2008

Thursday 30th October 2008
Safer Celebrating: reducing risk at teen parties

With only eight weeks until Christmas, the “Silly Season” is fast approaching, but the numerous potential risks at teen parties are no laughing matter!

An innovative community forum in Woodberry next week will provide an opportunity for young people, their parents, and other relevant community representatives to discuss the do’s and don’ts of teen celebrations, with the aim of reducing the risks and creating a safer environment for all concerned.

“It’s that time of year when young people have plenty of reason to celebrate: school graduations, schoolies week, HSC Results, Christmas, or just enjoying being on holidays and hanging out,” comments Kristy Durand, FAER (Families with Adolescents Education and Resource) project officer at Catholic Care. “This forum is about empowering young people and parents so that adolescents can be safe and well and enjoy themselves, and parents can hopefully gain confidence in the fact that they are aware not only of the risks but also of some strategies for reducing them.”

Participants in the community forum include a doctor, police officer, drug and alcohol worker, a Liquor Accord representative and a business owner. They will address such topics as secondary supply, planning youth celebrations, drink driving, binge drinking, drink spiking and mixing alcohol with other drugs.

“This is a way for the community to better understand the safety, health and legal issues associated with youth parties. The format of the evening means that parents and young people can learn together. It’s a very mutual experience, and the older members of the community as well as the forum participants often ask the young people their opinions and perspectives, so it’s a win-win situation.”

This event is a joint initiative of Catholic Care and Hunter Life Education. Catholic Care is the aged care and social services arm of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

When: Next Wednesday 5th November 2008, 7:00pm-8:00pm
Where: Woodberry Family Centre, Lawson Avenue, Woodberry (across the road from Francis Greenway High School)
Enquiries: Kristy, ph 4966 5230 or 0409922287

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