First drug and Mental Health Expo for Macarthur

Courtasy of: www.macarthuradvertiser.com.au

WOULD you know where to go if a family member was suffering from mental health or drug problems?

The answer is often no, says Mary Ashby, a counsellor at Maryfields Day Recovery Centre in Campbelltown.
That's why Maryfields and several other local organisations have joined to create the first annual Macarthur Drug Free Expo.

The expo, to be held at Campbelltown Civic Centre on June 25, will offer information packs to the community about mental health and drug education.

``It still surprises me that people ring up and they don't know where to go for these services,'' Mrs Ashby said.

``People often self-medicate, when they become mentally unwell, with alcohol and drugs. They feel better but it actually makes it worse but if families can recognise this, they can be directed to the right care.''
Mrs Ashby, who has worked at Maryfields for the past eight years, said there was ``always a need'' for an event like the expo.

``It's also good for mums and dads who want to teach their kids about drugs,'' she said.
``We hope it's going to grow from here. We're very excited.''

The expo will coincide with Drug Action Week (June 20-26) and is partly funded by the Community Drug Action Team.

Campbelltown rehabilitation centre Odyssey House is also involved, as well as Lifeline and the Drug and Alcohol Women's Network.

Odyssey House chief executive James Pitts was pleased at the combined effort of all of the organisations involved.

``People will learn about the comprehensive services we provide for people who have complex needs relating to alcohol and other drug misuse including mental health issues,'' he said.
``We hope the expo will inform and engage the local community as to the services available to them and there are some innovative and fun events planned for the day.''

The first annual Macarthur Drug Free Expo will be held at Campbelltown Civic Centre, corner of Queen and Broughton streets, on June 25 from 10am to 2pm.

Peace & Balance

MH OT