Hobsons Bay council hosts drug talk for parents

An information session at Altona will help parents and guardians broach the hard subjects of alcohol and drug use with the young people in their lives.

Hobsons Bay council will host the free session at Altona Civic Centre on August 31.

Keynote speaker Angela Ireland, an alcohol and drug counsellor with Family Drug Help, will focus on the effects of alcohol abuse and the wide variety of drugs accessible to young people.

The session will explore how parents can help young people stay safe from the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs.

“We’re hearing a lot about ice addiction in the media today,” Ms Ireland said. “But alcohol misuse still creates the most issues.”

Mayor Colleen Gates said the forum was organised by council’s youth services team in response to a significant rise in the numbers of young people, families and school staff asking for information and support, and requesting referrals for alcohol and other drug use.

“Council is committed to doing everything we can to improve the health and wellbeing of our young people,” the mayor said.

The session will give parents and guardians practical advice and up-to-date information on ways to reduce risks, as well as discussing strategies to protect young people from substance addiction.

Details: 9932 1000