The community committee focused on drug prevention strategies will be hosting events at both Norwell District Secondary School and Palmerston Public School focusing on drug alternatives.
With the support of businesses and service clubs, the group has been planning Drug Awareness Weeks for the past seven years in response to concerns throughout the community related to substance abuse with drugs and alcohol, such as acts of vandalism and theft.
Jill Hope, child and youth worker at Palmerston Public School and member of the committee will be creating events geared for grade school audiences.
On Nov. 22, Kim Sonnett, child an youth worker at Norwell District Secondary School and member of the committee is working with community volunteers to create a two-hour event that includes a free breakfast and a speaker. Then students can participate in activity-based workshops of their own choice, where they will learn about alternative lifestyle choices and ways to steer clear of drugs and alcohol. Supporting the initiative is Brenda Atkin, committee member and addiction therapist with Homewood Community Addiction Services. “Every year we look at a variety of workshops and try to get community volunteers on board to lead them and others to offer funding support to make this happen. This allows us to offer a wide range of workshops, with everything from yoga to running, garage band, games, hip hop, zumba and even an amazing race event.”
Atkin believes the annual event is a fun, informative way to talk about the issues of drug and alcohol in a way that is relevant to the youth audience.
“We want to provide students with some positive options, particularly in the rural regions where they feel there is nothing much to do. There has to be alternatives to drugs and alcohol. This event will show them other things that they can do and why they need to find alternatives.”
