Warwickshire News Mine

The Government’s annual Tackling Drugs Week runs from 8-12 June 2009 with the aim to raise public awareness of the long and short-term impact of drug misuse on people’s lives.

During the week, Warwickshire County Council’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) are co-ordinating the work of the county’s authorities, police, health and other agencies to encourage the public to think about how drug misuse impacts upon their lives and their communities.

All the agencies involved in the week’s activities provide help for anyone with concerns about drugs or who may need more in-depth support.  They are involved in a number of events around the borough which have been planned to raise awareness of the problems that drugs can cause, and reassure people that help is on hand.

The wide range of events include; information stands at town markets and George Eliot hospital, a health walk, road shows, promotion of an online counselling service, theatre and film presentations at local schools and working with young people at youth clubs and through sports activities.

Kit Leck, Manager of Warwickshire DAAT said: “A huge effort goes towards tackling drugs locally, from education and prevention through to a variety of treatment options. Providing the right support and information is essential so we will be using the week to make people more aware of these services and get them thinking about the impacts of drug misuse. 

“Events like these form part of a longer-term strategy to reduce the amount of drug misuse in Warwickshire and to increase the number of people receiving structured treatment and support.

Rachel Jackson from the Nuneaton and Bedworth Safer Communities Partnership added: "The partnership, along with Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, welcome the focus in the borough on a range of activities, support and interventions related to substance misuse during National Tackling Drugs Week.

"We hope that the focus which has been supported by partnership funding will be well received by local people."

The week will also be used to inform people about the work of Warwickshire Police and the criminal justice system to reduce the supply of drugs and prevent drug problems from spreading through communities.

Director of Local Policing and Assistant Chief Constable for Warwickshire Police, Lewis Benjamin said:  "Warwickshire Police fully support National Tackling Drugs week.  Many crimes can be connected with drug use and by tackling the issue directly we can have a big impact on related crimes at local level and on organised criminal networks.

"We are committed to working with our partners in local authorities and health services to address the issue and achieve results together to protect our communities from the harm that drugs cause.”

Warwickshire DAAT wants to find out more about people’s views on drug use and support in the county.  To complete a short online questionnaire and share your opinions visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/nationaldrugsweek. 

The website is also a great place to go for general information and advice to answer all your questions about drugs and alcohol.

Link to WCC