Helen Morton
Minister for Mental Health; Disability Services
Sun 05 August, 2012
Portfolio: Mental Health

•         New cinema and radio ads designed for young Aboriginal people
•         Campaign focus on impact on the mind, body, law and support

New cinema and radio advertisements form part of an innovative campaign to prevent and reduce harm caused by alcohol and other drug (AOD) use among young Aboriginal people.

Mental Health Minister Helen Morton said the advertisements would feature as part of the ‘Strong Spirit Strong Mind’ Metro Project, which aimed to strengthen the range of AOD prevention and service responses for Aboriginal young people, their families and communities in the Perth metropolitan area.

“This campaign has been designed with help from Aboriginal young people keen to get the message out that alcohol and drugs can lead to doing things they may regret, and to encourage those who need help to seek support,” Mrs Morton said.

“The advertisements are the first of their kind for young Aboriginal people in Perth, and it’s great to see a focus on alcohol and cannabis, which are the primary drugs of concern.”

Consultation with Aboriginal youth groups and agencies identified that the campaign should focus on the effects of alcohol and other drugs on the mind and body, the law and where to get support.

The campaign is expected to run initially for four weeks, in metropolitan cinemas and radio.

Funding for the ‘Strong Spirit Strong Mind’ Metro Project was made available through the Council of Australian Governments Closing the Gap National Partnership Agreement, and includes culturally secure prevention and early intervention initiatives, along with the establishment of an outreach treatment team.

Fact File

• In 2011, 77% of treatment episodes for Aboriginal young people indicated alcohol or cannabis as primary drug of concern
• Surveys show Aboriginal people less likely to drink alcohol than non-Aboriginal people, but those who do, more likely to do so at harmful levels
• More information: http://www.alcoholthinkagain.com.au or http://www.drugaware.com.au

Minister’s office - 6552 6900