17 new alcohol prevention jobs in Western Trust

Thelma Abernethy, CEO of Addiction NI, said: “We are delighted to announce these jobs. The Drink Wise, Age Well programme funded by Big Lottery fund will help raise awareness about alcohol use within the 50-plus population as it is a serious and hidden issue. Within society alcohol has been legalised, which has resulted in it being normalised within day to day life.

“For many it has become an integral part of their weekly grocery shop and sadly people do not always understand or realise the full impact that it has on health and quality of life for individuals, families and communities.

“Through the programme we will be supporting people and communities to develop their knowledge and understanding of alcohol so that they can make informed choices about how and when they use alcohol.

“Over the coming weeks we will be selecting highly qualified professionals to help us deliver training, raise awareness and deliver interventions aimed at supporting this often overlooked group, to look at their relationships with alcohol. We are actively seeking to partner with other charities, community groups, voluntary organisations to support the work of the programme in Western Trust area, and to join us and our programme partners to help reduce alcohol related harm amongst the 50 plus age group.”

Addiction NI has already successfully appointed two programme posts. The remaining posts include; a Service Manager and Information Support Officer to be based in Omagh; and six therapeutic intervention workers responsible for delivering interventions, preventions and campaigns across areas of Enniskillen, Omagh and Londonderry and in due course a Training Officer post.

A further six full or part-time Resilience worker posts will be created by project partners ARC Health Living, Brandywell and Bogside Forum’s Drink Think Project, and Business in the Community.

The programme will build a network of organisations, volunteers and peer mentors operating throughout the Western Trust area helping to improve access to information and alcohol treatment for the over 50s and their families.

Community groups interested in being part of the delivery of the programme can contact Thelma Abernethy on 07715086454, or email [email protected].