Child expert to give free talk on how to address drink and drugs with teens

A LEADING psychiatrist will tell parents how to talk to their teenagers about drink and drugs at a free public meeting tonight.

Dr Vincent Moloney is an internationally-recognised expert in child and adolescent development.

The co-author of Parents under Pressure, he has also featured on RTÉ’s Family Matters programme and on the radio series Mind of a Child.

He will address a free public information meeting in Kinsale, Co Cork tonight on communicating with children and adolescents.

Parents will be told it is never too early to start talking to children about issues around alcohol and drugs.

He will also explain how to recognise symptoms of alcohol or drug abuse, and equip them with skills to talk to their children about such issues.

Garda Sergeant Colin Collins will also advise parents on the prevalence of drugs in Kinsale and the work the local drugs unit is doing to combat the problem.

Service providers like the Local Drugs Task Force, Club Co Cork, Arbour House, Tabor Lodge, Youth Health Service, and the Matt Talbot Adolescent Services will also have information stands.

The event is organised by the Kinsale Healthy Options Project in association with the Health Service Executive South’s Health Promotion Department.

The chairman of Kinsale Healthy Options Project, Cllr Fred Treacy, said he delighted Dr Moloney will attend.

“This is a great opportunity for parents, teachers, youth leaders and all those with responsibility for the welfare of young people to come and hear Dr Moloney who is recognised internationally for his work,” he said.

He said parents, grandparents, guardians, teachers, community group leaders, club or society leaders and anyone involved with young people is welcome to attend.

It takes place tonight from 8pm-9.30pm in the Trident Hotel, Kinsale.

The Kinsale Healthy Options Project was formed after a successful Cardiovascular Health Promotion Evening in 2004.

Its aim is to promote a range of health projects. It is supported by the HSE and the Kinsale and District Lions Club.