This year’s Home Office led initiative ties in with the government’s new national drug strategy themed around protecting families and communities from the harmful effects of drugs, which is the focus for the local campaign.
Safer South Gloucestershire is working with several partners including the police and the health service to provide a varied programme of events during the week, including:
● Training for professionals to help families and carers tackle drug problems
● Awareness roadshows at leisure centres
● Survey of the public to gauge perception of the problems and whether they know where to seek help
● Training and awareness sessions for carers looking after individuals addicted to tranquillisers
● Carers Forum at HM Prison Eastwood Park
Matt Wills, treatment coordinator for Safer South Gloucestershire, said: “We welcome this national initiative and have organised a number of events across South Gloucestershire to let people know that there is help and support out there, not just for people using drugs, but for the families or carers who also have to live with the problems this may present.
“At Safer South Gloucestershire we know only too well the devastating effects substance misuse can cause to families and we hope events like National Tackling Drugs Week will help more people to access treatment programmes and take the first steps on the road to recovery.”
If you think you need help or you are a family member or carer who is witnessing first hand the harmful effects that drug use can have then help is at hand. Call the free South Gloucestershire drug and alcohol treatment services number on 0800 0733 011 for professional advice and support.
More information about the government’s new national drug strategy is available online at http://drugs.homeoffice.gov.uk/publication-search/drug-strategy/drug-strategy-2008-2018
Safer South Gloucestershire is a multi agency Community Safety and Drugs Partnership whose mission is to enable individuals and communities to improve their safety and well being, by working in partnership to make our community safer from the effects of crime, disorder and misuse of drugs and alcohol.
ENDS