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This weekend the first volunteers in a drug preventative education programme will begin their training in a scheme promoted by the Presbyterian Church.
Announced earlier this year at the General Assembly the initiative involves the training of volunteers throughout Ireland to the equivalent of NVQ level 2 so that they can go into churches, youth groups, schools etc to promote the anti drug message. Eight volunteers have been selected for the pilot scheme which will involve study of courses on The nature of Drugs and The Biblical Basis for Social Action together with practical training in Speaking to Young People and Working in Schools.
'We have been amazed at the interest in the programme which is the first of its type in Northern Ireland,' explained Rev Brian Boyd, convener of the Presbyterian Alcohol and Drug Education Committee that is promoting the programme. 'The volunteers are aged from 20 to 50 and are people who want to convey the anti drug message to all sections of the community, not just children and teenagers but also parents and older adults as well.'
'People take drugs to bring meaning and enjoyment into their lives. Through this preventative education programme we want to explain the dangers and the pitfall of drug abuse, and show that there are alternatives, so that people can make educated choices about what they do with their lives.'
The scheme is being co-promoted by Hope UK which has several similar schemes already running successfully in other parts of the UK and Sarah Brighton, Hope UK's training officer will be attending this weekend's training. 'Hope UK have an excellent programme and rather that develop our own we have entered into an arrangement where we will be able to tap into their resources and benefit from their specialist knowledge and expertise,' added Mr Boyd.
The Church already has several anti drug programmes running including Carlisle House, a rehabilitation centre based at Carlise Circus in Belfast and in December last year it opened a drug information shop, Insight, on Belfast's North Street. In June 'The Score,' a 20 minute anti-drug video produced by Church and aimed specifically at young teenagers received an Andrew Cross Award for excellence in communication.
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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