Community groups launch substance abuse awareness project

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by Change | 16 Jan 2009

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Ten community groups are coming together as part of the Reaching Out scheme, raising awareness of the risks of alcohol and drug addiction.

A number of organisations are joining forces to raise awareness of alcohol and drug addiction among black and minority ethnic people in Manchester.

Ten community groups will be taking part in the Reaching Out project and offer local people a greater understanding of the risks these behaviours present.

It will target Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Somali, Kurdish, Chinese, African and Caribbean individuals in the city.

Jawad Mahboob, coordinator of Reaching Out, states: "Drugs and alcohol are subjects all too often quietened by taboo and broached with a lack of knowledge in ethnic minority communities."

He says this can lead to people at risk of developing alcohol or drug addiction problems becoming isolated.

As part of the scheme, Reaching Out will offer referrals to substance abuse treatment centres and specialist services.

Mr Mahboob says the sessions will be informal and the group aims to create a friendly and encouraging atmosphere where people will feel comfortable.

Recent research published in scientific journal Addiction shows the higher the price of drinking the more infrequently people take part and the less they consume on these occasions.

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