Parents steer clear of drugs issues event

It seems Dromore’s parents just said no to raising their awareness of drugs and

alcohol last week.

Not one local parent independently attended an information evening organised by Dromore Community Police Liaison Committee, according to one of the many group representatives who did.

CPLC organisers themselves admitted to disappointment at the apparent lack of interest among the parents and grandparents for whom the event was promoted as particularly relevant.

“Whilst the CPLC were disappointed that more parents did not take the opportunity to be educated on this important issue,” a spokesperson said, “they were delighted that so many Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators and community volunteers were able to benefit from the information provided and in turn will be able to share it with their local communities.”

One among the representative audience was more sharply critical.

“Not one parent attended the meeting,” they said, “and it was an excellent meeting; here was a chance to see exactly what different drugs looked like and to learn about these issues.

“You would have thought that even one parent, or one group of parents, or maybe someone from some of the churches might have come along, but no!” Twice announced in The Leader, and reportedly subject of a localised leaflet drop, the alcohol and drugs awareness evening at Dromore’s bowling pavilion was funded by Banbridge Policing and Community Safety Partnership and organised in conjunction with the charity REACT, whose community drug and alcohol worker, Debbie McCague, delivered an interactive presentation.

The PCSP’s Rhonda Abraham highlighted work to tackle drugs and alcohol issues in the district, including training courses for community leaders such as sports coaches. She also flagged up a PCSP meeting tomorrow (Wednesday), in Banbridge Bowling Pavilion, themed around local community concerns about alcohol and drug misuse.

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