Tough love talks to help fight addiction

A man who turned his life around after struggling with drug addiction is encouraging others to do the same.

Peter Lyndon-James, founder of the West Australian Shalom Group, a men’s residential rehabilitation program, will be in Albany next month delivering talks and seminars on breaking free from addiction.

The Tough Love seminar is on March 7 at the PCYC and Mr Lyndon-James will be speaking at venues from March 6-9.

Albany team co-ordinator Julie Griffiths said the message behind the talks was about tackling addiction and seeing change.

“Albany has recently seen some changes for the worse, with our young people taking their lives way too soon; we want to see positive change in our community,” she said.

“If 1500 people hear his message and choose to stay away from drugs and help just one other person, that's 3000, roughly 10 per cent of Albany's population. Wouldn't it be amazing to see this change?

“What if we did the same next year, another 10 per cent?”

Mr Lyndon-James will speak at Albany Senior High School, North Albany Senior High School, Alta-1, Ice-breakers and PCYC, where he will also present his trademark Tough Love seminar.

He will also talk at a men's breakfast group and his wife Amanda will speak at a women’s breakfast.

To conclude the Tough Love tour, a free youth event will be held on Saturday, hosted by Church of Christ, starting at 6pm with a sausage sizzle.

Ms Griffiths said those attending the talks would hear the brutally honest story of someone who, for 20 years, was swallowed up by addiction but who broke free.

“They can hear how to help your own family and friends from being destroyed. Peter's seminars are crucial in finding solutions based in truth, integrity and honesty for restoration of lives, families and our community,” she said.

Mr Lyndon-James also hopes to present a talk at Albany Regional Prison.