Press Release - St. Patrick’s Day
Thursday 12th March, 2009
Don’t overdo it on the booze this St. Patrick's Day urges Aislinn Centre.
With St. Patricks Day approaching, the Aislinn Centre is urging parents and adults to drink responsibly in front of children and adolescents during the celebrations.
Declan Jones, Director of the Aislinn Centre said:
“St. Patricks day is notoriously associated with drinking and having the craic. Often people are drinking on the streets or at parades. We are urging people to think about the message this is giving to children and adolescents. We cannot expect them to respect alcohol when they see their parents and other adults over-indulging in this way.”
“St. Patricks day is often a time for families to spend a day together. The day might begin with the local parade followed by a few drinks in the pub. Parents must be mindful of the message they are sending out to their children. Overdoing it can send out the message that it is acceptable not to drink responsibly in celebration of our national holiday day. This is inevitably going to affect the child’s attitude to alcohol consumption.”
The Aislinn Centre is the only drug-free residential centre in the State providing residential treatment to young people who are dependent on alcohol and/ or drugs aged between 15 and 21.
“We want people to enjoy the celebrations and where possible take the time to spend with their family. And to remember to act responsibly in the presence of children and adolescents who can be easily influenced.”
Aislinn provides a 42 day residential programme supported by a two-year after care programme which consists of two-hour weekly meetings. The Centre has an open referral policy and is based in Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny.
Author: Aislinn
Published on: March 12, 2009 at 3:34pm