CAITHNESS DRUG AND ALCOHOL FORUM
Who we are?
Caithness Drug & Alcohol Forum (CDAF) represents the Highland Alcohol and Drug Partnership (HADP) at a locality level. As a Forum we aim to bring together agencies and individuals within the community who are interested in making a difference to substance misuse related issues within their own locality. The membership includes representatives from the community mental health team, public health, primary healthcare, A&E, inpatient services, police, fire, schools, community learning, criminal justice service, voluntary organisations, Highland Council, service users, self-help organisations, and other interested members of the community.
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What Do We Do?
CDAF is essentially a network for sharing information and supporting small-scale projects within the locality. The aims and objectives of the Forum are incorporated within a varied action plan that is based upon four broad themes:
Influencing Cultural Change
Prevention & Education Measures
Support & Treatment Services
Protection, Control, & Availability
Cultural change is a cross cutting theme that is integrated across the other three areas of work. Activities promoted by the Forum include a combination of local, regional, and national initiatives. Examples include raising awareness on drug and alcohol related issues, supporting national campaigns, identifying needs within the locality, helping to find solutions to local problems, and supporting access to activities that offer alternatives to alcohol and drug use.
Financial Assistance (Small-Bids Scheme)
CDAF also provides small sums (up to £250) to assist agencies and individuals in undertaking small-scale projects that will directly or indirectly help in reducing alcohol and drug misuse within the locality. Please contact the Forum for further information and an application form.
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MEETINGS
CDAF meets at least quarterly and in between regular formal meetings sub-groups of members meet to formulate ideas and to implement actions on specific topics. In order to ensure that the Forum is representative of the community we are always looking for new members. Please contact the Forum if you are interested in getting involved or perhaps just want to be kept informed of our activities.
FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL PROJECTS – (see above for details).
Contact us?
CAITHNESS DRUG AND ALCOHOL FORUM
Chair: Karl Rosie
Email: caithnessdaf@gmail.com or https://caithness-daf.org
Achievements in 2016:
- Conversation cafe event - full report available on website.
- Recovery orientated training provided in local area.
- Attended and supporting Freshers Fayre and Safehighlander event.
- Supported the development of peer led mutual aid opportunities.
- Supported the development of auricular acupuncture sessions.
- Provided funding for gardening project at Dunbar Hospital.
- Provided support for peer and family members to represent Caithness at Scottish Recovery Walk event.
- Supported local school to take part in Dundee finals of Rock Challenge 2016.
Drug & Alcohol "Snapshot" Study
The Forum have carried out a study using information gained from the Ultimate ‘Ardrock quiz held on 1st December 2005 at Wick High School. Well over 300 young people attended and each had the opportunity to participate in the quiz. 140 quiz sheets were returned. Out of this 132 were fully completed and the answers were accumulated and are presented in percentage terms over the following pages.
This study was an afterthought due to the high return and does not intend to provideany academical analysis. The questions were based on information that was gained on the evening from the CDAF “High on information” DVD, video drug box, or leaflets and information on display.What it does offer is a snapshot of knowledge of young people in Caithness at this time. We can look at the high correct scores to congratulate the awareness or study the incorrect answers to strengthen the areas where attention needs to be concentrated.
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Caithness Forum AGM - 9th September 2015
The Caithness Drug and Alcohol Forum had asked for Crew2000 (from Edinburgh) to provide an NPS awareness raising session for all those who attended their Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM was attended by people from local agencies/services and interested community members. The Vice Chair Ranald MacAuslan, on behalf of the Forum, introduced Vicki Craik, NPS Training Co-ordinator with Crew2000 who delivered a presentation on NPS. The factual and informative presentation was well received by everyone who attended and highlighted the need for further education, awareness raising and support to help reduce the harm associated with using substances. This linked in with the NPS Consultation findings which the Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP) had carried out across Highland and the ADP highlighted the work currently being done by the Forum in Caithness as well as some new approaches which members may wish to become involved in. Everyone was encouraged to become actively involved in their Forum to be able to influence and share their knowledge and experience to improve and support recovery within their community. The meeting ended with members being elected for positions in the Forum. The ADP would like to welcome Lesley Campbell as the new Caithness Forum Chair and thank the other Forum members for their ongoing dedication and committment.
Newspaper article from the John O'Groats Journal - Friday 11th Septmeber
