Latest news with #Thain
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Drug abuse relapse still occurs after rehab, says case worker
PETALING JAYA: While amendments to Act 283 did keep some drug abusers out of prison, it does little to stop those who were rehabilitated from relapsing, says Benjamin Thain, a case worker and advocate in drug addiction intervention. 'Even after a year of the amendments to Act 283, it is still very under prepared, which affects how effective we are in mitigating the issue. 'There needs to be a holistic system. After rehabilitation, they need to reintegrate into society. Just getting them out of prison isn't enough,' said Thain when asked to comment on the current state of affairs in the rehabilitation of drug offenders. He argued that it is very easy for former addicts to reoffend when the right support is not provided. 'Even being in rehab temporarily won't help if the root issue isn't addressed. When they come out, they often return to their old habits. So, it can't just be a change of place. 'Otherwise, they enter AADK, then come out, offend again, go back in ... it's a cycle. 'Many go back because there's no societal support, no place to go. 'Even if they're not criminalised anymore, the stigma remains. 'So the government needs to do more than just keep them out of prison,' Thain said, adding that community-based organisations and authorities should step up their game. 'After rehab, what happens? Where's the support system? Where do they go? They face family stress, discrimination, and generational trauma. And many want real change. 'But they're not only battling external stigma from society, they're also facing internal stigma. 'The shame of being labelled a drug user or former addict,' he said, adding that it is an uphill climb as drug addiction has been criminalised for so long. 'The amendments haven't come with the support system needed for society to actually receive it properly. 'After rehabilitation, there should be provisions for treatment, workshops, and support groups to help reintegrate into society. 'That 'aftercare' plan is critical,' said Thain. He also pointed at Portugal as a model that is worthy of emulation.
Press and Journal
5 days ago
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Invergordon boss on securing Ross County loan link-up, and winning in the Scottish Cup for first time
Ross County's academy graduates can flourish after a loan co-operation agreement with North Caledonian League champions Invergordon was confirmed. That's the verdict of the the East Ross club's manager Gary Campbell after a deal was struck with Scottish Championship side to provide a stage for academy graduates to sample regular competitive action in the NCL. County goalkeeper Jayden Reid, defender Oliver Lamont, defender/midfielder Rio Hastings, attacking midfielder Lewis Mackay and forward Torran Lambie have now joined Invergordon on loan. Last season, prior to the official agreement, midfielder Copeland Thain and attacker Calum Brown had successful loan spells at Invergordon, who won the North Caledonian League, the North Caledonian Cup and the Jock Mackay Cup. Brown was also named as the NCL's young player of the season. He has joined Highland League side Strathspey Thistle for the 2025-26 campaign. Thain, meanwhile, came off the bench and provided an assist in County's 8-0 victory against Edinburgh City in the Premier Sports Cup last month. And tonight (Monday), it was confirmed that 17-year-old Thain has moved to Conor Gethins' Clachnacuddin in the Highland League – on loan until January. Campbell is confident his club will be the ideal base for the next batch of young Staggies to further their development. He said: 'It has been a wee while in the making and we're delighted that it's now happening. 'It's a win-win situation for both clubs. 'They can help us out by making us successful on the park, while we can return that favour and promise to develop their players by offering them crucial game-time in a men's first-team environment. 'Copeland and Calum really flourished with us last year and the five players who have come in so far are looking really positive.' Campbell Money, Ross County's football development director, is hopeful the ties between the two sides can be long-lasting, to the benefit of all parties. He said: 'The pathway becomes clearer for these young players by sending them to Invergordon to gain match experience. 'We hope this can become a well-trodden and fruitful pathway for many of our youngsters.' The news of the County link comes hot on the heels of an historic result for Invergordon. On Saturday, they defeated South of Scotland champions Lochar Thistle 3-1 in the first preliminary round of the Scottish Cup – Invergordon's first victory in Scottish football's top knockout competition. They did previously compete in the Scottish Cup a few years ago, but lost 5-1 against Newtongrange Star from the East of Scotland League Premier Division. Ross County's Lewis Mackay was on the scoresheet at the weekend, as were Ben Bruce and Cameron Mackintosh, after Lochar had taken the lead through Rory Copland. Invergordon will meet East of Scotland League Premier Division Dunipace, also in Dingwall, on Saturday, August 30, in the Scottish Cup's second preliminary round. Campbell said: 'It was a really good day for everyone. 'We started okay, but were a bit nervous. 'We grew into the game and deserved to win.' Matters now turn to the defence of their NCL title, with a derby against Alness United this Wednesday night at the Recreation Grounds, before Invergordon visit Thurso this weekend. Invergordon's Recreation Ground are not compliant for entry to join the Highland League, but plans are in place to have their venue transformed to change that. The boss added: 'We're looking to get a lease on the whole (area of) the Recreation Ground, which would include the training pitch. 'That will be for not just us, but for other local clubs to play on as well.'
BBC News
19-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Walter century puts Essex on top against Pears
Rothesay County Championship Division One, Ambassador Cruise Line Ground, Chelmsford (day two)Essex 179 & 229-6: Walter 104, Thain 49*Worcestershire 202: Hose 48, D'Oliveira 48; Rajitha 4-52Essex (3 pts) lead Worcesteshire (3 pts) by 210 runsMatch scorecard Paul Walter scored his third career first-class century to steady a listing Essex ship and help towards setting up a run chase for Worcestershire at 30-year-old left-hander has been auditioning in the first three County Championship matches for the vacant opening spot alongside Dean Elgar when the South African returns for paternity leave at the end of the month. Walter has already accumulated 317 runs in five innings this season at an average of 104 from 154 balls guided Essex from 128-5, and a lead of just 105 at that point, to a more comfortable 211-6 when he was eventually out following a stand of 83 with Noah the close, Essex were 233-6 with a lead of 210 and Thain had reach a career-best 49 not first-innings total of 202 was built largely on a 102-run fifth wicket partnership between the not-out overnight pair of Adam Hose and Brett D'Oliveira, who both departed for identical scores of 48 from 78 balls. Both also fell victim to Essex's Sri Lankan debutant Kasun Rajitha, whose pace helped him finish with needed just six overs to wipe out the 23-run deficit as Walter and Charlie Allison built a patient first-wicket stand of 53. Allison had already creamed his brother Ben – late of Essex, now of Worcestershire – past cover point for four. But he was first out when he slashed at Matthew Waite and was caught doubled his wicket tally when he had Tom Westley playing an indeterminate shot and being pinned combined with Jordan Cox in a big-hitting stand of 48 in seven overs that included three fours in one Tom Taylor over for Cox. However, in attempting to hammer Taylor out of the ground Cox chipped up tamely to mid-on and departed for 24 from 21 was particularly strong off the backfoot where he gained the majority of his 13 boundaries. There was, in addition, a powerful hook off Jacob Duffy that brooked no lost further partners in quick succession when Matt Critchley went for a wild swing at Eathan Brookes, who walked across to short mid-wicket to take the skier. And the injured Michael Pepper, again with the aid of Allison as his runner, lasted just seven balls before his off-stump was sent cartwheeling by a rampant he found a willing partner in Thain and the pair settled into a lively rhythm. Walter's 13th boundary, a pull off Brookes, took him to his century from 149 balls. Walter was eventually out after four hours and 15 minutes when Taylor beat his forward lunge and upended his Reporters' Network supported by Rothesay.
