Judy Ryan, a leading campaigner of a medically supervised injecting room, will lead a panel discussion in Horsham to inspire community activism.

Ms Ryan said she was not advocating for medically supervised injecting rooms in regional centres, but wanted to destigmatise conversations around alcohol and other drugs and provide an example of respectful activism.

Describing herself as a non-medical ‘accidental activist’, Ms Ryan said her message was simple – if she could identify a problem and do something about it, so could others.

“I tell my story as an accidental activist and then throw it open to the audience – is there an issue here and is there something you can do about it?,” she said.

“People can become activists without marching up and down the street. 

“It can be as easy as contacting your local politician. We can change the world just by doing that.”

Facilitated by Dr Felix Ritson, Ms Ryan will be joined on the panel by Grampians Community Health alcohol and other drugs treatment practitioner Jenni Bellin and Grampians Health alcohol and other drugs practitioner Sally Pymer.

Ms Bellin said the panel discussion would give people an opportunity to discuss what was important to them.

“For example, there is a lack of residential rehabilitation and withdrawal facilities in this region that people might want, and this forum gives us a chance to hear the many and varied concerns that could be in the community and then see what we can do about them,” she said.

The panel discussion is on Tuesday from 4pm to 5.30pm at Horsham Library.

People can book by calling 5382 1777 or  online via www.wimmeralibraries.vic.gov.au/events/you-talk-we-die.

The entire July10, 2024 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!