YAP DEALS WITH DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE

Nanaimo parents, youth and community organizations have teamed up to create
a long-term plan to address youth alcohol and drug abuse.

At a recent two-day conference, sponsored by the Nanaimo Alcohol and Drug
Action Committee and the Youth Action Project, more than 150 concerned
citizens worked together to create goals and solutions to the youth
substance abuse problems in Nanaimo.

With a focus on prevention, the conference included a public forum,
workshop sessions, guest speakers and testimonials.

"The wealth of caring individuals in this community is inspiring," said
project co-ordinator Cathy Loewen. "The people who came to the conference
really cared and were ready to help make a difference."

Loewen said the breakout sessions after each speaker were extremely
successful. People were full of ideas and suggestions.

Through the entire conference one theme seem to be at the forefront of each
topic - "ensure that youth have a voice and are listened to, and that there
are opportunities for intergenerational communication."

How this will happen is yet to be determined. Through the group a variety
of goals and solutions were identified, such as a need for a 24-hour
residential treatment centre.

Now YAP is looking for an action committee to take these ideas and make
them reality.

"We have about 20 volunteers and we're looking for more," said Loewen.
"This is a longterm (20 years) plan so we need people who are willing to
stay with the project. We aren't expecting changes overnight."

Some other goals identified from the conference include:

- - Develop positive reinforcement for youth who don't use or haven't used in
a long time.

- - Offer youth forums.

- - Develop more activities for and with youth in a safe, welcoming
environment, maybe consider a 'gathering place' concept.

- - Foster and develop leadership among the youth themselves so they can lead
others. This could include peer counseling, youth mentorship and
recreational activities.

"I thought the conference was exceptional," said Nikki Adshead, a
fourth-year nursing student at Malaspina College-University. "The turnout
was great and the youth who did come (about 30), got involved. They weren't
shy about sharing their ideas."

Adshead said the testimonials were powerful. She said it's always a benefit
to hear other people's stories and to find out what worked for them."

Sandra Robinson, another participant and nursing student, said the event
was motivating.

"Everyone really participated and everyone was respectful," she said.
"There were no negative comments or judgments. People focused on what we
can do better rather then dwelling on what's not working."

For more information or to get involved call 754-1266.