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Tackling Drugs Changing Lives Week 2008

25 June 2008

A big thank you to all of you who contributed towards making Tackling Drugs Changing Lives Week such a success.

This year an unprecedented level of activity was held around the country which generated excellent media coverage to highlight the tremendous work you are doing locally to tackle drug misuse.  Over 300 events were held across the country to mark the week; here is just a sample of some of the activity that took place across the country:

Rotherham

• Safer Neighbourhood Team toured the town in a bus to raise awareness issues with parents and young people.

St Helens

• Held an overdose prevention event at a homelessness centre,
• Promoted a 24 hour drug helpline for users and families,
• Visited town centres to promote safer drinking, better sexual health and drug use, and
• Installed interactive 'drugboxes' in local schools to offer advice.

Rochdale

• Held an 'Arrest a journalist event to demonstate to local media the drug enforcement and treatment paths available.

Northamptonshire Police

• Launched an anti-drugs campaign text line for people to report drug crimes
• Carried out drug raids on homes
• Visited schools to talk to young people about the dangers of drugs
• Took sniffer dogs on night patrols around pubs and clubs

Devon and Cornwall Police

• Undertook series of raids and pushed their 'Rat on a Rat' campaign to target and take out drug dealers.
• Launched a new 'Be Safe' advice card to help drug users.

Reading Drug Action Team

• Offically opened Waylen Street a project providing accomodation, care and support to rough sleepers with addiction problems.
• Organised a road show where the public could meet the Drug Action Team, service providers and stakeholders.

South Wales Police

• Seized a large amount of drugs including 1300 cannabis plants, and recovered £24,000.
• Police School Liaison Officeers delivered over 100 lessons to children and to 16 and 17 years old on the Princes' Trust programme.

Barking and Dagenham

• Diversity day took place following in-depth study of barriers stopping fatih groups, women, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender groups getting into treatment.
• Made film about drug use and services, including interviews with drug users, why they started, how it has affected their lives ad how they are seeking help.

Newcastle

• Held Hepatitis event on 19th May to coincide with International Hepatitis day and a Hidden Harm conference

Shropshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team and West Mercia Constabularly

• Ran a Tackling Drugs Week poster competition in local schools
• Implemented various enforcement initiatives to reduce supply of drugs including covert operations based on local intelligence
• Local prison staff and Polcie worked together to reduce supply into local prison

 

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