7 November 2006

Eastern Bay celebrates new Parent Pack

The Eastern Bay is launching a new resource aiming to help parents keep their teenagers safe.

The Parent Pack, developed by the Whakatane YATA (Youth Access to Alcohol), includes information on hosting teen parties, drugs and alcohol, school stand-downs and suspensions, sexual health. Safe driving, bullying and violence, as well as contacts and local resources for further support.

REAP, ACC, ALAC, East Bay Road Safety Committee, local health providers, schools and local councils are celebrating the launch of the resource on Thursday 16 November at Eastbay REAP, 21 Pyne Street, Whakatane from 11am to 12.30pm.

“The pack has a lot of relevant information, it’s easy to read and offers realistic solutions to issues and ways to discuss these with teenagers,” says YATA and REAP spokesperson Richard Hamer. “Parents all know how hard it can be to tackle issues such as drugs and bullying; this resource is a guide with information gathered from youth and parents – it’s not about telling parents what to do.”

Taupo YATA recently developed a Parent Pack and the Eastern Bay community agreed the district could benefit from a similar resource.

“The support from the community has been amazing; they recognised there was something missing when it came to parenting resources,” he says. “We can’t protect young people from every situation but we can guide them to make informed and positive decisions – and this booklet will help do just that.”

A funding boost of $8,500 from ACC was put towards developing the resource and local organisations are helping distribute it to parents in the community. Toi Te Ora – Public Health is evaluating the resource and a report is expected mid-March 2007.

Parents Packs will be distributed through schools, social and health service providers, police and the three local councils

ENDS

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