News & Events
Council Educates The Local Community11 March 2010
Educating parents and retailers with the tell tale signs of substance abuse was the aim of the Information seminar, recently held in Lagan Valley Island.
The event, raising the awareness of Volatile Substance Abuse, was organised by Lisburn City Council and the Lisburn Drug and Alcohol Forum, in partnership with the Lisburn division of the Police Service of Northern Ireland
It is illegal for butane or part-butane lighters or refills to be sold to anyone under 18 years of age. The Council announced at the event that it would undertake test-purchasing exercises to ensure that local retailers are complying with this legislation.
There have been 94 deaths resulting from sniffing volatile substances in Northern Ireland since 1971, with the latest figures showing that three such deaths occurred in 2007.
Mr Gary McMichael, Chairman of Lisburn Drug and Alcohol Forum said: “Volatile Substance Abuse is for the most part a hidden problem because it involves household products that are easily accessible. Young people in secret and alone often carry it out. While perhaps less high profile than other forms of substance misuse such as alcohol or drugs, it is a real issue. A survey undertaken showed that 8% of post-primary schoolchildren in Northern Ireland have misused solvents on at least one occasion.
“It is important that parents and people that work with children are aware of the facts and the risks of volatile substance abuse, so they can recognise the signs and seek help if they need it.”
Councillor Betty Campbell, Chairman of the Council’s Environmental Services Committee said: “The Council teamed up with these two organisations to highlight to retailers their legal obligations in restricting the sale of certain substances. It was also important to ensure that the parents present had the correct information to allow them to identify the signs and symptoms of abuse, before it is too late. The awareness and responsible action of retailers is essential to help reduce this problem.
“The misuse of volatile substances can lead to death, brain damage, damage to the nervous system, lungs or other major internal organs. It is important that parents and carers of children are aware of the support available if needed.”
Constable Geoff Baird, Community Safety Officer with Lisburn PSNI works with local schools and talks to students as part of their Citizenship and Safety Education (C.A.S.E.) programme. Speaking about the programme, he said: “Solvent abuse is one of the many topics covered; it is a serious issue which cannot be ignored. However, it is often overshadowed by smoking and alcohol abuse among young people."
"The PSNI is keen to prevent solvent based products being readily available to adolescents in the Lisburn area. It also wants to encourage parents to exercise greater parental responsibility by becoming more involved in knowing where their children are, who they are with and what they are doing.”
The Council and the PSNI would like to ask that retailers remain vigilant and watch out for young people gathering around premises were volatile substances are on display. Retailers must also be wary of frequent purchases of solvent-based products by the same individuals. Both organisations will take action against any retailer breaking the law and selling any substance, which they believe the underage purchaser, will inhale the fumes of.
The Lisburn Drug and Alcohol Forum can assist retailers to identify sensitive products on sale in their premises. Staff must be informed that these goods are to be kept under constant supervision and out of the reach of children who will sometimes steal to satisfy their craving.
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