2 DISC Teams Win Awards

Congratulations to two of DISC's drugs teams who won two Tackling Drugs Changing Lives 2009 awards and attended a gala awards ceremony in London on 9 December.

The awards, which are now in their fourth year, recognise and celebrate the unsung heroes who go above and beyond the call of duty to tackle drug use and drug related crime in communities across the country,

One of the teams is DISC's tees Valley Young People's Drug and Alcohol Service, who were one of four winners in the Community Engagement category.

The other team is DISC's Drug Intervention Programme (DIP) Throughcare Team in Leeds, who were one of five winners in the Drugs and Criminal Justice system category.

DISC executive director Mark Weeding said: "Winning category awards and getting onto the final shortlist for two overall national awards is a fantastic achievement. It's been a real team effort to which all of DISC's staff, volunteers, service users and partners have contributed over the years."

The tees Valley Team work with young people with problematic drug and alcohol use in Middlesbrough, Stockton, Hartlepool, and Redcar and Cleveland. Specialist staff offer young people and their families one-stop-shop information and advice, one-to-one support and structured group activities, and work closely with a wide range of partners in Youth Offending Teams and other youth justice, education, housing, children's and community organisations.

Debbie Simmons, DISC tees Valley Team manager, said: "Staff are highly motivated and innovative in the way they engage young people with problematic drug and alcohol use. They involve them every step of the way in developing their own individual care and recovery plans, and transforming their lives. All of the team members are committed to helping young people, their families and the communities in which they live feel safe and supported."

The Leeds Drug Intervention Programme (DIP) Throughcare Team provide a range of services for drug-misusing offenders within the criminal justice system. They are funded by the Safer Leeds partnership and located within a one-stop-shop in the city centre. They use assertive outreach to engage and retain clients into treatment and to develop and deliver care plans tailored to individual needs.

Anna Tassell, DISC Leeds DIP Project Manager, said: "It's really rewarding for the team to be recognised in this way. Many of those who undergo drug treatment through the Leeds Drug Intervention Programme are among the hardest to reach problematic drug users. Through the dedication and commitment of staff we are able to offer clients help through treatment and intensive support, and to contribute to the local community feeling safer as they suffer less drug-related crime."

At the ceremony in London Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said: " These awards show just how many hard working volunteers and professionals work tirelessly within our communities to help individuals overcome drug addiction, support those affected by it and reduce the harm it can cause to our society.

"Latest statistics show that overall drug use remains historically low, demonstrating that our efforts to tackle drugs and get them off our streets are delivering results. However we are not complacent, we continue to focus our efforts on reducing the harm caused by illegal drugs through enforcement, education and treatment."

The two overall winners, a police officer from Derbyshire and a London drug team working with vulnerable women, were chosen from 28 category winners and received £10,000 for their organisations to spend on tackling drug use.