Northern area drug and alcohol services information available

Would you like to find out about drug and alcohol support services in the Northern area? If so, drop in to the Living Rivers Church, Railway Street, Ballymena on Friday 4 November between 10am and 1pm, where a range of organisations will provide information and advice on the services they offer.

Funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA) this event will highlight the types and locations of alcohol and drug-related services across the Northern area. Staff and volunteers will be available to answer questions on their work, reducing harm related to drugs and alcohol.

Jayne McConaghie, Senior Officer for Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement, explained the importance of this event, saying: “The Public Health Agency was set up, in part, to tackle health inequalities and to promote positive health and wellbeing. We do this by working in partnership with all sectors. We know that alcohol and drug related harm costs individuals, families and society greatly, not only in health related damage, but also in the difficulties it brings to relationships; work life, through lost productivity and potential criminal behaviour. This walk-in event, organised in partnership with the Voluntary and Community Sector Network (VCSN), will provide information on drug and alcohol services and how to access them and so help to reduce the harm associated with substance misuse.

“We would encourage those who don’t usually come to these events to attend and get the information they need. People can spend as long or as short a time as they wish browsing; there is no need to talk to anyone, but service providers are there if needed. I would also recommend this event to anyone who is affected by, or works with, drug and alcohol issues.”

Eugene O’Goan, chairman of VSCN, said:  “We are giving anyone interested in drug or alcohol-related issues the opportunity to learn about all the services that are available across the Northern Trust area.

“This is also a chance to see the work of the Voluntary and Community Sector Network, from Carrickfergus to Ballymena, Coleraine to Cookstown and beyond.”

Whether people have a direct interest in the issue of drugs and alcohol, or just want to know more, everyone is welcome to collect information and leaflets and talk to the service providers. Registration is not required.

The formal launch of the event will be at 10.45am and there is ample parking at Living Rivers Church.