Youth Minister Peter Tinley presented not-for-profit organisation Sideffect with an $89,500 cheque today to develop a new website aimed at educating young people and boosting wider discussion about synthetic and illicit drugs.
The new website will highlight the impact of substance abuse and empower young people to make informed decisions about their individual health, wellbeing and relationships.
It will also facilitate discussion between young people, parents, teachers and the broader community, and provide resources to help parents who struggle with discussing drugs with their children.
Lotterywest remains the only lottery in Australia that is State Government owned and operated, with most of the money spent on tickets going back to Western Australians through prizes and grants.
Rodney Bridge founded Sideffect in 2015 following the death of his 16-year-old son Preston.
As noted by Youth Minister Peter Tinley:
“The McGowan Government firmly believes in the benefits of early intervention when dealing with drug addiction and substance abuse.
“This is why education is a key plank in the State’s Methamphetamine Action Plan and why we support Sideffect’s efforts to empower young people to make informed decisions about drug use – decisions which can potentially save lives.
“It is critical that conversations with young people about drugs happen early and in an honest way, and that parents, teachers and others in the community have the necessary tools to help them in that discussion.”
