LWL - KS - Irland 3

good practice

Need was identified by the regional drugs task force.

Target Group

Target group is workers working with youth between the ages of 10 – 18years divided into specific age groups, 10 – 14yrs, 14 – 16yrs, 16 – 18yrs.
Parents and communities of mixed abilities in terms of literacy level.

Setting

This health education programme is delivered in a community setting. Training is open to all voluntary, community and statutory agencies involved in drug/alcohol education/prevention work with young people or adults.

Intervention/Interfaces

Training in the use of the resource manual is delivered in a multi agency setting and to people working with both adults and young people in various settings.
It provides knowledge, challenges attitude and hopes to change behaviour.

Partners/Cooperation

Programme is coordinated by the drugs and alcohol task force and delivered by drugs and alcohol education workers working (in partnership- Health promotion department, South Meath Response & a voluntary organization) in the community setting.
Synergy also allows for sharing of resources, and networks ensuring uptake of the training.
This ensures same message is being delivered by all agencies to all who engage.

Objectives of the project

To provide relevant up-to-date information on drugs & Alcohol and their influence and effects
To provide practical integrative activities to be used in group work
To provide an holistic approach to the education and prevention of substance use
To explore substance use issues with the aid of visual materials
To enhance self esteem and develop life skills such as communication, listening and decision making skills
To highlight the relationship between drugs, alcohol and mental health/sexual health
To outline the impact of alcohol & drugs on relationships
To provide information on services and facilities available

Theoretical Background

The theoretical background of this drugs and alcohol education programme is life skills approach, which includes teaching individuals (young people, in particular) to make healthy, responsible, and appropriate choices about drinking in an effort to reduce alcohol misuse and problems related to excessive and abusive drinking patterns. The life skills education has been used to help parents support their children and also to help them assess their own drinking (Ashery, Robertson, & Kumpfer, 1998; Foxcroft, Ireland, Lister-Sharp, Lowe, & Breen, 2003; Kumpfer, Alvarado, Tait, & Turner, 2002; Kumpfer, Alvarado, & Whiteside, 2003; Spoth, Redmond, & Lepper, 1999).

Legal Background

National Drugs & Alcohol strategy 2001 – 2008 & 2010 – 2016
“To significantly reduce the harm caused to individuals and society by the misuse of drugs through a concerted focus on supply, reduction, prevention treatment and research”.

Method/Measure

One day training for workers in the use of the resource manual Putting the Pieces Together to enable them design and deliver quality assured Alcohol & drug education prevention programmes (offered to multiagency group).

Topics worked out with target group

Impart knowledge
Challenge attitudes
Change behaviour
Factual information: about drugs and alcohol, size of problem, effects on young people, family and society
Life skills: Broad skills of listening, communication self –esteem and decision making.
Covers a variety of activities exploring, personal values, feelings and attitudes towards drugs and alcohol
Goal setting and motivation to prevent the misuse of alcohol and drugs
Harm reduction strategies for individuals who decide not to abstain from alcohol and drugs

Gender Aspect

Migration/Religious Aspects

Participation

The training is delivered by trained members of voluntary, community or statutory organisations that have a remit for drug/alcohol education/prevention work.
This can then be adapted based on the needs of the group to which is further delivered to.

Public Relations

The programme is promoted by the NE Regional Drugs Task Force which has extensive links/network with education/prevention groups within the region. Also it is promoted in local media, locally through community groups.

Structure/Time table

One day training time table

Substainability

Cost Schedule

Team of facilitators, some need funding, some freed up from their jobs. Venue. Manuals. Refreshments. Stationary. Postage. Phone.

Staff

Qualification of Staff

Qualified in Community development and health promotion (Trained as trainers to deliver this one days training).

Quality Assurances

Delivered in accordance with the manual on Quality Standards for delivery of substance misuse education.
The training adheres to best practice guidelines for Drug and Alcohol Education as defined by the sector and Drugs Education Workers Forum Quality Standards.

Documentation/Evaluation