by Alan Jacques
LIMERICK City Drug Education and Prevention Strategy (DEPS) engaged with over 3,800 young people, aged between 18 to 25, in the city last year.
The community-based project, which deliver tailor made drug education programmes for schools, teachers, parents and youth groups, made over 16,000 contacts in 2014.
With four teams across the city, Limerick City DEPS provide communities with creative programmes to engage them in activities that promote drug prevention and offer alternative activities including summer camps, fitness through football and auricular acupuncture clinics. DEPS also work locally to provide different target groups within the community with relevant health information to promote healthy lifestyle choices pertaining to different areas of health.
Last week the four DEPS teams across the city announced a new strategic plan for “one citywide focus”. Speaking at the launch in County Hall, project leader Juan Carlos Azzopardi compared their vital work with young people throughout Limerick to a “beacon”.
While drug education and prevention worker with Northside DEPS, Daniel Butler explained, “We look at the needs of groups and let them guide us as effectively as possible.”
“We are working as part of a broader team that addresses drugs issues across the city. We want to empower young people to ask questions and educate themselves,” he added.
Metropolitan Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Michael Sheahan (FG) complimented DEPS workers for their contribution in supporting young people and their families in their local communities.
“I am lucky enough to have children who have so far gotten through life without too much difficulties,” he commented.
Meanwhile, 22-year-old Voice of Ireland favourite Niall O’Halloran, spoke openly about a friend’s battle with drug addiction before singing a song he penned on the issue titled ‘Don’t Let Me Fall’.
