Margaret Hutchinson, Commissioning Manager for Stockton Drug Action Team, said: "We are aiming to raise awareness of the work undertaken by our drug treatment agencies and to offer information to parents, families and anyone who believes that someone they know may have a problem with drug misuse.
"Workers from the Stockton Drug Services, carers and service users will be available on stalls at the Stockton, Billingham and Thornaby markets, Stockton parish gardens, North Tees Hospital, Castlegate Shopping Centre and some local colleges.
"Drug training boxes will be used to help the public identify the different drugs and as an aid in discussion with professional drug workers on the visible effects and dangers of each drug, where family members or friends may have concerns about possible drug use."
In addition Cleveland Fire Brigade will be offering advice on how to increase home safety for drug users and their families in the borough and young people's drug project workers will be dressing up as Snow White, the seven dwarfs and the wicked witch, in order to promote the advice and support work they do to keep young people safe and to highlight what the effects are of the drugs and how to change their lives.
The Stockton drug treatment service workers are keen to show the commitment within the borough to respond to community concerns about drugs, which is a key element of the Government's new Drug Strategy.
National Tackling Drugs Week, which runs from 19 - 23 May 2008, was launched by Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker, who said:
"National Tackling Drugs Week is about highlighting the vital everyday work that goes on everyday across the country to cut drug use. I want to congratulate those who go that extra mile to help thwart drug supply and encourage young people to stay away from drugs.
"We can only do this through tough enforcement combined with powerful education and drug awareness campaigns like FRANK, and, where necessary, tailored treatment to get users off drugs for the benefit of them, their families and their communities.
"We have achieved a great deal: overall drug use has fallen in the last 11 years while drug related crime has fallen by a fifth since 2003. We will continue to bear down hard on dealers while educating young people about the dangers of illegal substances."
Local information can be found at www.stockton.gov.uk/drugactionteam or by contacting the Drug Action Team on 01642 528474.
