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Northe Encourages A Month Without Booze To Help Youth In Need

Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe is encouraging all Gippsland residents to grab a mate and take a break from the booze this February to support the reduction of alcohol and other drug related harms in Young Australians.

By Russell Northe - 5th February 2010 - Back to News

The FebFast challenge is charitable and works to reduce the impact of alcohol and other drugs on young Australians by raising funds to support youth alcohol and drug services working in research, prevention and service delivery.

The FebFast campaign focuses on national education, awareness and fundraising that invites people to forgo their alcohol consumption during February and at the same time raise funds for organisations working to support young people struggling with alcohol and drug related problems.

"FebFast is a fantastic initiative, as the prevalence of alcohol abuse is increasing not only nation wide, but in our local communities," Mr Northe said.

"I have children myself, and the last thing I want is for them to have an unhealthy and dangerous lifestyle when it comes to alcohol or drugs.

This is why I am going to participate in FebFast, because I definitely think it's a worthwhile cause," Mr Northe said.

"The premise is simple; you and a mate stop drinking for a month, and raise some money. It's a bit of fun, and a good way to give your liver a break, which may be needed after celebrating Christmas and the New Year."

YSAS Wellbeing for Young People is a beneficiary of FebFast's annual fundraising efforts. Latrobe Valley YSAS Youth Outreach Worker Larnia Sobott said there are many benefits to partaking in the challenge, especially after the festive season.

"Taking a month off from alcohol consumption gives time to reflect on their personal behaviours and if necessary, make positive changes for the future," she said.

"As one of the recipients of FebFast funds, YSAS will be using the money raised from this year's campaign to undertake a research and development program that will closely examine the pathways into problematic alcohol and drug use experienced by young people.

"The research is aimed at identifying more clearly the opportunities for earlier intervention and also the possibilities for new service types across YSAS' state-wide service.

"FebFast has previously provided support to YSAS in relation to young people with alcohol and drug problems who are also parents. This early work has led to a stronger understanding at YSAS of the issues faced by young parents and has led to further service improvement in how to respond more effectively to the complex needs of this group," Ms Sobott said.

Mr Northe has encouraged the participation of community members to get involved, either as a participant or a sponsor.

"If you enjoy a beer at the pub now and then, you might be able to get quite a contribution from your mates who don't think you'll last.

"Whether you think you can go a month or not, have a go, and remember that the money you raise is going to a cause which is in great need, for a problem that is worsening at a worrying rate.

"Young people in our region need your support, so put your stubby holder away and join the 3,500 who already participate in the FebFast Challenge."

For more information visit www.febfast.com.au


Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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