*** MEDIA ALERT ***
Uniting NSW.ACT’s General Manager of Advocacy & External Relations Emma Maiden is available for comment following the NSW Drug Summit in Lismore today:
Speaking after this morning’s session, she said:
“Many of the issues outlined by those who attended day one of the drug summit in Griffith are being echoed by the people from Lismore and the NSW Northern Rivers region speaking on day two.
“They have reflected on the ongoing trauma being felt right across their community and on how many have either started or returned to using drugs as a way to deal with their pain.
“Stigma and fear of discrimination and judgement are key barriers when it comes to seeking help, along with a lack of joined up support services and treatment options.
“There has been a heartfelt plea to understand that people who use drugs are not bad. They deserve empathy and kindness and recognition of the bravery involved in taking steps to seek treatment.
“A call for a health and wellbeing response to drug use, not a criminal response drew a rousing cheer from those in the room.”
Please contact Andrew Bradley (Uniting NSW.ACT) 0481 064 379 or Sofie Wainwright 0403 920 301 to arrange interviews.
