The Pier Project

The PIER Project, which was operated out of Addictions Services of Thames Valley, was a two year project funded through Health Canada. As of March 31, 2011, the project is now shared among community partners in Elgin and Oxford Counties.

Congratulations to the PIER Project staff and Youth Leaders for an amazing and successful project that will continue to thrive in Elgin and Oxford County. Thanks to the Oxford County Task Force for support in the implementation of PIER!!

ADSTV - PIER Project Survey Results / and Commentary:

PIER - Peers, Information, Education, Resources
"A holistic approach to prevention against illicit substance use by youth"

The goal of the PIER project is to open dialogue between youth, caregivers and service providers in order to prevent youth from using illicit substances. PIER information collected will help to identify gaps and barriers in communication and resources to build the capacity of communities around substance prevention.

Amy Hill, Youth Leader, Elgin County PIER Project

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PIER is a two year funded project by Health Canada. Lead by Addiction Services of Thames Valley, Youth Prevention workers in Elgin and Oxford Counties. Oxford County is focusing on youth grades 6 through 12 and in Elgin County, including Glencoe, Medway, Oneida and Chippewa areas youth grade 7 through 12 are involved.

Many partnerships have been established in Oxford and Elgin County to help make the PIER project a success. Some current partners are:

	Fusion Youth Activity and Technology Centre
	Oxford County Drug Task Force
	Woodstock and Area Community Health Centre
	RAISE (Reducing Addictions, Increasing Safe Environments) Committee
	West Elgin Community Health Centre
	Thames Valley District School Board
	Thames Valley Parent Involvement Committee

Community Capacity Building,
Communication,
Resources,
and Youth Leadership

Abbie in Oxford County for the PIER Project

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Youth Leader, Sydney in Oxford County for the PIER Project

There are four main components to the PIER Project:

Community Capacity Building - Prevention workers will meet with key Our Housing Partners, promote the project and it's findings through presentations, speaking engagements and workshops to community organizations and individual schools across the counties. Quarterly newsletters are distributed, and regular updates to the ADSTV website will help communities stay informed about substance prevention strategies developed from the project.

Communication - Focus groups, interviews, surveys and community forums will capture youth, caregiver and service provider input toward illicit drugs and their resources. What works? What doesn't work? When does communication break down between a youth and an adult (caregiver or service provider)? What about communication between caregivers and service providers?

Resources - Once the gaps are identified, PIER Project staff will be able to make recommendations toward building and distributing age and stage appropriate materials to aid in the prevention of youth substance use.

Youth Leadership - Youth have an opportunity to become Youth Leader's with the PIER Project; they will take part in a one day prevention training session. Following their training they will assist in making presentations, facilitating focus groups and be leaders in the community toward the prevention of illicit substance use.