Challenging drugs and alcohol in the community
Since 2012 the Shire of Manjimup has had a formal Agreement (MOA) arrangement with St John of God, Bunbury's South West Alcohol and Drug Service, and the WA Country Health Service, to plan and implement an alcohol prevention program. In 2014 the Plan was revised and changed to include methamphetamines and cannabis.
Shire President Paul Omodei said "Reducing alcohol and drug related harm requires a coordinated response across sectors sustained over a period of time. This Strategic Plan is a two year plan which outlines comprehensive strategies, short term outcomes, key performance indicators, data collection tools and resources needed to implement the Strategic Plan (2016-2018)".
In consultation with the local community and local service providers the priority areas identified were 'Underage drinking and secondary supply', 'Alcohol in sport and licenced settings' and 'Methamphetamines and Cannabis'.
"The Plan was developed to guide stakeholders in the Shire of Manjimup, including the Manjimup Council, to reduce the level of harmful alcohol and other drug use across the Shire by supporting partnerships between community and service providers to identify and address local issues and improve community understanding and knowledge". Cr Omodei added.
Some of the outcomes achieved by the Manjimup Alcohol Management Plan Committee and the of Shire of Manjimup Alcohol Management Plan include
- Coordination of a presentation for Councillors, Doctors, Police and professionals on the 'Options and Realities for Residential Rehabilitation' by Dr Steven Proud;
- Drug messages included in the annual Youth Festival Day;
- Worked with Pathways Southwest and St John Community Alcohol and Drug Service to host a professional development workshop around Drugs and Mental Health in 'Shaping Resilience';
- Poster holders installed in the new Coronation Park toilets to enable the display of campaign posters around drugs and alcohol;
- Presentation co-ordinated for Tigers Football Club around alcohol and drug habit questions included in the Shire of Manjimup Youth Survey to ascertain trends and lifestyle choices of young peoples; and
- Member of the Manjimup Local Drug Action Group.
If you or someone you know needs help with a drug or alcohol issue there are various services available, including:
- Blackwood River Clinic - contact 0499 975 282.Treatment for a range of mental health issues. Our programs are suitable for depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, alcohol and substance abuse issues.
- Our South West Community Alcohol and Drug Service (SWCADS) - Contact 9721 9256.Offers easily accessible counselling and support for people with drug and alcohol issues and their families free of charge.
- Alcohol and Drug Support Line 24/7 on 1800 198 024
- 4families - 6164 0600.
-ENDS-
Authorised by Brian Robinson, Acting Chief Executive Officer
Contact Sheri Laba, Public Relations Officer
Contact for comment: Paul Omodei, Shire President.
Contact: 0448 810 773