The search is on for unsung heroes in the East of England who are making a real difference in their local community. Examples include those who help with diversionary sports training, drug enforcement activity or professionals who counsel and treat drug users - 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.
Anyone can nominate a drug worker or drug team whether they are a friend, family members, colleague or service user. The closing date for nominations is 30 August 2008.
Launching the awards today, Vernon Coaker said:
"I know that drug workers and drug teams across the country are working tirelessly everyday to tackle drugs and change lives. In fact, I have met many people and teams who deserve to be nominated for these awards.
"In recent years we have introduced tough legislation to tackle drug supply and remain committed to informing young people of drug dangers through information campaigns like FRANK.
"I want to do more, but I know we cannot achieve our goals without professionals and volunteers going that extra mile. These awards recognise their inspirational examples, which will help us to realise our ambition of fewer people starting to use drugs and for our society to be free from the problems caused by illegal substances."
Sue Howl, Home Office Director for the East of England said:
"Last year the Home Office received more than 600 nominations for people who are tackling drugs and changing lives every day. It is important that we continue to recognise the people who go the extra mile to help overcome the problems caused by drug misuse.
"If you know an individual or team in the East of England who deserves to be recognised for their life changing work please make sure you nominate them for an award. They could receive £10,000 for their organisation to spend on the prevention or treatment of drug misuse."
The 2007 team winner was Essex Young People's Drug and Alcohol Services. They received their award for their work in providing prevention, harm reduction and treatment services to young people 18 years and under who experience problems with substance misuse
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. The winners will be announced towards the end of 2008 at a ceremony in London.
The launch of the awards follows on from the success of National Tackling Drugs Week (19-23 May 2008) which gave drug treatment agencies and police officers the opportunity to highlight and promote work that goes on throughout the year in communities to reduce the harm caused by illegal substances. The East of England held a number of successful and varied events. For example
Essex: Essex Drug and Alcohol Action Team held a Community Wheels bus tour around the county. The bus visited Basildon, Colchester and Saffron Walden and had a simulator, which visitors could use to feel the impression of driving under influence of drink or drugs.
Hertfordshire: Hertfordshire Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership held an open day at a new drugs centre in Letchworth. The group, Turning Point, celebrated moving premises expanding its services.
Bedfordshire: Bedford Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership held two events in the town centres of Bedford and Dunstable. They set up stalls for the public with drug information and were supported by Chiltern Radio.
Suffolk: Safer Neighbourhood Teams and Police Community Support Officers in Suffolk stationed themselves outside supermarkets with community intelligence cards and DAAT cards to encourage information and provide DAAT helpline cards for those who have friends and family that would benefit from advice.
