Reach out to drug users, vulnerable groups and their peers, informing them of culturally sensitive advice and treatment services available to them.
The objectives are to:
Train, manage and support outreach volunteers.
Set up an integrated system of outreach of outreach activities to access and inform drug misusers of services and treatment available.
Refer drug misusers from the ethnic minority community to a culturally sensitive complimentary therapy treatment services.
Why ethnic minority community?
Home Office statistics suggests that current drug services
"...were failing to deal adequately with the practicalities of working with black and minority ethnic users and raised wider cultural and religious issues..." (Home Office pub. DPAS paper 16)
Furthermore, by 2008 the UK government wants 100% increase in the number of problematic drug users in treatment and around 1000 drug misusing offenders entering treatment every week.
At Right Start, we believe with our cultural understanding and extended network, we can play a major role in accessing those disengaged communities who do not use existing drug treatment services. These include the Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Yemeni and Somali communities amongst others.
Drugs Rap 'n' Mix (DRM)
Hip hop and rap music are often blamed for their apparent links to the drugs scene but we are seeking to challenge that perception and use the means of rap and music to convey strong anti-drugs messages.
DRM in the Community
Create access and attract young people from the ethnic minority communities.
Create space for young people to express themselves relating to key substance misuse messages using music and poetry as the catalyst.
Make attendees aware of RSFI drug treatment services available.
Thus far we have organised two DRM events, one in Aston and the other in Lozells.
The level of interest generated from these unique events has captured the imagination of so many young people and has helped to build new bridges and relationships.
Furthermore following the positive response Right Start Foundation is working with local schools, colleges and youth centres in Birmingham to take a bite-size version of this Drugs Rap 'n' Mix in to the heart of these institutions.
For More Information Please contact Rawaad on 08453105338
The chairman of Right Start Foundation International. The New York Times Magazine, in reference to Khaled's popularity in Arab countries, described him in its April 30, 2006 issue as "the world's most famous and influential Muslim televangelist." Amr Khaled has recently been chosen as number 13 of the world's most influential people by Time Magazine
