Film by local teenagers highlights drug abuse

A SHORT film made by a cast and crew of Co Waterford teenagers to promote drugs awareness was launched in the Arts Centre in Dungarvan last night.

The 10-minute film was the brainchild of County Waterford Community Drugs Initiative who will use it as an educational resource for teachers and youth leaders in the county.

Take Your Mind Off Your Troubles is the fictional story of a 16-year-old girl who resorts to drugs after she is dumped by text by her boyfriend.

The film, which was written by Tramore-based director Paul Lynch, was filmed entirely on location in Dungarvan over five days last year. The cast and crew of 10 teenagers involved in the project arrived at the arts centre last night in a stretch limousine before the official opening which was attended by town mayor Fiachra Ó Ceilleachair.

Paul Mullens from the Community Drugs Initiative says the real impact of the film will be felt after the DVD is switched off.

“It’s the discussion that will occur afterwards that will bring up the issues and problems that young people are having and that’s where the learning will be.”

He says although the film focuses on the use of cannabis and alcohol, he hopes it will get the message across that the use of drugs does not help people deal with problems they encounter. He says a worrying trend regarding drugs use is emerging in the Waterford region.

“There’s no doubt that there’s plenty of cannabis use in Dungarvan but what we’re beginning to see, and it is worrying, is a lot of cocaine use. Also, some of my colleagues in the Carrick-On-Suir and Waterford City areas are having people present themselves with heroin.”

Fifty copies of the DVD are being distributed to schools, community groups and youth projects in Waterford in the coming days.