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

25 January 2018

 

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