'Let's talk about drugs' media awards

When it comes to the drugs issue in Ireland, it’s good to talk openly, according to one Dublin-based community group. The Greater Blanchardstown Response to Drugs (GBRD) argue that communities should begin addressing the drug problem by finding a way to talk openly about the issue, the effects and the local impact that drugs have on an area.

As a way to encourage more families, students and communities to talk openly about the drugs issue, the GBRD came up with an aptly-titled competition called  the ‘Let’s Talk About Drugs’ Media Awards, which are now in their fourth successive year.

Students and aspiring journalists of all ages are invited to research and write an article about the drugs issue and GBRD promise to publish the winning articles in a local Dublin newspaper, to trigger a wider discussion of the issue.

'To get attention for the drugs issue, we knew we needed to come up with an attention-grabbing competition format, so the "Let’s Talk About Drugs" Media Awards were born,' said Phillip Keegan, Co-Ordinator of the Greater Blanchardstown Response to Drugs.

'Each year, the themes reflect what’s happening in our communities and in society as a whole. This year, we decided to use the two themes of "Head Shops" and the "Affects of Budget Cuts" and we’ve received a very strong response so far,' he added.

The competition falls into four age categories: 12-14, 15-17, 18-20 and 21 and over. Prizes include laptop computers and digital cameras.

The ‘Let’s Talk about Drugs’  Media Awards are supported every year by the Northside People, the Southside People, the Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund through the Blanchardstown Local Drugs Task Force, and the County Dublin VEC.

The deadline for entries across all categories has been extended to Sunday 14th February 2010 and full competition details are available from the Greater Blanchardstown Response to Drugs website at www.gbrd.ie or by phoning (01) 8262364.