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Public libraries and Community Drug Action Teams (CDATS)
Public libraries and Community Drug Action Teams (CDATS)
Community Drug Action Teams (CDATs) are groups of volunteers who work together to minimise and prevent the harmful use of alcohol and other drugs in their neighbourhoods.
What does a CDAT do?
CDAT stall in Kempsey Library
Each team works to reduce the local impact of alcohol and other drug problems by identifying gaps in services and working with organisations and other community groups on local projects.
Common types of CDAT activities include:
identifying drug and alcohol-related problems in the local community
creation of leaflets listing local drug and alcohol services
drug information and education sessions - community forums and information expos
organising drug and alcohol-free events for young people
encouraging service/community partnerships (example: a local retailers’ voluntary code of conduct restricting the sale of solvents)
working with organisations and other community members to meet community needs.
CDATs are supported by a regional Senior Community Development Officer, whose role is to provide practical support to CDATs, assist in identifying resources and build relationships between CDATs.
How CDATs and libraries can work together:
co-location of information stalls
exchanging of information (adding libraries to CDAT distribution lists)
promotion of CDAT initiatives through the library
working in partnerships to create forums at the library
CDATs may have brochures and resources to distribute through libraries (eg. Pocket cards with lists of local services and emergency numbers)
host CDAT meetings at the library.
Drug Info encourages public libraries to work with local CDATs to improve community awareness of drug and alcohol issues. Please let us know about any collaborations, meetings or joint projects.
Find up-to-date information about alcohol and drugs in public libraries and online. Drug Info is a joint initiative of NSW Health and the State Library of New South Wales.
