National Drug and Alcohol Awards

Celebrating Australian achievements to prevent
and reduce alcohol and other drug use and harm

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Major Sponsors

Supporter

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Local Western Sydney youth health project in the running for national award

“Keep your head together”, a drug and alcohol and mental health prevention project developed by Sydney West Area Health Service (SWAHS), is a finalist in the Excellence in Prevention section for the National Drug and Alcohol Awards.

“Keep your head together” is an initiative of the SWAHS Drug and Alcohol Population Health Team, which aims to reduce the negative mental health outcomes associated with substance use. Strategies include: print resources; a school lesson plan; professional development for the youth and health sector; a partnership with TAFE NSW; GP strategy; and SO: Spaced Out an educational board game for use with groups of “at risk” youth.

“These resources go someway towards improving training and understanding about the link between drug use and mental health problems among at-risk young people, their families and the general public”, said Dominic Dawson, Cluster Director Clinical Operations Integrated Health.

Sydney West Area Health Service has a long-standing commitment to preventing drug related problems among young people.

According to Kevin Hedge, Director of SWAHS Drug and Alcohol Network:

“Our nomination for one of the National Drug and Alcohol Awards recognises this commitment and the determination of the health promotion professionals, involved in the project, to make a difference in the community.”

The National Drug and Alcohol Awards are a collaborative effort of the Ted Noffs Foundation, the Australian Drug Foundation, the Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia and the Australian National Council on Drugs. They aim to support and encourage people working to prevent drug problems in Australia.

It is estimated around 10,000 Australians now work directly in drug and alcohol treatment across Australia, with a further 8,500 in associated sectors. Winners will be announced at the Plaza Ballroom, Melbourne, on Friday 27 June 2008.

“As a nation we lose about $1.2 billion and 7.5 million working days due to the effects of alcohol abuse alone” says Wesley Noffs, Chair of the NDAA 2008.

“The emotional cost of drug and alcohol abuse to families includes domestic violence, suicide, depression, plus health issues such as brain, liver and heart damage. Tackling the devastation brought on by drug and alcohol abuse are thousands of dedicated professionals, researchers, organisations and volunteers. These Awards go some little way to recognising the fantastic, innovative work they do. We applaud them.”

Sponsors of the awards are the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation (Principal sponsor), Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Department of Health and Ageing, VIC Department of Human Services, VIC Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and NSW Department of Health.

According to Daryl Smeaton, CEO of the AER Foundation: “It is a great privilege to support the national alcohol and other drugs sector in celebrating the achievements of their unsung heroes. As the major sponsor of these awards, AER congratulates all the winners, finalists and nominees.”

To interview the finalist please contact Charlotte George or Johanna de Wever on 03 9278 8122 or 0432 915 383. For more information about the National Drug & Alcohol Awards go to http://www.drugawards.org.au/