Buckinghamshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT), and volunteers who have experienced first hand the trauma of drug and alcohol misuse, will be in Friars Square on Friday May 23 to talk to parents and anyone else concerned about the dangers of substance misuse.

'We Thought It Would Never Happen To Us' is one of three activities organised by DAAT to raise awareness of their service during National Tackling Drugs Week, other activities include the launch of a substance misuse online café and a multi-media Drugs Box. The Drugs Box, which will be installed in Wycombe District Council's reception area on Tuesday May 20, allows visitors to access information via a touch screen. Community drug workers will be on hand to answer questions and give advice on drug related issues.

Hossein Sharifi, DAAT co-ordinator for the county council, said: "Families are often at the centre of dealing with drug and alcohol misuse. Lack of knowledge about the various drugs available, how to recognise the signs of misuse and not knowing how to talk to family members who may be affected can lead to a problem not being recognised or worse ignored." He added: "Over 1,000 young people and adults in the county are in treatment for drugs misuse. We want parents, and anyone else concerned about drug or alcohol misuse, to know that they can always get confidential help and advice from local substance misuse services."

The Council's Cabinet Member for Community Services, Margaret Dewar, said: "Young people are much less likely to take drugs when they can talk openly with their parents, support from parents and family can make all the difference in a person's ability to deal with their habit. There is a clear message here that parents should ignore at their peril, don't think it could never happen to you."


Bucks 24/7 Drug Helpline is available free on 0800 0320666. More information about DAAT is available online at www.bucksdaat.co.uk or telephone 01296 387034

National Tackling Drugs Week takes place Monday May 19 to Friday May 23, all activities are free and open to the public.

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