Posted at 3:18PM on March 24, 2011 under Young People

The Forum for Action on Substance Abuse & Suicide Awareness (FASA) a community based organisation in Bangor that provides services to those affected by substance abuse, suicide or self harm has just received a Community Award from Progressive Building Society, the largest locally-owned mortgage lender in Northern Ireland.

The Award of £1,000 will go towards the running of “Natural Highs”, a bespoke programme delivered to the most vulnerable young people. It’s a drug awareness programme with a difference. It offers 8 weeks of group sessions where the young people have the opportunity to both explore issues and learn from experiences but to also get active and learn about natural alternatives to ‘artificial highs’ induced through drug misuse.

Pictured receiving the Community Award from (centre) Elaine Molyneaux, Bangor Branch Manager, Progressive Building Society, are (from left) Lee Goodwin, a previous graduate who is now a volunteer training to help with other groups; Karl Williams, FASA’s Youth Engagement Officer; Jonny Keenan a recent graduate of the Natural Highs programme; and Jonny Daly who is about to graduate from the programme.