FREE community information sessions are being held in Forster and Taree in August to inform the community about the prevalence and impact of the "ice" epidemic and where to go for help.
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The information session includes police, health professionals, drug and alcohol counsellors, lawyers, family counsellors, and Aboriginal health workers and give a chance to ask questions.
"Ice, or crystal methamphetamine, is having a devastating impact on the local community," said Jane O'Dwyer, spokeswoman for the legal groups who organised the forum through Manning Valley Neighbourhood Services.
"People have died because of ice. Many more have experienced significant problems with their physical and mental health. Their behaviours have changed, family relationships are suffering, and violent crime has risen."
A recent report by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research reports the use and possession of methamphetamine in the Mid North Coast has increased by 30 per cent in the past five years.
"The local community is rightly concerned about this addictive drug, and our information sessions are designed to help families and friends of people affected, educate the community, and inform professionals working in the field."
The community is invited to attend the sessions in Taree and Forster on:
o August 5, 10.30am - 12.30pm at Tobwabba Aboriginal Medical Service, 68A Macintosh St Forster.
o August 5, 2-4pm at Club Forster, 19 Strand St, Forster.
o August 20, 10.30am - 12.30pm at Bushland Multipurpose Centre, Mudford St, Taree.
o August 20, 2-4pm at Manning Uniting Church, Albert St, Taree.
A separate, comprehensive session for community workers will be held in Taree on July 31.
For flyers for individual sessions please visit www.mvns.org.au.
For further information: Jane O'Dwyer on 6553 5121.
