By Mitchell Clarke
With the scourge of ice proving to have devastating impacts on the community, an upcoming event in Berwick aims to tackle the issue head on.
Breakthrough is an organisation which provides ice education to families and helps identify signs that a loved one could be using the drug. By providing strategies to discuss drug use, set boundaries, develop safety plans and work on self-care, the organisation aims to remove misinformation within the media and public discourse about drugs.
With 36 per cent of calls received on the Family Drug Helpline from families concerned about their loved ones ice usage, a real need to provide help has been identified.
Breakthrough Project Lead Glenn Hunter said there is support available for everyone in a family affected by drug use.
“Over 200 sessions have been run throughout Victoria with 99 per cent of attendees stating that they would recommend the program to other people with similar concerns,” Mr Hunter said.
“You are not alone. Get the facts, develop strategies and find out where to access help.”
The Breakthrough: Ice Education for Families event will be held on Thursday 25 July and Thursday 8 August at The Salvation Army in Berwick from 6pm-8pm.
It’s a free community event, but registrations are essential. To book, visit www.breakthroughforfamilies.com or call the Family Drug Helpline on 1300 660 068.
If you or someone you know needs help, there are a number of confidential helplines in place. For 24 hour advice, call 1800 Ice Advice on 1800 423 238.
