Mayo AA convention in Westport this weekend

Mayo Alcoholics Anonymous is hosting a three-day convention in Hotel Westport this weekend, from Friday, November 24 to Sunday, November 26. The theme of the event is ‘Conscious Contact’.
Friday’s activities will include an Open Public Meeting at 8.30pm, when members of both Alcoholics Anonymous & Al-Anon, sharing their story with the public.
AA/Al-Anon meetings will also run hourly all day on Saturday, November 25, and members available to answer any questions throughout the weekend.
Another public meeting will be held  at 12.30pm on Sunday, November 26.
Alcoholism and addiction is a ‘family disease’; it has an impact on a minimum of seven people in the affected individual’s circle. It is extremely important to become aware of the help, support and information available in our county.
The open public meetings are important equally to educate and inform the professionals in contact with persons with alcoholism, or those working directly in the professional field of addiction.
The more the public becomes aware, informed and educated about the resources available, the closer we as a society comes to tackling the issues and stigmas that surround alcoholism and addiction.
The resources available for individuals, families and friends affected by addiction include AA meetings for the alcoholic individual, Al-Anon for Family, and Al -A Teen for teenagers.
Destigmatisation, education and awareness of available services is also important for professionals throughout society, including GPs, gardaí, liaison officers, social workers, community officers, public-area frontline personnel linking with the field of mental health.  Mayo is currently experiencing a challenging culture of alcohol addiction. Please consider attending thisconvention or organising a few representatives from your professional area to represent the majority.
A few radio interviews will also be broadcast on local radio stations with regard to addiction and supports this coming week.

For more information, visit www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie/members-of-AA/AA-Events.