DO you care about drug and alcohol problems in your community? If you do and want to help make a difference, the Hastings Community Drug Action Team wants to hear from you.
Community Drug Action Teams (CDATs) are groups of people who are working together in towns and cities across NSW to prevent harm from drugs and alcohol.
Binge drinking is a major cause of harms in the community – both in terms of health and society. Alcohol is a major factor in domestic and public violence, as well as in road and other accidents.
Long-term heavy drinking is a major risk factor for chronic disease and brain damage, and contributes to family breakdowns and broader social problems.
According to the 2010 National Drug Strategy Household Survey:
* More than one third (about 37 per cent) of people had drank in a way that placed them at risk of an alcohol-related injury; and
* Nearly 14 per cent of people in NSW reported using an illegal drug in the past year.
HCDAT chairman Steve Cherry said there are a range of opportunities available to get involved and help prevent alcohol and drug harm.
“Whether you want to become a CDAT member or just have a small amount of time to assist with a one-off event, we’d love to hear from you,” Steve said.
“We’re looking for locals to contribute their skills or to help other CDAT members with things like running local community events throughout the year. If you think you might be able to help out with a short-term event such as a conference, community activity or campaign, we’d love to hear from you.
“Community Drug Action Teams are run and led by the community, for the community. If more people get involved we can work together to tackle drug and alcohol problems in the Port Macquarie, Hastings district.”
To express your interest in getting involved in HCDAT please phone 0409 555 026 or come to the library on the third Tuesday of the month at 3pm and chat to one of the CDAT members.
The NSW Government’s Community Engagement and Action Program (CEAP) is administered by the Australian Drug Foundation. The program oversees the co-ordination and operation of Community Drug Action Teams (CDATs).
For more information about CDATs and drug and alcohol prevention go to www.adf.org.au
