They also had ideas about other kinds of learning: attending school for a couple of hours a week; attending information sessions on education and housing; learning computers and outings which “get you away from the area and give you spiritual enlightenment” (Focus Group #2).

One Focus Group participant said,

Attending new functions and workshops helps me to be able to communicate and feel cohesive and highly functioning. (Focus Group written responses)

For a complete list of suggestions about educational services, see Attachment C.

UpWords team have engaged in discussions about issues that relate to Harm Reduction. For example, when describing the UpWords work, one participant said:

“This group creates a connection — along the lines of Bruce Alexander’s ideas about addiction linked to disconnection. UpWords fills a void.” (UpWords Focus Group)

Articles in the newsletter show clearly that the writers have done their homework. Here are two examples:

Crystal Meth is a stimulant that looks and acts like a neuro-transmitter. When neurons in the brain absorb the drug, the natural neural transmitters are pushed out and replaced. When these chemicals (primarily dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine) are released into the bloodstream, they start “talking” to the rest of the body. (“Crystal Meth surpasses other drugs”, by Dave Apsy, UpWords 1(1) September 2005)

Legalization of prostitution has been proven in most European countries. Once legal, the violence and abuse reports have decreased by 63%, proving that legalization works. (“Legal Protection Needed for Sex Workers, by Tammy Sherar. UpWords 2(2) July 2006)