BY MARK McKELVEY
A SUCCESSFUL joint educational initiative between local alcohol and drug awareness agency, The E go Project and the Strathroy Community Association spent four weeks addressing the problems associated with under-age drinking and drug abuse.
The summer programme was carried out during the month of July within the Strathroy Summer Scheme, with a total of 15 young people ranging in age from 10 to 14 years-old, addressing various issues related to alcohol and drug use, before then producing a project that raises awareness further in their areas or community.
Firstly the group learned a wide range of information on alcohol and drugs starting with what a drug actually is and then moving onto different types of drugs and their effects, risks and dangers. They then discussed what drugs the group knew about and what drug they felt they will most likely come into contact with it their adolescent experience.
It was widely agreed that alcohol was most relevant to the group and young people in general so it was decided the group project should focus on this.
Stephen Sweeney, Community Education Officer, The E go Project which is based in Foundary Lane, Omagh explained why this partnership was formed to look at this serious issue affecting youth culture.
"To me it seems that Omagh has always had a problem with underage binge drinking in public places," said Stephen. "As far as my memory goes back it has always been a common sight to see groups of young people bound for the Grange Park, RB (Riverbank) or some other shaded spot with blue bags in hand containing their cheap carryout for the night.
"Recently this problem has been brought a little more into the spotlight with articles in the UlsterHerald detailing some of the alcohol fuelled young hedonism that occurs in these drinking spots as well as problem letters from worried parents regarding their own teens drinking. It is this background that makes this summer programme particularly relevant.
"I met with Mickey Kelly (Strathroy Community Development Officer) about the possibility of running a programme with a group of young people within the Strathroy Summer Scheme during the month of July.
"He was very interested with the above points being raised about alcohol but also a concern about drug use with houses in Strathroy being host to many "after-parties" after weekend raves in local night-clubs."
Each of the 15 participants in the programme received their own personalised hoodie containing the chosen logo as well as their name embroidered on the sleeve. They also receive a certificate from the E go Project in recognition of their participation in the four week alcohol and drug awareness programme.
The E go project would like to give special thanks to Mickey Kelly and Peter Hosey at Strathroy Community Centre for allowing them to carry out the summer programme. Also special thanks was also given to Dunnes Stores, Omagh who kindly supported the project by supplying the hoodies at a reduced cost.
The young participants of this project were; Barry McColgan, Matthew Gormley, Matthew O'Brien, Nathan Clarke, Tara Allen, Shannon-Marie Slattery, Shannon Kelly, Shannon McColgan, Anne-Marie Gormley, Colleen Gormley, Adam O'Brien, Nadine Leonard, Dean McColgan, Declan Taggart and Sarah Allen.
