FDS 2023 Annual Report

26 International Family Drug Support Day 2023 International FDS day first started in 2016 to draw attention to the importance of families affected by alcohol and/or drugs, including the benefits of supporting families. When families are given education, awareness and tips on coping and keeping safe, the outcome for everyone is improved. From small beginnings it has grown to international events in most Australian major cities and several overseas. The overall theme for the FDS events is Support the Family - Improve the Outcome . This year Family Drug Support hosted its 8 th International Family Drug Support Day (IFDSD) across many jurisdictions around Australia. This year also this year marked the 26 th Anniversary of the tragic passing of Tony’s son, Damien Trimingham who died at the age of 23 from a heroin overdose in 1997 and subsequently, the beginning of Tony’s journey to establish Family Drug Support. "Any family anywhere, regardless of background, economic and other circumstances can be affected by drugs. We hope this annual event will reach members of the community and change some of the negative attitudes that exist." Tony Trimingham, Founder and CEO of Family Drug Support. "The weight of the world was on my shoulders. We were so ashamed and alone - then we found support and things changed" Viola - Mother "What a difference it made being able to talk and have someone listen with empathy, and not tell me I was a bad parent or my approach was wrong. I can ring anytime and get stuff off my chest" Carlos - Father.