To help navigate the true impact of vaping on an individual’s health, and the health of the broader community, Bridges Health & Community Care have partnered with Blurred Minds to bring a quality education program to the Bundaberg Region.
As a leading provider of drug and alcohol rehabilitation and treatment services in Wide Bay, Bridges staff have witnessed the rising use of vaping in young people and the need for better knowledge about the health implications of using vapes.
Bridges CEO and psychologist Sharon Sarah said currently there was an unregulated market, and she said imported vaping products were not tested for safety or quality in Australia, so they contain unknown chemicals which could be harmful.
“While vapes can be an effective tool in reducing the harms associated with tobacco smoking, the uptake of vaping by young people and the extent of its use is out of control,” Sharon said.
The Queensland Government has announced free access for Queensland schools for the Blurred Minds Academy which is an online education program aimed to change the way younger generations think and interact with alcohol, vaping and other drugs.
Bridges has partnered with Blurred Minds to bring an in-person vaping education program into the local community and secondary schools to reinforce the important messages of this program.
“We are proud to be offering this program to 9 schools in late term two,” Sharon said.
“Workshops have been tailored to ensure maximum access to the program through the secondary schools that signed up to participate.
“There will also be a teacher workshop held in each region as well as an information session for parents, carers and the broader community.”
Sharon said they were keen to see this valuable information on vaping shared.
“So that our communities can make informed choices and ensure that locals have a direct link and referral pathway to our drug and alcohol service for follow up if required,” she said.
The program has been limited to the Bundaberg and Hervey Bay regional schools based on the geographic boundaries of the Hinkler electorate and the Department of Social Services Social Shift grant requirements.
The program will be delivered through Kepnock State High School, YMCA Vocational School, St Lukes Anglican School, Bundaberg State High School and North State High School from 20 – 28 May.
Information workshops are open to parents, carers and interested community members, and will be held on Tuesday 21 May 6-7 pm at St Lukes Anglican School and a whole of region teacher workshop being held on Wednesday 22 May 3.45-4.45 pm.
Bookings for these public workshops can be made here.
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services and Social Shift.
