Joint efforts at anti-drug workshop
The workshop also forms part of the National Drug Master Plain 2013 – 2017 and is funded by the National Lotteries Commission.
Stakeholders hope to establish an anti-drug coalition, in an attempt to curb substance abuse in Newcastle.
Two representatives from the South African National Council on Alcoholism (SANCA) hosted a four-day workshop last week, to provide training and tools to service organisations on how combat addiction and drug usage in the community.
“All stakeholders and partners were trained on the Comprehensive Provincial Strategy, to reduce the demand for drugs in the community,” explained Clara Monnakgotla and Terrence Makananisa from SANCA.
The workshop is based on the CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America) model, which encourages communities to take ‘ownership’ and provide their own solutions to drug problems in their respective areas.
CADCA’s model also applies certain public health approaches.
Monnakgotla and Makananisa added the workshop was meant to signify the start of a sustainable anti-drug project, requiring the buy-in of all other private sectors, including the youth, religious communities, service organisations, local government and the media.
Only then, they said, does the model work.
The workshop also forms part of the National Drug Master Plain 2013 – 2017 and is funded by the National Lotteries Commission.
“This is a two-year project and we are working to specific timelines. We will monitor the progress and provide technical assistance where needed.”
Why are workshops of this kind important?
The Newcastle Advertiser posed this question to Lillian Gajoo of SANCA Newcastle, who provided the following response:
“These workshops are very informative and remind us we need to be on top of things, especially when it comes to school learners. Workshops also ensure SANCA is one step ahead, or at least at the same level, when it comes to the drug abuse situation. The information we receive can never be too much, and to inform people in any situation is good, as we can nip things in the bud.”
In conclusion, Gajoo said treatment for substance abuse was always available at SANCA Newcastle (57 Paterson Street, behind Child Welfare), or alternatively call 034 312 3641. Anyone willing to assist with sponsorship is also welcome.
ALSO READ: SANCA Newcastle strives to create awareness around child protection and substance abuse
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