The "(In)Forma-te" (Inform yourself) project, an initiative supported by the Regional Directorate for Health, reached ten thousand youngsters in actions promoted during nigh-time environments and activities developed in areas surrounding schools throughout 2012.
According to the report, the project achieved significant results during the second year of implementation, with interventions in the areas of prevention, awareness-raising, risk minimisation and reduction of damages resulting from the use and abuse of psychoactive substances.
The majority of the actions promoted under this initiative took place in nigh-time environments, particularly during the celebrations of the municipal festivities of Terceira and "Semana do Mar" (Sea Week) on Faial.
In 2012, there was also a reinforcement of the actions developed in a school and community context in partnership with schools from Terceira. A total of 101 actions were carried out at schools, involving 42 classes and 1,104 students. In turn, a total of 19 actions organised in a community context were held at several institutions, covering more than 250 people.
These actions included the provision of information and advice to several thousand youngsters as well as the conduction of alcohol tests. In the context of this initiative, nearly five thousand contraceptives were distributed amongst youngsters in individual sessions.
This project also promoted several events, including the Alcohol Free Nights and the broadcasting of short information spots, designated as "Shots D'Informação" (Information Shots), in a partnership with several regional radio stations.
The "(In)Forma-te" project is targeted to the development of actions on the use and abuse of psychoactive substances in order to promote prevention, risk minimisation and reduction of damages.
This project is based on Terceira, but it has also covered other islands in the Azores since October 2010. The initiative is carried out by a multidisciplinary team composed of professionals from various fields with experience working with youngsters.
The activities developed under this project are funded by the Regional Directorate for Health and implemented on the field by a partnership established between the Terra Chã Community Centre and Caritas Association from Terceira.