Drug and alcohol misuse issues are areas of concern for many groups and most community groups often feel they are not equipped with the tools to respond confidently. ASCERT's Community Support Service funded by EDACT (Eastern Drug and Alcohol Co-ordination Team) is an initiative providing mentoring support to local groups in the Down and Lisburn areas to deal with substance misuse at a community level. The Community Support Service can help you assess the nature of the problems in your area and work with you to raise awareness of local services, develop the knowledge and skills you need to respond to issues and develop local initiatives.

The Community Support Service will:

• Help promote regional drug and alcohol campaigns in your area.
• Provide accurate information on drug and alcohol issues.
• Raise awareness of drug and alcohol services.
• Help you to develop initiatives locally.
• Provide access to drugs and alcohol training.
• Link you to other communities or groups addressing similar issues. Link you to local drug and alcohol forums in your area.

The project responds to the needs of the community and is delivered by our Community Support Worker's. Acting in a supporting role we will work with community groups who will identify their own need and set their own aims and objectives. Our approach is to provide the skills and support to groups to enable them to take action themselves in an appropriate way, but not for us to deliver a service on their behalf.

If drug or alcohol issues are a concern to your group or community and you would like to discuss how we can support you to respond, then contact Alison Holdsworth on (028) 92604422 or by email communitysupport@ascert.biz.

Eastern Drugs and Alcohol
Co-Ordination Team

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