Drug information and support for parents

7/5/00
A new volunteer service aimed to reduce isolation, alleviate stress and empower Western Australian parents who are struggling with their children's drug or alcohol problems will be launched in Perth today.
The Parent Telephone Support Network will provide continual support to parents by other parents who have had similar experiences.
The confidential service will be launched by Health Minister John Day and the Minister Responsible for WA Drug Abuse Strategy, Kevin Prince.
Mr Day said the network would enhance the Parent Drug Information Service provided by Next Step Specialist Drug and Alcohol Services, and was a significant development for parental support across WA.
"Parents have indicated that whilst professional services are needed, speaking with another parent who has experienced similar problems can be of great benefit," Mr Day said.
"The Parent Drug Information Service already provides confidential telephone counselling, information and referral to parents with concerns about a child's alcohol or drug use. It provides a one-stop service for parents across the State, through professionally trained counsellors who are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
"Parents will now have the additional option of talking to other understanding parents."
Mr Day said the counsellors would have access to a wealth of drug resource material, which they can send to parents.
"Being able to speak to other parents should reduce the stigma associated with family drug use, and encourage parents to seek support at an early stage," he said.
Mr Prince said the network service and training of volunteers, was to be funded by the proceeds of drug crime as part of the WA Strategy Against Drug Abuse.
"This very valuable new service begins with 17 volunteers who have been specifically selected and trained, and will be provided with professional support and supervision," he said.
"They will work from their homes about five hours a week, listening, sharing drug and agency information and talking about their own experiences.
"The criteria to become a volunteer includes being a parent or caregiver with experience of a drug using child, the motivation to share information and support other parents, and an open mind and tolerance towards others."
A second recruitment for parent volunteers will be under way this month.
Interested parents should contact the Parent Drug Information Service on 9442 5050 between 8am and 9pm, or toll free for country callers on 1800 653 203, and an information package and application will be mailed to them.
Parents wishing to speak to another parent or to a professional counsellor, can contact the service on 9442 5050, or toll free for country callers on 1800 653 203.
The network launch will be at 10.30 am today (Sunday, May 7) at Next Step-Specialist Drug and Alcohol Services, 7 Field Street, Mount Lawley. Parent volunteers will be available for volunteers.
Media contact: Dianne Dixon 9387 6669
Carole Cowling (Minister for Health) 9213 6600