27
Foundation, believes that Australia
must look at drugs as a health and
social problem. It is the first step in
then formulating policy.
In Victoria, governments of both
persuasions, lamentably, have bundled
the problem into the too-hard basket for
years. This is shameful. Last March,
the Police Minister, Wade Noonan,
while conceding that more diversion
programs were needed to keep people
out of jail, also rejected the
establishment of safe injecting rooms.
It is true that hard drugs harm and kill.
So, too, do alcohol and cigarettes, in
the short and long-term. If a society can
help an addict, whatever substance is
used, then surely it must.
The Group
Here we all are, in a circle we sit,
Hoping stepping stones is just the right fit.
There is Theo our Leader and the beautiful ‘D’
Our hearts in our mouths, how hard will it be?
Thirteen strangers, all with one aim.
To listen and learn and be grateful we came.
We tell our stories and there are tears
And more tears – and we listen to everyone and
REALLY HEAR what they are saying – and
REALLY UNDERSTAND what they are feeling – because
We Are As One.
Then over the days some magic happens
And amidst the tears, there is laughter too
And we start to really know and like each other
For our differences and our similarities.
We belong to a club no-one wants to join
We share such a strong bond
I feel privileged to have met them
Our Stepping Stones Experience Is Unforgettable.