'Listen First' was presented at a webinar hosted by the International Consortium of University Drug Demand Reduction (ICUDDR). ICUDDR membership consists of universities and colleges offering substance use prevention and treatment. Some 100 graduate students, faculty members, counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists in the Asia Pacific region participated in the one-hour webinar, focusing on 'Listen First' and how to use the materials, followed by a Q&A session.
UNODC highlighted the different kinds of materials, videos, and science sheets with themes such as “integrity” and “respect”. Then, we presented the various steps for using or even translating the materials during an interactive session visiting the ‘Listen First’ website. Finally, we emphasized that ‘Listen First’ is a resource to be used and incorporated into evidence-based, effective prevention strategies. Its implementation depends on the partners’ resources, strategies, and needs. “Be creative, but strategic – and use evidence-based methods,” was the concluding message.
Following the webinar, some health workers already plan to use 'Listen First' in Indonesia. 'The Science of Care' series is also being translated into Bahasa to reach the Indonesian community better.
Previously, 'Listen First' has reached Asia through the efforts of health and prevention workers in the Philippines, Maldives, India, and Malaysia. They have been using the materials in various ways as part of their prevention interventions with children and youth. Read on to learn more about how a psychologist in the Philippines uses 'Listen First' in her practice, and stay tuned to find out more in upcoming newsletters!
Watch the ICUDDR ‘Listen First’ webinar here
Made possible with the generous support of France.