Foróige recognises that young people’s active participation in youth work initiatives through clubs, projects and services makes a big contribution to substance misuse prevention.  Foróige also has a range of specialised drug education and prevention projects based around the country. These projects are funded in the main through Local or Regional Drug Task Forces and the Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund through local VECs.

These projects provide education and awareness programmes, information and support directly to young people through one to one or group work interventions using primary and secondary prevention approaches. Foróige takes a holistic approach to drug education, looking at the effects and consequences of substance use, life skill development and the promotion of healthy life choices and alternative behaviours. When the need arises, and young people are experiencing more serious problems with substance misuse, referrals to specialist services is supported.

Education and support services to parents are also provided. Parent drug awareness programmes provide information relevant to the effects and consequences of drug use for a young person, promote effective family communication and identify services and resources available which can help families prevent substance use or to deal with different issues relevant to their family experience.

Many of the drug education and prevention projects also provide drug awareness training and education programmes to members of the community and other local organisations.  Working in partnership with voluntary, community and statutory organisations to provide effective drug misuse prevention responses, of a high quality in line with best practice, is a crucial role of all Foróige drug education and prevention projects.

Foróige has revised and updated its Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Policy and Guidelines, which are available for download and provide a more detailed account of Foróige’s approach to drug education prevention. Specialist training is available to all staff and volunteers facilitating drug education programmes.
 

Foróige has revised and updated its Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Policy and Guidelines, which are available for download and provide a more detailed account of Foróige’s approach to drug education and prevention. Specialist training is delivered to all staff and volunteers working in this area.