Public information seminars on drugs of concern

TWO public information seminars will be staged next week providing up to date information on the latest drugs of concern.

Bill Malarkey MHK, Member of the Department of Home Affairs with responsibility for the Chief Minister’s Drug and Alcohol Strategy, urges people to attend if they have any concerns about drugs.

He explained:

‘These seminars will provide information on the risks and effects of particular drugs, focusing on legal highs, which are causing much concern at present. The seminars will be suitable for young people, parents or anyone in the community who has concerns about drugs.’

The first one-hour seminar will be staged at Kensington Road Youth Centre, Douglas, on Wednesday March 17, followed the next evening at Castletown Civic Centre (Thursday March 18). Both start at 7pm. Admission is free.

Allan Johnston of the Scottish Training on Drugs and Alcohol (STRADA) will host the seminars and answer any questions from the public. He has previously visited the Isle of Man to provide training to all those working with drug and alcohol issues.

He said:

‘There seems to be increasing concern in the Island regarding the emergence of legal highs and the purpose of the talks is to demystify what is available and outline the consequences to anyone interested.

‘What I will be looking at is providing information on what are commonly called legal highs, their derivation, and what are the effects of these substances – and the fact people cannot be sure what is in them at all.’

Margaret O’Reilly, Director of Drug and Alcohol Policy, will be co-hosting the seminars.

She said:

‘There is increasing concern about the emergence of all sorts of psychoactive drugs so we felt that it would be helpful to give the public an opportunity to hear about such drugs and also an opportunity to ask any questions on any drug and alcohol issues.’

The one hour seminars, which are currently being advertised by posters, are part of a co-ordinated cross government campaign involving the Department of Home Affairs in partnership with Department of Health and Social Security, Department of Education and the voluntary sector.