The Ministry of Health launches a counselling initiative in Southeast Dominica to raise awareness on alcohol abuse and promote healthy living.
Dominica: The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services has announced that it has introduced a community counselling initiative, "Your Potential is Greater than Your Proof,” for the communities in the Southeast to raise awareness on alcohol abuse and healthy living.
The outreach initiative was launched by the Counselling Unit in the Department of Social Services through the support of the National Drug Abuse Prevention Unit. According to the Counselling Unit, the rolled-out programme targets a growing public health concern regarding alcohol dependency and will play a major role in shaping the lives of different individuals, youths and families alike through prevention efforts.
Overall, the Ministry aims to “strengthen support systems and encourage positive change for individuals and families alike.” In addition to educating the participants, the public sessions have promoted open communication and involvement from everyone.
The Unit has been hosting engagement session with different communities during the last few Thursdays and has seen a turn-up from different age groups.
The Head Counsellor in the Department of Social Services, Glenora Pacquette, has spoken of the importance of this outreach initiative, stating that partnering with the Drug Prevention Unit is a key strategy which will provide the participants with the maximum amount of information that they will need to help them learn how to come out of addiction and how to prevent falling into it.
Community members have shared that the sessions are very helpful and will play a role in shaping the lives of many individuals. In an interview with the media, a resident of Laplaine stated that the programme will enable the participants to learn how to manage alcohol responsibly.
“Society has changed now, a lot of people are into drugs, marijuana, cocaine, especially young people, so I think it's a very good programme. It advises people how to function in their life, how to use alcohol, and how to manage the way of how we drink, and sometimes how we smoke, too,” stated resident Richardson Laronde.
Counsellor Pacquette further shared that the conducted sessions with the communities have been well-received with the number of participants increasing in every session.
“We are seeing more and more persons with each session. They are coming because they want to get more information, they want their lives to be changed, they want their families to prosper, and they realise and recognise that having that information can actually support rehabilitation and restoration within their families,” she added.