Alcohol and substance misuse will be the central theme of discussion at two parent sessions to be held as part of the 2011 SSMART Answers Conference.
This year’s conference features a two day student conference and two parent focused workshops.
City of Ballarat Portfolio Councillor for People and Communities John Philips said the parents’ workshops would shape the key topics of discussion at the conference parent session.
“It is valuable for us to not only obtain the views of our young people but also parents and community sector workers to ensure a robust discussion at the conference.
“We hope that through a collaborative approach to youth related alcohol and substance misuse we can help alleviate the concerns for parents.”
In the lead up to the conference a parent’s workshop will be held this week, Thursday 28 July at 7pm at the Town Hall.
The workshop aims to encourage parents to explore themes and issues around alcohol and substance misuse including ideas on how to best communicate with young people, safety skill development, legal issues regarding accessing alcohol, how to be a successful non drinker and the potential impact of alcohol on friendships.
Parents are also being encouraged to attend a parent information session titled ‘Information for Parents – how you can help reduce adolescent alcohol misuse’ on Thursday 11 August from 6.30 to 9pm in the Mining Exchange.
The session is free and will provide parents with the opportunity to have their say. John Toumbourou, Chair Health Psychology Deakin University will lead a workshop aimed at providing parents with strategies for talking with children about alcohol and his work on planned behaviour.
The two day SSMART Answers student conference will be held on Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 August, from 9am to 3pm.
SSMART (Surviving Substance Misuse and Alcohol Risk Taking) Answers – Youth Have the Key is the third local community conference involving youth people, health, education, alcohol and other drug workers and community members.
The conference is an initiative of the SSMART Network, part of Strengthening Generations a program of the City of Ballarat.
To register for the sessions parents must RSVP to 5320 5593.