YOUTH DOING THEIR PART TO CHASE AWAY METH

Spirited youth groups are doing their part to spread the anti-drug
message to their peers through innovative ideas.

Evan Henry and Sebastian Russell, peer leaders in the Community
Engagement Program, discussed the success of the program during a
working lunch yesterday at the Methamphetamine Summit 2008 at the
Rotary Complex.

Whether it's hosting a Rock Band video game contest at the Stratford
Youth Centre or bringing a trivia wheel to the quarry in St. Marys,
there are plenty of drug and alcohol-free activities offered for
community youth, the pair explained.

A community blog (www.thinkstratford.blogspot.com) provides a constant
presence for the program and interaction and opinion in an on-line
setting.

One of the group's biggest events is coming up Oct. 16, when a youth
forum will feature 300 youth, and 600 slices of pizza, as detailed in
a video shown to guests at the summit. The forum will welcome
discussion on topics like poverty and drugs and what to do in Perth
County.

"We're not going to get things done by sitting around and saying
things suck (in Perth County)," said Mr. Russell.

The duo were well received by their audience and asked what motivated
them to join the program and give back.

"We know crystal meth is a big issue that is destroying families,"
offered Mr. Russell. "We should all care and fight substance (abuse).

Mr. Henry said he has friends involved in activities that he "is not
proud of" but he hopes to improve the way the world runs in his own
small way.

Another youth group making a difference in the community is the
Crossing Bridges program, which includes former drug addicts now
helping give back in their own way.

Youth decided the program was needed to combat drugs and alcohol, and
outreach worker Brenda Hudson was hired to run the group through the
Perth County Task Force on Meth.

Crossing Bridges is a safe environment where people can get help for
addiction issues in a nurturing environment. A drop-in centre is
located at Knox Presbyterian Church in Stratford and the program
extends into Mitchell and Listowel. The program also hosts
substance-free events like Guitar Hero contests, acoustic jams,
barbecues and a Fear Factor competition, based on the television program.

Stratford mayor Dan Mathieson said he is proud of the task force's
work in education and prevention. The task force has enlisted youth
and students have done a good job of raising awareness for their
peers, he said.

"Parents need information in the community and youth need to know this
is risky, unacceptable and dangerous behaviour," said the mayor, also
co-chair of the task force. In November, a DVD for parents and
students will be released, "so they can understand the issues in a non
confrontational way."

The task force, through a link with school boards, plans a Challenge
Day for the near future to teach youth to deal with drug problems.