Conference - Outcomes: Drug Harms, Policy Harms, Poverty & Equality, April 28th, Dublin.

Conference

This Clondalkin Drugs and Alcohol Task Force conference will take place on Thursday the 28th of April 2016 in the Clarion Hotel, Clondalkin from 10.00am- 3.30pm. (Registration tea and coffee 9.30am).

Background

The Clondalkin Drugs and Alcohol Task Force was established in 1997 and is one of 14 Local Drugs Task forces established by the Government in response to the heroin epidemic occurring mainly in the Dublin region. Since then drug use in Ireland has changed significantly and while heroin use remains a significant problem there is growing public concern regarding problems associated with polydrug use including cannabis, cocaine, alcohol and prescribed drugs such as benzodiazepines and other Z drugs.

To date the Clondalkin Drugs and Alcohol Task Force has implemented two area action plans (1997/2001) and in line with our current strategic plan 2008 – 2016 the Clondalkin Drugs Task and Alcohol Task Force continues to work in collaboration with all the key stakeholders to access funding, develop services in response to drug misuse and improve the coordination and delivery of services in the area. This strategy is delivered and coordinated across the four pillars of the governments National Drugs Strategy through the work of local service providers in partnership with the community, voluntary and statutory sectors.

In carrying out its role the Clondalkin Drugs and Alcohol Task Force commissioned research to identify current patterns of drug use and drug related harms and identify the current and emerging needs of individuals, families and members of the broader community. Also in recognition of the deteriorating economic and policy environment and the impact of austerity policies on people and services in the area, the study explores the relationship between poverty, inequality and drug related harms within the changing policy environment in which Drugs and Alcohol Task Forces operate.

This research which will be launched at the conference provides an understanding of the current patterns of drug use in the area and seeks to inform debate, policy and practice and the ongoing development and implementation of a community based substance misuse strategy which reflects the values of equality, partnership, autonomy and accountability.

Aims

The aims of the conference are:

• To present the research findings and debate the links between drug harms, policy harms, poverty and inequality
• To inform and influence future government drugs policy including the new National Drugs Strategy
• To inform the development of the Clondalkin Drugs and Alcohol Strategic Plan 2017 – 2020

Speakers

• Fr. Peter McVerry – Peter McVerry Trust
• Professor Kathleen Lynch – UCD School of Social Justice
• Aileen O’Gorman Senior Lecturer Alcohol and Drugs Studies Programme, University of West Scotland
• Pearse Stafford – Service User Representative
• Dr. Susanne MacGregor Honorary Professor of Social Policy, Department of Social and Environmental Health Research at the LSHTM

Workshops

The conference will also include facilitated workshops in the afternoon on issues related to the themes of the research report. The full conference programme will be e mailed to all registered conference participants.

WHEN
Thursday, 28 April 2016 from 09:30 to 15:00 (IST) - Add to Calendar
WHERE
Clarion Hotel - Liffey Valley - Liffey Valley, 22 Dublin 22, Ireland - View Map

Register here