June 2003

Drug education for young people and parents

Youth-focused pamphlets on drug education and positive parenting seminars and booklets for young families are among Australian Greek Welfare Society (AGWS) initiatives undertaken in the last six months.

AGWS is funded by the Department of Human Services to deliver a Statewide drug education and prevention program for the Greek community, addressing issues affecting both young people and their families.

AGWS has made contact with bi-lingual schools and conducted youth surveys to collect data on Greek youth and their use of drugs.

It has followed up by developing partnerships with mainstream illicit substance organisations including Buoyancy and Moreland City Council.

AGWS has organised and facilitated structured programs as well as providing education and support services to the greater part of Melbourne.

It has taken part in Moreland City Council’s youth festival at Moreland Hall and distributed its information—in Greek and English—at a multicultural festival at the Queen Victoria Market.

AGWS officers have taken part in Odyssey House training to obtain the Certificate IV in Community Services (Drug and Alcohol).

The organisation is also represented on the Ethnic Community Council of Victoria (ECCV), the Victorian Local Government Association (VLGA) and the Victorian Drug Task Force.

It has developed a locality guide enabling its social workers to recommend drug and alcohol services to clients based on their needs.

• For more information contact Australian Greek Welfare Society Community Drug Education Officer Evan Sycamnias phone 9388 9998, fax 9388 9992 or email evans@agws.com.au.