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National Family Drug Support Day

Media Release - International Family Drug Support Day 2018 - A Five Point Plan and New Online Service for Families

MEDIA RELEASE
24 February 2018FDS logo 165

International Family Drug Support Day 2018
‘Support the Family – Improve the Outcome’


A Five Point Plan and New Online Service for Families

International Family Drug Support Day is being recognized this weekend all around Australia and at a special event in Federal Parliament on Monday 26th February. The annual day is also being marked with many events across the globe.

The 24th of February, 2018, is the 21st anniversary of the death of Tony Trimingham’s son Damien from a heroin overdose in 1997 – the primary motivation behind his tireless work in the service he founded, Family Drug Support (FDS) and the inspiration for International Family Drug Support Day.

With a 2018 theme of ‘Support the Family – Improve the Outcome’ Mr Trimingham has outlined a clear 5-point plan for Governments to address the unnecessary harm and tragedies caused by drugs:
  1. Decriminalize the personal possession and use of small quantities of drugs so people using drugs can seek help without fear of prosecution;

  2. Introduce evidence based policies and programs that reduce the likelihood of harm for people using drugs – this includes safe injection facilities, prescription heroin programs and pill testing services;

  3. Dramatically increase the level of funding for treatment services – it is distressing for families to know that despite all the evidence, so much more funding is provided to arrest and punish their children and friends who are using drugs than to provide access to education, prevention, treatment and harm reduction services;

  4. Dramatically increase the level of funding to support families – governments must simply ensure that families are able to access the support they need;

  5. Develop and implement a campaign to reduce the stigma and discrimination for families and drug users – similar to the recent success we have seen for people with mental health issues.

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Media Release - International Family Drug Support Day 2018 ‘Support the Family – Improve the Outcome’

25 January 2018FDS logo 165

International Family Drug Support Day 2018
‘Support the Family – Improve the Outcome’
 


Prominent families advocate Tony Trimingham has been humbled by the response to the annual International Family Drug Support Day to be held at events across Australia and the world to mark the 24th February date.

The 24th of February, 2018, will also be the 21st anniversary of the death of Tony’s son Damien from a heroin overdose in 1997 – the primary motivation behind his tireless work in the service he founded, Family Drug Support (FDS) and the inspiration for International Family Drug Support Day.

Tony will be speaking at the events to be held in Sydney and Canberra alongside leading politicians, family members and other experts. Parliamentarians, professionals and affected families will also be attending the events taking place in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and many communities across Australia, the USA, UK and Asia.

The International Family Drug Support Day theme for 2018 ‘Support the Family – Improve the Outcome’ is based on longstanding and well researched evidence. It also reflects his own experience in seeing the positive outcomes for the person using drugs, the family and the wider community as a result of proper support.

The International Day is also targeting governments to ensure families are able to access the support they need and to encourage families to take that step and seek that support. The International Day also seeks to reduce the stigma and discrimination for families and drug users and promote harm reduction strategies.

Tony and FDS in particular want to thank the many sponsors and supporters that are helping mark the date and supporting families.

To attend (and ensure sufficient catering) please register at: 2018 Events - Register

For further information, phone: 02 4782 9222

24/7 Family support line: 1300 368 186

About the Family Drug Support Service

• Established by Tony Trimingham in 1997, Family Drug Support volunteers take around 33,000 calls to their support line every year.
• The Service provides 24/7 support (Phone: 1300 368186) and support groups in capital cities and a growing number of regional centres.
• FDS also offers the Stepping Stones course for families/friends supporting someone with drug and/or alcohol problems.
• For more information, visit the website www.fds.org.au

Copyright © Family Drug Support Australia / PO Box 7363 Leura NSW 2780 / ABN 49 081 764 258 / Website by Collaborative
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    • IFDS Day 2022 - Media Release
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      • Media Release 23 Feb 21
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