Meeting to tackle drugs issue

A MEETING to discuss the drugs issue in Londonderry is to be held tonight.Community Response has evolved as a proactive, positive response the issue of drug and alcohol use within local communities.

The movement invites people from all religious./political backgrounds and walks of life to join it in finding a compassionate solution to perceived anti-social behaviour and the effect this has on society as a whole.

Community Response held its first meeting on Friday 9th June with youth leaders, experts in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and concerned citizens in attendance.

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A spokesman said: "The main points outlined at this meeting were: A whole-community approach needs to be taken to dealing with the problem of drug and alcohol misuse; the wider city needs more support services such as detox units for those with drug/alcohol problems; young people need support rather than militant tactics to enable them to be safe; our approach needs to be holistic and addresses the reasons behind drug and alcohol misuse, such as economic hopelessness and low self-esteem; young people need a safe place to socialise whereby they can escape the structures of everyday life.

Invite

"We call for an end to intimidations and invite those involved in punishment attacks to come forward so that we can work together to find a non-violent solution to this problem. We recognise the interest of some paramilitary groups in keeping communities drug-free. We also feel that many of those who have been subject to intimidations are caught in a web of drug use and it is only through stronger community and health services support that we can eradicate this problem."

Community Response will be having its second meeting at 7.30pm on Wednesday 28th July at The Junction, Bishop Street (opposite Henderson Music).

"We invite all community/youth workers and concerned citizens to join us in formulating a plan of action to address this issue," said the spokesman.