Nationwide success for West Sussex drugs drive

Nationwide success for West Sussex drugs drive

A WEST Sussex-wide online drugs information drive aimed at young people has come third in Crimebeat, a nationwide crime-fighting competition run by the High Sheriffs of England and Wales.

Called Dig It (Drugs Information and Guidance), the drive is designed to raise young people’s awareness about the damaging effects drug and alcohol misuse can have on themselves, their family and friends, as well as their local community.

It involves trained volunteers delivering a wide variety of information to young people throughout West Sussex.

This ‘empowers young people to make informed decisions about drug use’, said the High Sheriffs’ commendation.

Dig It is supported by the West Sussex Strategic Community Safety Partnership. The drive’s latest initiative is an online survey that is seeking young people’s views about community safety.

Tom Van Der Wee, Dig-it’s Project Manager, said: “The project is aimed at 11 to 24-year-olds and provides informal information through a variety of different communication channels including face to face in workshops and at events. There’s also a dedicated section on the Yourspace website (www.yourspacewestsussex.gov.uk)

“As well as showing the health implications of drug and alcohol misuse, we also highlight how misusing drugs and alcohol can affect friends, families and the wider community.”

Peter Evans, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “The Dig It drive is to be congratulated for gaining this national recognition.

“The award from the High Sheriffs underlines the importance of showing the consequences of misusing substances behind closed doors and how it can affect families.”

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