscommon, the Western Region Drugs Task Force and local community members to ensure and sustain Elphin as a healthy and safe place to work, live and visit
Elphin Cares…. Are organising a community walk highlighting the work of the group in the area.
Venue: Elphin
Date: Sunday 18th 12.30pm
Audience: All Welcome
Further Info: contact Pat Conway 097 7400011
(See Appendices)
Elphin Cares. . . .
Elphin is one of the areas for the pilot of the Community Harm Reduction Initiative (CHRI).
Elphin Cares . . . . Is an action based community partnership between Elphin Community College, Elphin Youth Café, Elphin Health Centre, SOS Elphin, Youth Work Ireland Roscommon, the Western Region Drugs Task Force and local community members to ensure and sustain Elphin as a healthy and safe place to work, live and visit.
Action 1: Community Survey and School Survey
Action 2: Compilation of results and presentation to Elphin Cares Committee
Action 3: Identify key areas of work
Outcomes:
No Name School Project introduced to Elphin Community College
Information evening titled "Parental responsibility and the link between parental alcohol use and their children"
Castlerea Project Match
For 2012 the CLW was an active member of the Project Match Committee.
Mayo Junior Cert Results Night Group (MJCRNG)
In recent years, Irelands Junior Cert results day has been tarnished with binge drinking and anti-social behaviour.
In response to this a Junior Cert Results Night Working Group was set up in Co Mayo. The aim of the group is to reduce the overall harm caused by the misuse of alcohol on Junior Cert Results Night. This group consists of members of An Garda Sióchana, Western Region Drug Task Force, South West Mayo Development Company, Castlebar NYP, Castlebar Joint Policing Committee, Garda Youth Diversion Project, No Name Club and St Joseph’s Secondary School Castlebar.
The committee focused on key areas:
1.Parents
The CLW and ESW distributed an information pack Teenage Years: 'A parent’s guide to protecting your teenager on a night out' to parents of all 3rd year students receiving their results in Co Mayo via the Secondary schools. This pack provides helpful tips on keeping your child safe and enables discussion for parents with their teenage sons or daughters in advance of the results night.
2.Schools
The CLW and ESW developed an Alcohol Awareness Module for schools to deliver to Junior Cert students around the time of receiving results as a ‘good practice’ initiative in the interest of safety. It pre-empts alcohol issues and focuses on identifying risks and effects of use and highlights safety concerns. The module employs a harm-reduction approach in line with best practice in drug education standards with the best interest of young people at heart. It aims to assist young people in identifying appropriate, safe ways to celebrate that exclude alcohol. It provokes thought around decision making, challenges attitudes and supports young people in prolonging the onset of alcohol use. The module has been designed to complement the existing SPHE curriculum and support its delivery.
The CLW and ESW met with all schools between the 20th-25th of August to inform of the groups work and support the roll out of the awareness module.
An evaluation carried out on this project suggests that the information pack had an impact on parents.
When asked:
Did you find the information pack useful?
88% of those who replied said YES.
Some Comments:
“It focused our attention on the issue of teenage drinking”