Poole Drug Action Team are working with the Police Partnership Trust - Dorset's Crime Prevention Charity to run DRUG FREE. Based on an initiative by Gwent Police, people are invited to join the program by buying a quality lapel badge which symbolises that the wearer is committed to being drug free. The badge also demonstrates support for those young people who have acted responsibly and stayed clear of illegal drugs.

PUBWATCH has been set up by police in Poole, in an attempt to curb crime fuelled by alcohol. In partnership with the Borough of Poole and local businesses Pubwatch aims to cut underage drinking and reduce the amount of violent drink-related crime - making Poole an even safer place to live, work and visit.

SUPPORTING YADAS - YADAS (Young Adults Drug & Alcohol Service) will provide rapid access to young people at crisis point who are experiencing problems, particularly at school, related to drug misuse. The aim is to prevent exclusion, reduce instances of drug misuse and other problematic behaviour and facilitate re-integration into the school environment. The focus is on short term, fast response, crisis intervention primarily for young people involved in drug related instances within school

PERIPATETIC OUTREACH WORK - will also be provided to schools, teaching staff, educational welfare officers and parents. Young people can also self refer. The aim is to deal with issues causing the drug misusing behaviour, facilitating and mediating with schools and parents to find ways of stopping the behaviour. Pupils will be encouraged to seek help with problems from their own drug misuse or from the effects of someone else's drug misuse. Access to the service will be encouraged through the use of the Yadas Helpline.

A joint initiative with "Faithworks" targets the homeless population with substance misuse issues. ROUTES TO ROOTS employs a 20 hour per week outreach worker to enable single homeless persons in Poole to access healthcare, housing, employment, education and specialist support. Routes To Roots regularly see 20 people in need of support of diffferent kinds.

Every day many lives are affected by the consequences of substance misuse. The DAT offers free DRUG AWARENESS TRAINING which is available to all Poole employees, volunteers and carers who would like to raise their awareness and understanding of this important issue. The courses are delivered by EDAS and are designed to give participants up-to-date knowledge and the opportunity to discuss some of the key topics. There are also workshops on topics such as Crime and Addiction, Relapse Preventions, Blood borne diseases, Overdose Awareness, Crack Cocaine and Stress, Depression and Dual Diagnosis. For further details or to book a place on a course, please contact Janis on 01202 261014.

Download the Drug Awareness training programme here.