Adeje ups the fight against addictions with the renewal of the Municipal Plan
In partnership with the CESICA-Proyecto Hombre Foundation, the main goal of the plan is to make public resources available to those who need help with addiction issues
In a joint effort to address the challenge of addictions in the municipality of Adeje, Esther Rivero Vargas, Adeje Councillor for Health, met recently with Marianella Lorenzo Toyos, Prevention Coordinator at the CESICA Foundation. The purpose of this meeting was to establish a strategic partnership that will consolidate actions related to drug dependencies in the locality. The renewal of this alliance aims primarily to provide resources and tools to those who need support in this area.
During the meeting, two key aspects were addressed: the Nova Sur Programme and the renewal of the Municipal Plan on drug dependencies. Both work to prevent substance use among the young population, with a focus on family intervention.
Following an evaluation of the Nova Sur Programme, it was agreed that it has become a vital resource for the town of Adeje and for families in the fight against drug use and other at-risk behaviours among young people. Since its inception, this service has played a crucial role in preventing and addressing situations related to substance use early on, providing support and guidance to young people aged 14 to 22, as well as their families.
Esther Rivero highlighted that NOVA SUR “is a fundamental pillar in our community, significantly contributing to the prevention of drug use among young people and strengthening families. In the context of updating the Municipal Plan on drug dependencies in Adeje, the crucial importance of recognising that addictions represent a significant public health challenge, negatively impacting on the well-being of young people and their families in the Canary Islands was stressed.
Adeje Town Hall implemented its first Municipal Drug Plan in 2008, primarily focusing on intervention with teenagers and young people in the family environment. However, there is now a recognised need for an update to adapt to the new needs and challenges present in 2024.
This is why the agreement with the Fundación Canaria CESICA has been renewed for another four years, to continue developing the municipal drug dependency plan. The collaboration with this organisation will focus on providing advice and defining prevention and social integration programmes related to addictions in the municipality.
Councillor Rivero Vargas stated, “We will continue working with the Fundación Canaria CESICA Proyecto Hombre to implement effective strategies that prevent addictions and promote healthy lifestyles among young people.”
The plan will provide specialised training to local police, and staff from the Youth and Sports departments, as well as other municipal areas that require training on drug intervention and prevention issues. This initiative aims to strengthen local expertise in addiction matters to ensure a safe and healthy environment for the whole municipality.