A new support network is helping to educate parents on drug use and to offer a platform of support in times of need.
Set up by the Greater Shankill Youth Connects group, the online guide is there to help support parents in navigating the topic with their children, how to spot signs of potential use, having the conversation and where to get help.
Speaking to Belfast Live Sarah Jane Waite, from the Greater Shankill Partnership, said through their work with young people, they know that parents are usually the first point of contact in these situations - but some may not know how to tackle a conversation which relates to drugs.
READ MORE: Campaign to highlight alcohol and drug use among Greater Shankill youth
Sarah added: "Our young people had clearly said that if they are having an issue with drugs, or unsure if they need support, their first point of contact is their parents.
"We were very conscious that a lot of parents are unaware of what the drugs situation looks like.
"It is very different to what it was 10 or 15 years ago and there are even changes since coronavirus too, they are quite remarkable around how young people access their drugs and the things that are popular compared to three or four years ago.
"Young people are telling us that they are using nitrous oxide. They are vaping with the oils which are cannabis based. For a lot of parents, they are the things they wouldn't necessarily be aware of at all. They then maybe wouldn't know where to start.
"As a network of organisations that work with young people, we said that we needed to look at how we provide information for parents that is up to date and relevant to what the situation looks like at present. We also wanted that information to be as easily accessible as possible.
"We are delivering a programme for the Executive Office under their Communities in Transition funding. We recruited a team of nine women, who are parents. They all have young people who live locally but thankfully not overly involved in drug use themselves. We didn't feel the need to have ex-drug users because our young people know what's happening, and they are happy to talk to us about things.
"Over a couple of months, we trained the parents around drugs and alcohol information. We wanted to put messages out win a way that wasn't stigmatising, to make sure that they understand that this can come to anybody's door.
"Drugs are not something to be embarrassed about. If it comes to our doorstep and our young people need help, we shouldn't be ashamed."
The DOT Guide has been designed to help keep parents informed of the latest drug trends, and how to better support children in making positive choices.
It outlines various aspects of drug use including what to look out for, how to approach the topic and services available to provide further support and guidance.
"Drugs are a common part of life today," the guide says.
"There are lots of young people and adults who use these socially with only a small effect on their day to day lives. For many others though, the use of drugs can cause a wide range of difficulties and challenges and even have life threatening consequences.
"For parents this subject can be scary, a little overwhelming and often leave you feeling at a loss. Not knowing where to start to get information around drugs and knowing what you can do if there seems to be an issue are very common thoughts.
"We want to help you connect the dots.
"Drug issues can affect any family and it’s important to know that this doesn’t mean that as a parent you have done anything wrong or that a difficult situation can’t be overcome. We hope to connect you to information, advice and supports."
For more information, please visit The DOT Guide here.
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