Welcome for new Ógra Shinn Fein anti-drugs initiative

A NEW campaign being launched by Sinn Fein’s youth wing to help tackle the ever increasing problem of drugs in Down District has been warmly welcomed by a specialist in the field.

South Eastern Trust health development specialist in alcohol and drugs, Ed Sipler, expressed his delight at learning of the new initiative which Ogra Shinn Fein intends to roll out across the district to tackle the ever increasing problem.

Speaking to the Down Democrat, Mr Sipler said the crucial part of dealing with the problem is for everyone to work together.

“I am really pleased to hear of any community initiative trying to tackle the needs of young people and problems associated with alcohol and drugs.

“I think any direct work by young people for young people is really positive and for them to take a step up and get actively involved is absolutely great.

“Educating is a big part of it but not the only part as we need effective supply reductions, effective treat-ment and resources for our young people and that is where we need to link all these together,” Mr Sipler said.

Entitled ‘Not Another Ravaged Community’ (NARC), it is hoped the campaign will be extremely relevant in today’s society with an increase in the accessibility of Class A drugs as dangerous as cocaine now common place in areas such as Downpatrick, Newcastle, Castlewellan and surrounding towns and villages.

The aim of the NARC initiative is to focus on many issues relating to drug and alcohol abuse, including youth and community action, gaining a more concerted effort from government and rolling out a vigourous and broad based awareness programme.

It is hoped ‘NARC’ can help promote greater awareness amongst young people as well as addressing the serious drugs and alcohol abuse problem which have plagued many communities over the years.

East Down Ogra Shinn Fein chairperson, Roisin McGreevy, said she believes it is imperative that young people living throughout Ireland are better educated on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.

Ms McGreevy explained that it is important everything possible is done in order to help curb the growing accessibility of these dangerous substances within the community.

“The PSNI has a central role to play in tackling this problem and the new District Policing Partnerships must use their power to ensure this is happening.

“Drug pedlars within local communities must be brought to justice before the scourge of drugs tightens its grip even further on our young people,” she said.