Warwickshire County Council’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) is asking people from across Warwickshire to think about how drug misuse impacts upon their lives and their communities during the Government’s first National Tackling Drugs Week (19th - 23rd May).

Click here to visit the Warwickshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team National Drugs Week webpage

This is an annual event, which aims to raise public awareness of the long and short-term impact of drug misuse on people’s lives.

During the event, DAAT will be co-ordinating the work of the county’s local authorities, police, health and other agencies to tackle drug and alcohol misuse. The aim of the agencies involved is to raise awareness of the problems that drugs can cause, and let people know that there is a support available to them through a variety of agencies, all of whom provide help for those who have concerns or who need support.

National statistics show a continued decline in overall drug use over the last decade, it is at its lowest level since 1996. Furthermore, record numbers of people are accessing treatment for drug misuse - in Warwickshire there were 1,388 people in structured treatment as at the end of March, with many more accessing services for advice and other brief interventions. However there are still areas, which continually need to be addressed. In the last year there has been a significant number of drug-related deaths in Warwickshire.

Kit Leck, Manager of the Warwickshire DAAT, said: “We want to use this opportunity, during National Tackling Drugs Week, to encourage people to think about the impact drugs have on society and to make people aware of the services that are available. There is a huge effort that goes towards tackling drugs locally, from education and prevention through to a variety of treatment options. Additionally, people need to know that the police and the criminal justice system undertake a great deal of work to reduce the supply of drugs and prevent drug problems from spreading through communities.

“The Government is likely to reclassify Cannabis back to a Class B drug under its new strategy. This, along with other measures, and the rise in popularity of drugs like Cocaine ensure that the DAAT has to constantly respond to change.”

Mike Vickers, Manager of the Cranstoun Community Drug Agency in Warwickshire, added: “Cranstoun Drug Services offer a range of easily accessible services, in a warm and welcoming setting, to drug users and their families throughout Warwickshire. If you can't get to us, we will come to you. We offer assessment, brief interventions, structured one-to-one sessions, acupuncture, needle exchange, advice and information on harm reduction, and referral to other services.”

It is widely recognised that it is essential to focus on children and young people with regard to dangers of drug misuse. Warwickshire Healthy Schools programme includes elements of drug education and the Connexions service undertakes prevention and outreach work with young people throughout the county.

Tony Farquharson, Manager of Warwickshire’s Young Persons Substance Misuse Service says: “Our service provides advice, support and treatment for young people under 18 years of age who have concerns or problems with drugs or alcohol misuse. We are part of the Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Partnership Trust, delivering a free, non-judgemental and confidential service, on a one-to-one basis throughout the county of Warwickshire. Anyone can refer a young person to us on our freephone number 0800 088 7248.”

Throughout National Tackling Drugs Week there will be a range of activities taking place including a road show, which will visit local markets and town centres through out Warwickshire. Representatives from local drug services will be available between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, at the following locations:

• 19/05/08 Rugby Market (High Street)
• 20/05/08 Atherstone Market (Market Street)
• 21/05/08 Nuneaton Town Hall (Coton Road)
• 22/05/08 Kenilworth Market (Town Centre opposite the Clock Tower)
• 23/05/08 Stratford Market (Rother Street)

Leaflets and posters detailing local services are currently being distributed to libraries, youth centres and other venues and full, up-to-date information can be found on the website www.warwickshire.gov.uk/drugs