Schoolchildren to receive drug & alcohol education

Cash injection boosts fight against drug & alcohol related crime

More schoolchildren in Hounslow will be warned about the perils of drugs and alcohol after the Government awarded more than £250,000 in extra funding to the borough.

This fresh injection of money is reward for the ongoing success of Hounslow’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team and will boost many of the practical initiatives and treatments it provides, including:

  • More work will be done with drug users who support their habit through crime.
  • Expansion of aftercare service so clients have more support during first difficult months of being drug free.
  • Bolster innovative scheme that helps drug-free clients apply for grants to attend college or set up businesses.
  • Maintain existing service that helps reforming addicts seek housing, education and employment.

Hounslow Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) is a partnership of statutory and voluntary agencies working to reduce the harm caused by drugs and alcohol.

Simon Gunn is its Joint Commissioning Manager. He said “The main knock on effect of this new criminal justice funding will be that over stretched drug workers in the borough will be able to increase preventative work in schools and generally with young people.

“It is vital we educate children at an early stage of their lives about the effects of drugs and alcohol.

“This funding is reward for the success of the Drug Intervention Programme, which continues to perform well despite a history of limited resources.

“I would like to personally thank our local MP Ann Keen (Brentford and Isleworth) who supported our bid and remains one of our greatest allies in the fight against drug and alcohol addiction.”

The DAAT Team recently launched its programme of work for the year 2005/6. Called “Joining Up The Dots”, it outlines the team’s objectives and priorities for the coming year.

One new initiative launched by the team in June was a 24-hour free telephone helpline so people with addiction problems can get round-the-clock assistance. The number is 0800 043 6575.

 

 

August 3, 2005

 

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  Participate
 

A new directory of local drug and alcohol support services is available at local doctors’ surgeries, libraries and health centres or on www.hounslow.gov.uk

(under ‘D’ in A-Z of services).

24-hour free telephone helpline

0800 043 6575.