Ritchie and McGimpsey open new Forum for Action on Substance Abuse premises - 30 April 2008

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie and Health Minister Michael McGimpsey officially opened the new Forum for Action on Substance Abuse (FASA) premises today.

Having outgrown its previous premises on the Woodvale Road, the new building on the Shankill Road will enable FASA to deliver its services more effectively by providing suitable accommodation such as private rooms for counselling and other therapies.

The group delivers services on issues relating to alcohol, drugs and other substance misuse, as well as suicide and self harm, across Northern Ireland, but focusing primarily on North and West Belfast.

Speaking at the opening of the centre, Margaret Ritchie said: “My department has been able to provide nearly £356,000 through the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund to purchase and refurbish these premises. That money has enabled FASA to design the interior of this building so that they can provide a top quality service to everyone.

“It is a real privilege to be able to visit an example of the work made possible by collaboration between the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and my Department, in supporting a priority community need.”

Michael McGimpsey said: “These new premises, and the range of education, training and treatment and support services that will be delivered here, is a tangible example of how joint working across government departments and agencies can have a positive impact on individuals, on families, and on our communities.

“I want to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of all the individuals and community and voluntary organisations, such as FASA, who work in the substance misuse and suicide prevention fields.

“They perform very difficult and emotionally draining jobs, often with little recognition or reward, but they can have a real impact on the lives of some of the most vulnerable and at risk people in our society, and help to make our communities better places to live.”

FASA takes a holistic approach to addressing issues for individuals, families and communities, and recognises the connection between substance misuse, suicide and self harm and their many underlying social and personal causes.

Anne Bill, Executive Director of FASA said: “This joint ministerial approach to open this valuable community resource reinforces our concept of integrated working at a community level.”

The new building enables FASA to deliver its services more effectively by providing suitable accommodation, such as private rooms for counselling and other therapies.

1. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy 'People and Place' was published in June 2003 to close the gap between the quality of life for people in the most deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of society.

2. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy has four interlinking strategic objectives:

3. The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, through the Eastern Health and Social Services Board, the Belfast Trust, and the Eastern Drug and Alcohol Co-Ordination Team, currently funds FASA in support of the implementation of the “New Strategic Direction for Alcohol and Drugs” and “Protect Life – A Shared Vision”, and in response to local needs.

4. The New Strategic Direction for Alcohol and Drugs can be found at: www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/show_publications?txtid=17069

5. The Northern Ireland Suicide Prevention Strategy, “Protect Life – A Shared Vision”, can be found at: www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/phnisuicidepreventionstrategy_action_plan-3.pdf

6. Media queries to DSD Press Office on 028 9082 9078 or DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0074. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.