Redfern Waterloo Community Drug Action Team (CDAT) is seeking to boost its membership and wants to hear from locals who are passionate about building a strong, healthy, and connected community.

The CDAT Community Committee is wanting to recruit people who are willing to share their ideas and thoughts about how to support harm-minimisation programs, and help the community in Redfern and Waterloo.

The committee is currently focused on supporting local residents who may be experiencing substance use issues and need assistance, or families that are living with someone who is experiencing substance use issues. We know that during the COVID-19 pandemic there has been an increase in the use of alcohol across Australia and that social isolation can cause spikes in drug use.

CDAT hopes to produce a feature article for The South Sydney Herald in June that will highlight the journey of local people who might have had trouble during this difficult time finding the right support. The article will also include examples of those who have been able to overcome obstacles during the lockdown, and those that can offer advice to others who may be struggling.

”Whether you’d like to become a Community Drug Action Team member or can offer a small amount of time to assist with one-off events, we’d love to hear from you,” committee chair, Claire Mennie said. “Community Drug Action Teams are led by passionate volunteers, wanting to make a difference in their own neighbourhoods. If more people get involved, we are likely to have a bigger impact,” Mennie explained.