The Tackling Drugs Changing Lives Awards are open to all public and voluntary sector workers in the UK who have taken direct positive action to tackle drug issues in the local community. Colleagues, friends, family members and current or ex-service users are being urged to send in any last minute nominations by the closing date on 31 August 2008.
Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said:
"I know there are thousands of people around the country who are making a difference in tackling drug use and I want to hear from the individuals and teams who are going the extra mile to help change lives.
"Drug use is at its lowest level for 13 years and I know those at the frontline have played a vital role in reducing the harm caused by drugs and making their communities safer.
"The Government is committed to tackling drugs through tough enforcement, education, information campaigns and, where appropriate, treatment so that communities can be free of drug related crime and drug users can lead positive lives free of illegal substances.
"I encourage anyone who knows an individual or team who has really made a difference to nominate them for an award."
Sue Peel, Head of Division for Community Safety at Government Office North East, said:
"Behind the scenes there are many people working day in day out to tackle drugs, change lives and protect families and communities by reducing drug related crime. Nominees can work within any sector of the drugs field. They might be drug treatment providers, police teams, prison officers, social workers, housing officers, youth workers or drug action teams.
"Last year the North East region received many outstanding nominations. If you know an individual or team in the region who deserves to be recognised, please nominate them for an award as they could be in with a chance of winning a prize for their local drugs initiative or project."
Two awards are available, one for an individual and one for a team, and each winner will receive £10,000 for their organisation to spend on the prevention or treatment of drug misuse.
Anyone looking to make a nomination can do so at drugs.homeoffice.gov.uk/awards2008 any time before the closing date.
An expert judging panel, chaired by the Home Office, will choose ten finalists, one from each of the nine government regions plus Wales. Two overall winners will then be chosen - an individual drug worker and a drug team. The winners will be announced towards the end of 2008 at a ceremony in London.
