G A S P E D

(Group Awareness and Support for Parents Encountering Drugs)

 

PUDSEY DRUGS AWARENESS EVENING

 

GASPED, a registered charity which supports the parents and carers of drug users, is to hold a Drugs Awareness Evening at Pudsey Town Hall on:

 

Monday, 20th May, 2002

(7.00 pm – 9.30 pm – doors open 6.30 pm)

 

The event is not specifically aimed at those with drugs problems in their family, but is intended to promote the need for adult awareness around drugs issues, particularly to those in close contact with children (parents, grandparents, and those working with children etc).

 

Drugs use is a growing concern.  Whether we accept it or not, drugs have become more and more popular with young people.  Some see it as their culture, part of their growing up process.  Some will experiment and never use again, but others will continue and may become addicted.  Most parents are not prepared when they discover their child is using drugs.  They believe it will never happen to them.  But the fact is, it can happen to anyone.

 

Adults need to be educated as well as children.  They need to know the facts, to understand about drug use and to adopt the right attitude to enable discussions to take place within the family.  A recent survey by the Drugs Prevention Advisory Service identified that 81% of children questioned, whose parents had attended a drugs awareness meeting in school, believed that their parents would influence their decisions about drug use.  Drug awareness has to be a positive move towards tackling drugs in the future and keeping this and future generations safe and healthy.

 

Guest speakers will be:  Sandie Marshall/Kristine Smith, GASPED

                                                Paul Smith, a recovering addict

                                                Keith Lawrance, Leeds Drug Action Team

                                                Clair Dowgill, West Leeds Community Drugs Service

 

As well as getting to know about local services and strategies, the audience will be able to see what drugs look like, find out about their different effects and hear a little about how drug addiction can affect family life.

 

Entrance is free.  For more information telephone GASPED 01924 787501 (or just turn up on the evening)