Dorset getting £200K of Government cash to tackle teenage drug use
The county's among just five areas in the country to get funding
Dorset's getting £200,000 worth of funding to prevent young people from taking illegal drugs.
The funding is coming from the government - with the county one of only five areas in the country to benefit.
The aim is to reduce the supply and demand for drugs, to save lives and cut crime and anti-social behaviour in the county.
Local authorities will work on reducing the supply and demand for illegal substances.
They'll also involve young people in developing preventative programmes.
The Government estimates that the additional investment in treatment and recovery will prevent nearly 1,000 drug-related deaths, in the first three years alone.
Cllr Byron Quayle, Portfolio Holder for People – Children, Education, Skills & Early Help, said:
“It is crucial that we provide young people in Dorset with high-quality support and reach out to those at risk of drug use.
“Drug misuse has a massive cost to society. Not only does it impact the user but also their loved ones and society around them.
“We are strongly committed to reducing demand for illicit substances and provide early intervention to prevent the poor outcomes that result from drug use.”
Cathi Hadley, Corporate Director, Children’s Services at BCP Council said:
“We are sure that by following the Government‘s 10 Year Plan and with this vital funding we will be able to reduce the supply and demand of drugs, save lives, cut crime and anti-social behaviour right across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
“Research into young people’s drug use will support the development of high-quality preventative programmes and the grant will dramatically increase capacity in treatment and recovery services.
“Working with our partners at Dorset Police, the charity sector and the NHS we are determined to bring down the incidence of drug usage among young people throughout our community.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, said:
“I am delighted that Dorset is one of five areas to be awarded funding from the Governments Innovation Fund to reduce demand for illicit substances. In Dorset, we have both Operation Viper and Operation Scorpion working together to take robust action to cut supply lines and send a clear message that Dorset is no place for drugs.
“However, enforcement is only part of the solution, to truly combat the issue of illegal drug use, we also need effective treatment and rehabilitation, as well as impactful education. These elements are key to keeping our young people away from illegal gateway drugs and are exactly what this funding will be used for.”