By Sumeyya Ilanbey
A western suburbs-based mothers group has received a $10,000 state government grant to help tackle methamphetamine concerns.
Sudanese Mothers Coalition in Victoria, with members from Melton, Brimbank, Maribyrnong and Wyndham, will use the money to organise a series of seminars to teach the South Sudanese community about the impacts of using methamphetamine, also known as “ice”.
Coalition chairperson Monica Majak said many South Sudanese parents lacked knowledge about drugs and the seminars would equip them with the skills to identify drug use and reach out to help services.
She said some South Sudanese parents were having difficulties with their children and drug use.
“They’ll be using drugs … and the parent doesn’t know about drugs,” Ms Majak said.
“We can learn about drugs [through these seminars]. When your child [is] taking drugs, you don’t know. Sometimes you can just, like, be shocked when you see your child … the child behaving differently and you don’t know actually what’s going on.”
Ms Majak said the group also hoped the seminars would deter young South Sudanese people from dabbling in illicit drug use.
“Those who are still not affected by drugs, if they can come to attend training it will be good for them,” she said. “They will say to other kids, ‘Drugs is not good’.”
The Sudanese Mothers Coalition in Victoria was among 14 community groups across the state to receive funding through the Ice Action Grants.
Groups focused on improving the safety of the community, indigenous people and young people at risk of offending, were encouraged to apply.
Mental Health Minister Martin Foley said the state government was committed to helping community groups reduce the impacts of addiction and drug use.
“We’re supporting locals, who know their area better than anyone, to reduce the harm of ice,” Mr Foley said. “These grants will help these community groups fight this terrible drug, which is putting pressure on our hospitals, hurting families and leading to more assaults on paramedics and other first responders.
“I congratulate all of these community groups, which are working so hard to fight this impact of ice.”
