Stay safe during the party season
That’s the message from the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland (HPA) as it launches a drug awareness information campaign focusing on the importance of staying safe during the forthcoming party season.
Dr Brian Gaffney, Chief Executive of the HPA, said: “In the lead up to and over the festive season many people will be going out and socialising more than they normally would. This campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of staying safe while out and about this Christmas.
“Previous qualitative research commissioned by the HPA showed that there is a strong, vibrant clubbing culture in Northern Ireland. This research also revealed that drug taking is perceived as normal among the 18-30 age group and the same age group felt they would benefit most from information about drugs and safety. As a result, a series of posters has been produced and will be displayed in the washroom areas of pubs and clubs across Northern Ireland along with a handy credit card size leaflet, Staying safe. The posters and leaflet include information about drugs and have helpful tips on how to look after yourself and your friends when out socialising.”
Although latest figures show there has been a decrease in Ecstasy use since 2001, it remains the second most commonly used illicit drug among young adults in Northern Ireland, after cannabis¹. It carries a range of risks, for example, you never know for sure what is contained in an Ecstasy tablet as they can contain combinations of many substances, some of which can be fatal. One of the posters, “Lucky Dip” highlights this.
Dr Gaffney continued: “Most people go out for the night and enjoy themselves without taking drugs. However for those who decide to do so they need to be aware of the dangers of this type of activity and what they can do to reduce the risk to their health and safety.”
This campaign also emphasises the importance of knowing where you are going and more importantly how you are getting home. When it comes to the end of the night people are not always in control because they have taken illicit drugs and/or alcohol and that is when they are vulnerable and likely to take risks. The HPA’s advice is stay with friends, look out for one another and if you see a friend going off with a stranger try to stop them or at least find out where they are going.
Dr Gaffney concluded: “The festive season will soon be in full swing and we want our young people to have a good time. Planning ahead and giving some thought to these campaign messages could make a real difference to how their evening ends.”
The posters will be on display in selected venues throughout Northern Ireland from today until 31 March 2007. All posters promote the National Drugs Helpline: 0800 776600.
END
Notes to the editor:
According to the Police Service for Northern Ireland drug driving is killing people here and as a result they are increasing the pressure on this issue. Drugs can now be detected and to date tests on drivers have revealed a range of drugs including cannabis, Ecstasy, cocaine, heroin and amphetamines.
The campaign is funded by the Northern Ireland Drugs and Alcohol Strategy.
¹ Northern Ireland Office (NIO). Experience of drug misuse: Findings from the 2005 Northern Ireland Crime Survey. Belfast: NIO, 2006.
For further information contact:
Rosie McGaughey or Jenny Dougan at the HPA on Tel: 028 9031 1611.
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