CAMPAIGN TO INFORM parents ABOUT dangers of solvent abuse

A new campaign, called 'Not to be sniffed at', which aims to encourage parents to talk to their children about the dangers of volatile substance abuse (VSA) will be launched on Wednesday, August 19.

Fraser Hoggan, NHS Grampian Health Improvement Officer - Alcohol and Drugs, Marina Clayton, Development Manager for Re-Solv Scotland, and parent Lorraine Morrice, will launch the campaign.

Lorraine Morrice, from Aberdeenshire, lost her child to VSA.  She says: "I am totally supportive of this campaign and only wish I had been aware of the dangers of VSA before my son David died, aged 15.

"The shock of his sudden death was compounded by the shock of my own ignorance about VSA.  I was a teacher, yet had no idea of the vast range of everyday household products that could be abused - with potentially fatal results.  To me, VSA conjured up images of glue sniffers in inner city deprived areas, far removed from life in rural Aberdeenshire.

"VSA is no respecter of postcodes, and no responsible parent can afford the luxury of complacency.  Educate yourself and make your children aware of the danger of volatile substance abuse, still responsible for killing more adolescents than any illegal drug."

A recent survey conducted with 11 to 16 year olds across Grampian demonstrated that solvent abuse remains a significant concern.  Its reported use, with other inhalants, was second only to cannabis.  The 'Not to be sniffed at' campaign, aims to inform parents of the risks and encourage them to talk to their children.

Fraser Hoggan, Health Improvement Officer - Alcohol and Drugs for NHS Grampian says: "Many parents think that solvent abuse is a thing of the past but the survey, published at the end of 2008, showed young people are experimenting with substances, and many have tried and continue to abuse solvents."

Marina Clayton, Development Manager, Re-Solv Scotland says: "Re-Solv are delighted that Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray Alcohol & Drugs Partnerships (formerly Alcohol and Drug Action Teams) are running this campaign to get parents thinking and talking about the dangers in their own home.  Solvent abuse is a very secret, hidden activity.  Children often learn about the potential to get a 'buzz' from everyday household items from other children.  Solvent abuse can kill instantly and the youngest person to die in Scotland was 7 years old."

Virtual home highlights dangers

Radio stations Northsound and MFR are supporting the campaign by hosting a virtual 'home' on its website.  Listeners are encouraged to spend five minutes looking round the 'home' for 12 everyday household products, which could be used in solvent abuse, and learn about their potential risks and dangers, as well as other helpful information, before filling in a short online questionnaire at www.northsound1.com or www.mfr.co.uk

Everyone who takes part will be entered in a prize draw for a Wii.

All the information gathered through the questionnaire will be analysed to help evaluate whether parents feel more informed and able to discuss this topic with their children.

The campaign will run until September 14, 2009 and is being funded by the Scottish Government and the multi-agency Alcohol & Drugs Partnerships (formerly Alcohol and Drug Action Teams) from Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray, in partnership with Re-solv Scotland.

Notes

• North East statistics can be found at www.nhsgrampian.org/youthlifestyle2007 
  
  
• Re-Solv is the national charity solely dedicated to the prevention of solvent and volatile substance abuse (VSA).  Re-Solv's purpose is to end volatile substance abuse, particularly among children and young people.  With over 20 years' experience and dedication to the prevention of VSA, Re-Solv is acknowledged as the lead body in the field and recognised nationally and internationally as a specialist source of information on VSA.
  
  Contact details:

National Information Line
01785 810762
Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm (excluding public holidays)
www.re-solv.org