This toolkit has been created by Parents to help and support other Parents connecting the dots between their child and potential drug use.

The Shankill Youth Project was established to give a voice to local young people as well as increasing community resilience in response to local issues and concerns. The ‘Dot Guide’ initiative was developed following a consultation among young people on the subject of drugs and alcohol, which showed that many of them said they would turn to parents if faced with difficulties with drugs or alcohol. A Parents Working Group, who were recruited as part of the project, felt it was a good idea to create a resource for parents to be better equipped when faced with drug and alcohol issues. Through this work they looked into the current drugs context within the community and the risks associated between substance misuse, organised crime, criminality and paramilitaries. Participants of the programme have been involved in drug awareness training and have gained an understanding of advice and support available in order to increase resilience and capacity to better manage concerns relating to drugs and alcohol.