prevent issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, violence and neglect from destroying young lives.

In families that have children with behaviour or emotional problems, drug and alcohol abuse has typically impacted the family in some way.

Individuals with drug and alcohol problems may have perpetrated abuse and shattered relationships between parents and children. The involvement of drugs and alcohol may have created a legacy of pain, which lasts for generations.

The Family Learning Centre provides some services, which are targeted directly at preventing youngsters from beginning to use drugs and alcohol.

These services include education, which raises the awareness of children about drugs and teaches them howto say no.

They also teach they why to say no. This is done by exposing them to new activities, friends and skills, which they can use instead of taking drugs.

Using drugs and alcohol is one of many risky behaviours that people choose when they feel that they have nothing to loose.

Criminal behaviour, school drop out, unsafe sex, unsafe driving, fighting and other behaviours are brought on by many of the same things. When people lack self-esteem, family support and meaningful relationships, they tend to try many of these behaviours.

Children who have been abused, neglected or have lived in households with violence and sadness are statistically more likely to try out risky behaviours.

The Family Learning Centre targets those children and attempt to reach them before the age of 12. They involve parents and work with the whole family to heal the pain of the past and replace it with new hope.

The Family Learning Centre is more than purely a drug and alcohol prevention programme.

The effects of drugs and alcohol on families cannot be understood fully without looking at the many issues connected to it.

Different families need different solutions. All of Bermuda's helping agencies need to work together to beat drugs and alcohol.

DRUGS DGS