Strabane drug awareness event supported by Rory Carlin’s family

A WORKSHOP will take place at the Koram Centre in Strabane later this month to inform parents and carers about the dangers of drugs.

‘Time To Talk’ will be hosted by the Strabane mental health charity and will focus on how to spot substance abuse issues and develop strategies on how to deal with them. It is part of the centre’s on-going Rory Carlin Memorial Fund Project.

Rory, who was 22, died in 2023. His family say he took his own life due to drink and drugs addiction.

Since his death, Rory’s family and friends have been working to raise awareness about drugs misuse.

The upcoming workshop will also cover a wide range of subjects including the latest ‘trends’ in substance abuse, the impact of alcohol and drugs on adolescent development, effective communication strategies for discussing the issues, spotting the signs of a drug-related emergency and informing parents of the support available to them.

Adrian Loughrey, manager at the Koram Centre, said the aim of the project is to increase knowledge, understanding and skills to address substance misuse and addiction issues in the local community.

“Among the issues raised will be learning more about the types of substances available and the effect and impact that these can have.

“We also wish to better equip participants to begin to have conversations with those they might be concerned about to encourage them to get support if needed.

“This workshop has been made possible due to the generous fundraising of the Carlin family. The Koram Centre greatly appreciates and is sincerely thankful for the support which has been shown to us by all those who have donated to the Rory Carlin Memorial Fund.”

Dominic Carlin said: “Everyone in the Carlin and Casey familes appreciates the support given to the cause by each and every person.

“We hope that as many people as possible can attend the event to ensure addiction doesn’t take hold in our young people.”

The workshop will take place on Tuesday, April 29, from 6.30pm until 8.30pm.