Investing in Sideffect to deliver national school-based drug prevention program
THE HON GREG HUNT MP
MINISTER FOR HEALTH
THE HON STEVE IRONS MP
ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR SWAN
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
22 March 2019
INVESTING IN SIDEFFECT TO DELIVER NATIONAL SCHOOL-BASED DRUG PREVENTION PROGRAM
The Liberal Government is investing $3 million seed-funding into drug
education not-for-profit Sideffect to support a national evidence-based online
prevention program for delivery in schools across the country.
Over three years, the funding will support Sideffect in expanding their One Life, One Choice presentation and to
develop and deploy new technology solutions that educate and empower students.
Sideffect will develop a new digital application which will not only be
educational but interactive between family and friends, providing a
comprehensive platform to minimise harm and facilitate collaboration between
education and health services across Australia.
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said this $3 million investment would yield
tangible benefits in drug education at a local level and complement the
Government’s early intervention and prevention programs as well as services for
withdrawal management and rehabilitation.
“Sideffect takes a comprehensive approach across the complete lifecycle of
intervention opportunities, providing tools and resources to encourage our
young people to make the right decisions,” Minister Hunt said.
“It is crucial that our kids have the information and skills they need to make
informed decisions when exposed to high risk situations involving illicit and
synthetic drugs.
“This funding expands Sideffect’s education and awareness programs and invests
in the development of their real-time decision making and response management
resources.
“Sideffect have already reached more than 61,000 students across WA and after
seeing their presentation, I knew it was so important we prioritised the roll
out of their program nationally.
“I encourage all Australian schools and education providers to engage closely
with Sideffect and begin a discussion on the devastating impact of substance
use,” Mr Hunt said.
Sideffect was started by founder Rodney Bridge after the death of his son,
Preston. Preston died at the age of 16 after taking a synthetic form of LSD in
February 2013 during his school ball after party.
Mr Bridge established Sideffect with the understanding that our youth need to
be educated on substance use and be empowered to make informed decisions, with
the help of parents, teachers and their community.
Federal Member for Swan welcomed the announcement and said education plays an
integral role in fighting the scourge of drugs in our communities.
“Sideffect’s story reminds us all that education, early intervention and having
a discussion with our children is paramount in ensuring they are well-equipped
to make safe decisions around illicit and synthetic drug use,” Mr Irons said.
“Since meeting Rod Bridge and the Sideffect team in 2016, I have seen firsthand
the incredible impact they are having on students and in drug education.
“I was so moved by the Sideffect presentation that I hosted a community forum
in Swan last year and I know the students, parents, teachers and neighbours who
attended were all impacted by Rodney’s story and the work he’s now doing with
Sideffect.
“The positive feedback from our community was overwhelming and I know a number
of schools within the electorate have now held their own Sideffect forum.
“The consequences of taking drugs, especially synthetic drugs, needs to be
heard and reiterated so we can stop this epidemic in its tracks.
“This investment will extend the Sideffect program and will help convince young
people not to try drugs through learning about the devastating impact they can
and do have.
“I thank the Minister for Health Greg Hunt for his keen interest, involvement
and advocacy for the Sideffect program and for his commitment to delivering a
national school based drug-prevention program,” Mr Irons said.
In July 2018, Sideffect was granted $150,000 from the Liberal Government to scope a new drug awareness program to support prevention and early intervention activities and promote evidence-based information about drug and alcohol through education.
This funding announcement implements Sideffect’s delivery
proposal.
The Liberal Government’s strong economic management ensures the continues
record investment of funding into health initiatives including drug and alcohol
education, mental health services, life-saving medicines, Medicare and
hospitals.
ENDS.
Media Contacts:
Amber Newton – Office of Steve Irons MP
M: 0437 593 209
E: amber.newton@aph.gov.au
James Perrin – Office of Minister
Hunt
M: 0447 534 427
E: james.perrin@health.gov.au