St.Helens joins in National Tackling Drugs Week.

To coincide with National Tackling Drugs Week (May 19 - 23) St.Helens Council and its partners are running a series of events to raise awareness of drug and alcohol related issues.

These will include an event taking place at a local homelessness centre, focusing on overdose prevention, blood borne viruses and the range of treatment options in the borough. Promotion of ACT, a 24 hour help line for drug users and their families will also feature during the week. The Safer Nights St Helens Team will be out and about on Thursday 22nd May targeting young adults with information about the harms of drug use and promoting safer drinking better sexual health.

Five high schools across the borough will also have the opportunity to use an interactive Drugs Box, which offers touch screen access to quizzes and frequently asked questions and various substances. This will be supported in schools by a professional from the Young People's Drug & Alcohol Team to provide further advice and support. The Drugs Box also provides data to professionals on the range of knowledge young people have about drug related issues, to help provide more targeted information.

These will be backed up by a poster campaign involving high schools and services targeting young people; and the Young People's Drug & Alcohol Team and The Lighthouse Project will be taking part in St Helens' College's Get Fit and Stay Well event. This will include exhibition stands providing support and advice about drugs and alcohol and information on accessing services.

Councillor Sims, Executive Member for Safer Communities said "Tackling Drugs Week is an excellent way to demonstrate how the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership is working to reduce the harm caused to individuals, families and communities by drug use, and the range of activities planned for the week reflects our commitment to this important work across the Borough."

For further information about the wide range of events on offer contact Rachel Haslam, St.Helens Council’s Community Support and Information Officer on 01744 673120.