National Anti-Bullying Week

Thanks to Michael Clarke and Jennifer McFadden who invited TIPSA to work with some students at NRC in Magherafelt recently.

Some students from the NRC in Magherafelt

archived 20th October 2008

TIPSA 5th Birthday Celebrations

TIPSA's 5th Birthday celebrations were held in Gortalowry House on the 26th June. During the morning a wide variety of organisations and individuals were represented, highlighting the range of work done by the project over the past few years. As well as a slideshow illustrating various aspects of the project since 2003, other attractions included a lovely cake made by Councillor Maureen Lees who is also on the TIPSA management committee and music provided by TIPSA's own banjo maestro David Murray. Chairperson Sean O'Kane thanked everyone for making the effort to come along and expressed a hope that we will be celebrating a sixth anniversary.

Eugene, Sean and Marty (left to right) cut the cake

Some pictures from this year's Drama Workshop, held in conjunction with the Cornstore Youth Club, Draperstown Jun 30th- July 3rd 2008.

Thanks to all who attended the workshops- we hope you had a great time. It was very enjoyable working with you all for the four days. Your commitment and participation were excellent- congratulations on making these the best series of workshops yet! Keep an eye on this page- we will be putting more photos up over the next while, so do keep coming back.

A few of the young participants at the TIPSA Drama Workshop in Draperstown.

TIPSA Drama Workshop in Draperstown.

archived 20th October 2008

TIPSA and CRUN OCN Level 2 Community Drugs Awareness

The  Level 2 OCN course being run by TIPSA in association with the LEAD Project/ CRUN and Positive Steps Learning Centre has finished. Congratulations to Robert, Winston, Sean, Ruth, Teresa and Brenda on your participation and commitment in lasting the full 10 weeks. Please note for those of you who have not yet handed in your files, the closing date is Friday 18th July at 2pm, when they will be collected from Positive Steps- please get them in as soon as possible for marking the following week. To mark the end of the delivery stage, a presentation meal was held in the Royal Hotel, Cookstown although unfortunately a number of individuals could not make it. TIPSA will endeavour to get the files back to everyone as soon as possible after marking.

Teresa, Brenda and Robert at the presentation dinner.

David entertains at TIPSA's 5th Birthday Party

Our Birthday Cake donated by Councillor Maureen Lees

Drama Workshop in Draperstown

Above- Parents Information Night, Ballinascreen

Above- Ballinascreen Info Event for 16-18 year olds

archived 1st August 2008

TIPSA OCN Level 2 Community Drugs Awareness Summer Course

TIPSA has received a number of requests regarding another OCN Level 2 Community Drugs Awareness course for over the summer period. While details still have to be finalised, it will probably be run over 5 full days, although this has to be confirmed yet. As ever this will be in conjunction with CRUN. Keep watching this page for further information which will be posted as soon as possible. To register an interest contact Marty at the TIPSA office.

archived 1st August 2008

NEELB Youth Service -  Open Access Programme.

Open Access is an exciting new opportunity for all young people aged 14+ in the Magherafelt Area. If you have an interest in ICT, film making, doing a project or you just want to hang out and use the computer suite, then the NEELB want you. There is no cost involved and the programme is open to your suggestions on how to make it better. If you are interested call at Magherafelt Office Unit 13, Magherafelt Youth Office, Rainey St. Magherafelt.

TIPSA the Cookstown and Magherafelt based Drugs and Alcohol Education project held a very well attended AGM on the 13th of March in the Royal Hotel, Cookstown. Project Co-ordinators Eugene O'Goan and Martin McCann reflected on a very successful year for the project and looked forward to the challenges which TIPSA will face in the coming 12 months. The Chairman, Mr. Sean O'Kane welcomed the new members to the Management team and stated that he hoped that the Project could continue its steady development for the next year. TIPSA would like to thank all those in attendance and to thank all those who have supported the Project during the last twelve months. To read the co-ordinators report for the last twelve months click here.

archived 17th July 2008

TIPSA Drama Workshops.

Please note that the option of hosting a TIPSA Drama Workshop has closed. This option has been taken up by the Cornstore Youth Club in Draperstown. Eugene and Marty would like to thank all the other organisations who expressed an interest in hosting this event. We look forward to working with these groups on further projects in the coming year. Remember to keep checking the TIPSA website as TIPSA have other fun events planned for the coming months.

archived 17 July 2008

Happy Birthday TIPSA

Come along to our birthday party. TIPSA is holding an open day on Thursday, 26th June from 10am- 1pm to celebrate its fifth birthday. Feel free to drop in to Gortalowry House to join in the celebrations at any time- there will be a cake cutting ceremony at 10:30am.

 Refreshments and music will be provided up to 1pm. We look forward to seeing you on the 26th!  Everyone welcome

archived 26th June 2008

TIPSA and CRUN OCN Level 2 Community Drugs Awareness

TIPSA in association with the LEAD Project/ CRUN and Positive Steps Learning Centre are delivering a 10 week OCN accredited Level 2 Community Drugs Awareness course. This is targeted at individuals who want to know more about drugs in the community, what is being used and by who and why etc. It follows on from the Level 1 course run by Marty, but participants do not have to have taken part in the Level 1 to do Level 2. 

The course is starting in Positive Steps Learning Centre on Tuesday 29th April from 10am right through to 1pm. REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL- contact TIPSA for a registration pack or click here. Registration forms should be returned to CRUN at the address provided.

The latest group from the Cornstore youth club, Draperstown at their presentation event following their completion of a five week TIPSA programme.

A group of young ladies from Maghera pictured with their Youth Leader Oscar Spence at a recent Presentation Dinner.  Missing from the photo are Eugene O'Goan  and Martin McCann TIPSA Project Coordinators.

                      
A Presentation from the recent Drama Workshops run by TIPSA.
Contact TIPSA now to get your community involved.

Are you looking for something to keep the young people from your community entertained  this summer? Well TIPSA may have the answer. This summer TIPSA will offer our staff and a Drama Coach to run a series of workshops  commencing on 30th of June. The workshop will run for 4 days and there will be no charge for services. All that TIPSA require is that the host organisation fulfill some basic criteria, provide participants and provide a suitable venue. For more information click here or ring the TIPSA office on 8676 3388 and speak to Eugene O'Goan or Martin McCann for more details.

Please note this workshop will be allocated on a first come, first served basis subject to some basic criteria set by TIPSA

TIPSA Fun Quiz for Teenagers

Congratulations to Loup Pioneers  who won the annual TIPSA Fun Quiz, held in Ballyronan. Second place went to Toome Pioneers, so it was a great night all around for the PTAA. Although not as well supported as in previous years, both teams deserved their prizes and a fun night was had by everyone in attendance. Thanks go to the adults who gave up their time and made the effort in getting the teams there, and without whom the event could not happen. 

archived 9th June 2008

TIPSA Fun Quiz for Teenagers

Keep Wednesday April 30th 2008 free for the annual TIPSA quiz, in the Marina Centre, Ballyronan, commencing at 7.30pm. This is open to all teenagers, and as ever there will be a wide range of prizes on the night. Can Cookstown Scouts maintain their dominance of the event? 

This year's quiz will be even bigger and better than before, so keep an eye out for more information. Registration is optional but if you could please let us know in advance about your team it would help with catering arrangements.

archived 1st May 2008

Young People from Bellaghy pictured at their recent Presentation Dinner, also in the picture are Erica Hogg from the NEELB and Marty Mc Cann TIPSA.

archived 24th April 2008

TIPSA and CRUN OCN update

Congratulations to Ronan, Martina, Ciaran, Josie, Frances and Gerry who have recently completed a level 1 OCN on Community Drugs Awareness, held in Gortalowry House. They all passed the course with flying colours, and judging from their evaluations learned a lot and enjoyed the experience. The two day course was facilitated by Marty from TIPSA in conjunction with CRUN. This is just one of the many accredited programmes TIPSA can now run thanks to our partnership with CRUN, so if you think we might be able to provide you with a course to fit your needs contact Marty at the TIPSA office.

Successful TIPSA Parents Education Event at the Cornstore Draperstown.  

TIPSA have delivered a very successful Parents Education Event at the Cornstore Draperstown.  TIPSA Project Coordinator Marty McCann said that he was delighted to be able to offer his talk to parents to help underpin the three previous young people's  Education Programmes that have already been delivered in Draperstown. Fellow Project Coordinator Eugene O'Goan also expressed his thanks to both Michelle Magee and also to Saint Colm's High School for inviting TIPSA  and for encouraging uptake of the services which TIPSA provide. As part of this partnership approach TIPSA have also provided an information point at special events  which have been held in the school.

 As part of their ongoing work in this area TIPSA will be back in early 2008 to deliver more services. 

Why not contact TIPSA now to get your community involved. TIPSA is available to everyone and normally there is no cost to communities/groups for TIPSA services.

A consultation on raising the age for the purchase of tobacco products in Northern Ireland has been welcomed by doctors. 

Launching the consultation, assembly Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: "A key factor in reducing prevalence is to discourage adoption of the smoking habit.

"Evidence shows that in Northern Ireland, 79% of adult smokers took up the habit in their teens and that 11% of children aged 11-15 years are regular smokers.

(Source BBC Website)

Age to buy cigarettes to increase
From the 1st Oct 2007, only those aged 18 and over will be able to purchase cigarettes in England and Wales. It is believed, but not yet confirmed, that the law will also be amended in Scotland around the same time. No news of it being extended to Northern Ireland yet, although with the Republic recently tightening it's laws, it may not be too long before those with the power in Stormont consider something similar here.

National No Smoking Day

Wednesday 12th March is this year's National No Smoking Day. It is a great opportunity for those who want to give up cigarettes and want a milestone to kick start things with. If New Year's Day and Ash Wednesday didn't work for you then this could be the time for anyone to finally kick the habit. There is plenty of support now for anyone who wants to quit, some of which can be found at http://www.nosmokingday.org.uk/smokers/index.htm. You can also call the NHS smoking helpline on 0800 169 0 169, contact your GP or of, course, TIPSA for further direction. TIPSA will be planning some publicity for the day so keep an eye out for it.

Archived 20th March 2008

Anti-Bullying Week has just ended.

The19th-23rd Nov was designated anti-bullying week and there were a range of different activities running nationally to highlight the effects of bullying and how to get it stopped. YouTube, in conjunction with charity BeatBullying, has launched a new channel where celebrities and others have posted practical clips that deal with many of the issues. Keep an eye out for locally based initiatives as well. Check out the anti-bullying links on TIPSA's homepage for more details.

Archived 20th March 2008

Great prizes up for grabs!!!!  

Want to win a really great prize?

Enter this competition - check out www.up-2-you.net  

Ten great prizes up for grabs:

Nintendo Wii console - Nintendo DS handheld plus game - iPod nano -           Camera mobile phone and six runner-up prizes of £50 vouchers for a              leading sports or clothes shop!

Its free to enter and all the answers are on the website. Go on it could be you!

TIPSA cordially invite you to attend our

Annual General Meeting

in

The Royal Hotel, Cookstown

on

Thursday, 13th March 2008

at 10.30 a.m. 

Lunch will be served, RSVP by Monday 10th March

to Eugene or Marty:  Phone; 028 8676 3388  or Email; info@cookstownhelp.com

If you would like to attend our AGM contact us by Monday 10th March this invite is open to everyone.  

Archived 14th March 2008

Source BBC website www.bbc.co.uk 

Information Event

TIPSA will be delivering a Drugs and Alcohol Parents Event in Bellaghy at the Old School Community Centre, Tonight Tuesday 5th of February at 7.30pm.

REFRESHMENTS SERVED

See local press for further details.

A very Happy New Year from Eugene Marty and David

We look forward to working in your Community.

Lets make it a date in 2008

Archived 22nd January 08

1st December- World AIDS Day

This Saturday, 1st Dec 2007, marks the annual World AIDS day. This takes place every year to highlight the issues around HIV/ AIDS and tries to tackle the high level of ignorance that many people still exhibit towards the virus. For more information click on the HIV Support Centre Link on our home page or click here for an information sheet about the day.

Archived 4th December 07

TIPSA and CRUN OCN update

Congratulations to Ronan, Martina, Ciaran, Josie, Frances and Gerry who have recently completed a level 1 OCN on Community Drugs Awareness, held in Gortalowry House. They all passed the course with flying colours, and judging from their evaluations learned a lot and enjoyed the experience. The two day course was facilitated by Marty from TIPSA in conjunction with CRUN. This is just one of the many accredited programmes TIPSA can now run thanks to our partnership with CRUN, so if you think we might be able to provide you with a course to fit your needs contact Marty at the TIPSA office.

Archived 27th November 07

Anti-Bullying Week 19th-23rd Nov

This has been designated anti-bullying week and there are a range of different activities running nationally to highlight the effects of bullying and how to get it stopped. YouTube, in conjunction with charity BeatBullying, has launched a new channel where celebrities and others have posted practical clips that deal with many of the issues. Keep an eye out for locally based initiatives as well.

Archived19th November 07

TIPSA Parents Information Event

TIPSA will be delivering a parents information session in the Corn Store Draperstown on Tuesday the 6th of November at 7.30. This event is suitable for adults only so come along and get the facts around drugs and alcohol. This is also a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered. 

Archived 8th November 07

A consultation on raising the age for the purchase of tobacco products in Northern Ireland has been welcomed by doctors. 

Launching the consultation, assembly Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: "A key factor in reducing prevalence is to discourage adoption of the smoking habit.

"Evidence shows that in Northern Ireland, 79% of adult smokers took up the habit in their teens and that 11% of children aged 11-15 years are regular smokers.

(Source BBC Website)

Archived 31st October 07

Congratulations Marty......

Best wishes to Marty McCann and  Rina Flanagan who were married in Rome from Eugene, David and everyone associated with the TIPSA Project. Good Luck for the future.

archived22nd October

October 10 Marks World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day was observed for the first time in 1992. It was started as an annual activity of the World Federation for Mental Health by the then Deputy Secretary General Richard Hunter. The day is officially commemorated every year on October 10th. 

The Mental Health Foundation celebrates World Mental Health Day each year, using it as an opportunity to communicate with the general public about mental health issues.

For more information log on at    www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/wmhd/

archived 10th October

Welcome to the new look TIPSA website. 

We hope you like our new look as we continue to expand the website in the coming weeks. Remember to visit the TIPSA website on a regular basis to keep up to date will some of the issues around drug and alcohol misuse.

Please note that there are still a few places available on the OCN Level 1 Community Drugs Awareness Course, see below for more details or to book your place.

Age to buy cigarettes to increase
From the 1st Oct 2007, only those aged 18 and over will be able to purchase cigarettes in England and Wales. It is believed, but not yet confirmed, that the law will also be amended in Scotland around the same time. No news of it being extended to Northern Ireland yet, although with the Republic recently tightening it's laws, it may not be too long before those with the power in Stormont consider something similar here.

OCN Level 1 Community Drugs Awareness
TIPSA in conjunction with CRUN will be running a two day course on the 8th and 9th of November in Gortalowry House. This is accredited training for individuals from the community and will last from 9:30am - 4:30pm each day. It is FREE to take part, but participants must register before the course starts. For more information contact Martin in the TIPSA office for details. For an application pack, click here.

Latest Newsletter
If you are on the TIPSA mailing list then you should have already received the latest newsletter. If you would like to be added to the TIPSA mailing list then click here and add your details to the e-mail.

TIPSA would like to hear from you!
If your community, sports, church, or youth group would like to find out more about TIPSA and the range of services offered by TIPSA contact us now. TIPSA are keen to hear from anyone with an interest in the issue of education on Alcohol and other Drugs.

Young People from Bellaghy enjoyed their recent Presentation Dinner, also in the picture were Erica Hogg from the NEELB and Marty Mc Cann TIPSA.

PIPS PROJECT

SUICIDE AWARENESS - EVERYBODY HURTS - TAKE COMFORT IN A FRIEND

Informal meetings take place on 1st Monday of every month in Gortalowry House, Cookstown. Come along and talk or just listen. Affiliated to the Association of Suicide Prevention A.S.P. Cookstown Branch

Contacts 0787 655 2046 or 0790 396 5736

Check out the link to the PIPS website on the TIPSA Homepage.

A Presentation was held for participants from the recent Drama Workshops run by TIPSA.
Contact TIPSA now to get your community involved with other TIPSA eEvents.

TIPSA welcomed Northern Ireland going Smoke Free. Since 6am on the 30th of April it has been illegal to smoke in enclosed and substantially enclosed workplaces and public places and in certain vehicles, for more details click here.

TIPSA, Gortalowry House, 94 Church St., Cookstown, Co. Tyrone BT80 8HX.
Tel: 028 8676 3388

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