Search is on for unsung heroes in the fight against drug misuse in the West Midlands
| Published: 20th June 2007 15:07 |
The search is on for the unsung heroes in the West Midlands who are winning the fight against drug misuse.
The awards recognise, reward and celebrate the people on the front-line who are working to tackle drugs and change lives every day. Many people deal with drug-related issues - from housing officers and youth workers to police teams, prison officers, social workers and drug treatment providers - and all are eligible for the award scheme.
Two awards are available, one for an individual and one for a team, each winner will receive £10,000 for their organisation to spend on the prevention or treatment of drug misuse.
Vernon Coaker said:
"Drug workers and drug teams across the country are working everyday to tackle drugs and change lives. Last year we received over 350 nominations for people on the front-line who are working tirelessly to make a difference. This year we are continuing our search for local heroes, for the drug worker and drug team of the year, who have gone the extra mile to change lives and improve their communities.
"The costs of drug misuse can be very serious for communities and individuals. It can mean missed opportunities, poor health, a possible prison sentence and sometimes even loss of life.
"The Tackling Drugs Changing Lives Awards are designed to recognise those people who go the extra mile in helping individuals and communities overcome the problems caused by drug misuse"
Anyone can nominate a drug worker or drug team - colleagues, friends, family members or service users past and present. Nominations close on 17 August 2007.
The 2006 Individual winner was Dave Gordon who works at the Swaythling Clinic in Southampton. He gained his award for running a mobile needle exchange and for his work in promoting safer injecting and sexual practices and advising on harm reduction.
Mr Gordon said:
"The award has been used to acquire equipment for the advancement of wound care. This will have a big impact on clients who would previously have used local accident and emergency facilities, so this is also a saving for the general public. It has gone a long way in helping substance users in my area to gain a better quality of life and a better understanding of their drug use. I would like to support the awards in 2007."
A panel of expert judges, 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 - and will received £10,000 for her organisations. The winners will be announced in November at a ceremony in London.
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