Carrickfergus
Community Drug & Alcohol Advisory Group (CCDAAG) originated from an awareness
evening in January 2001, hosted by the NEELB in Carrickfergus Town Hall, to address local concerns about drugs and alcohol. A subsequent meeting followed,
supported by the Northern Drug & Alcohol Coordination Team (NDACT), and
from this CCDAAG was formed. The work of the Group was taken forward by a
dedicated group of local volunteers who became constituted in June 2002 and in
2003 were accepted as a registered charity.
In
2003 CCDAAG received funding through Carrickfergus Local Strategy Partnership
under the EU Programme for Peace & Reconciliation. This funding was used
to access accredited training for members, and to facilitate a number of
events.
In
October 2004 CCDAAG secured funding for three years through the Northern
Ireland Community Safety Unit and Carrickfergus Community Safety Partnership.
This funding has enabled the group to employ a Project Development Coordinator
and Administrator, open premises and begin to implement its CONTACT Project.
CCDAAG strive to help prevent and reduce the harm caused by substance misuse by working to the broad aims of the New Strategic Direction for Alcohol and Drugs. Within this structure the organization has undertaken a range of initiatives which have included:
- Engagement with local secondary schools delivering a drug awareness programme to Year 10 pupils. This concluded in June 2007 with a leaflet design competition in
each school focusing on a particular drug.
- Funding from the Community Development and Health Network was secured to faciltate a Community - Pharmacy Partnership Project. This has a two pronged
approach, one aspect being a six week programme for adults delivered three times throughout the year; the second being a series of six week programmes delivered
within secondary schools.
- 'Party at the Castle' was held in August. The purpose of this event was to raise the profile of the organization and the services offered, make contact with local
residents, and develop links with local young people with the aim of further involvement within the organization.
