Home > Seventh annual Service of Commemoration and Hope.

Lynn, Ena (2006) Seventh annual Service of Commemoration and Hope. Drugnet Ireland, Issue 17, Spring 2006, p. 10.

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The seventh annual Service of Commemoration and Hope, organised by the Family Support Network, was held in Our Lady of Lourdes Church on Sean McDermott Street on 1 February.  This year’s service focused on the effects of drug use in the home and the importance of involving young siblings in the support process for the family member affected by drugs.

Sadie Grace of the Family Support Network highlighted the effect of drug use on the user’s family. The Network is currently working to identify a strategy that will include schools and other agencies, in supporting these young children both within and outside of the school system.  Ms Grace said that the acknowledgement of the role of families in the mid-term review of the National Drug Strategy is welcome. The mid-term review states that the National Drug Strategy Team (NDST) should actively encourage local and regional drugs task forces to prioritise the provision of family support services in their areas and action plans. However, the task forces need to be more proactive and the NDST should insist that they include family support as part of their action plans.

The launch of the National Drug-Related Deaths Index (NDRDI) in 2005 was a very positive development. The NDRDI will provide a more complete and accurate reporting of drug-related deaths and deaths among drug users, which will inform policy and practice in the harm reduction and prevention areas. This information will enable the Family Support Network to lobby for services that bereaved families need.

Mr Noel Ahern TD, Minister of State with responsibility for drugs strategy, and Bishop Eamonn Walshe also addressed the gathering.A drama piece, Paulie and Johnny, based on a true story of two brothers, one of whom dies as a result of drug use, was part of the event, as well as a circle of remembrance formed by representatives of support groups from Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland, and a performance by singer, Christy Moore. Young people from various local youth groups displayed art work on the theme, ‘Drugs past and future’.

The Family Support Network was established by the CityWide Drugs Crisis Campaign (www.citywide.ie).

Item Type
Article
Publication Type
Irish-related, Open Access, Article
Drug Type
All substances
Issue Title
Issue 17, Spring 2006
Date
January 2006
Page Range
p. 10
Publisher
Health Research Board
Volume
Issue 17, Spring 2006
EndNote
Accession Number
HRB (Available)

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