FERMOY DRUGS INFORMATION EVENING THE NEED TO REMAIN VIGILANT
An informative evening was experienced by all at the Fermoy Community Drugs seminar, held last Thursday evening, April 22. The evening, which was held at Cloyne Diocesan Centre, provided an opportunity for parents to ask experts about drug issues. One of the speakers at the event was community drugs worker Toni Duncan, who alerted parents to the pitfalls of drugs.
“When one person has a problem with drugs it adversely affects the whole family. It’s important that people are as open as possible with their problems”, she said.
The evening was also used to launch a new mental health information booklet, which includes a list of helpful contact details for anyone suffering from depression. Local community officer Garda Andrew Geary spoke passionately about the problems young people face today. He also revealed the findings of his youth drugs survey, which were covered in last week’s issue of The Avondhu.
Garda Geary said, “It’s clear from the study that far too many young people are suffering from depression. It’s obvious to me that our youngsters are under too much pressure at home and at school. Bullying is a problem in our schools, I’ve actually had mothers bring their kids to my door and ask for my advice”.
Garda Geary commented on how he’s noticed crime slowly beginning to rise in Fermoy.
“We’re so lucky in Fermoy to have a near Utopia when it comes to crime. But I am beginning to see crime slowly seep into the town, so we need to remain vigilant.”
Garda Geary was lavish in his praise for local community drugs worker Martina Munnelly.
“We’re lucky in this town to have an absolute gem in Martina. I cant speak highly enough of this lady’s tireless work”, he added.
Local TD Sean Sherlock also spoke on the issue of drugs and mental health.
“It’s been very interesting being here tonight and I will genuinely inform my party colleagues of what has been discussed. These initiatives need to receive continued funding as they prevent young people from falling into a trap”, said Mr Sherlock.
Many local councillors were also present at the evening and Cllr Olive Corcoran expressed her disappointment with the turnout.
“I think it’s an absolute disgrace that more parents didn’t turn up tonight”, Cllr Corcoran told The Avondhu.
For more information on the Fermoy Community Initiative, contact community drugs worker, Martina Munnelly on 025 51887.
Published:
Thursday 29th April 6:33pm
