Forest of Dean school children to benefit from drug awareness initiative

Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Communities Paul Hiett said:

“It’s extremely important to us that young people in the area know the dangers and implications of drug use and being able to get out and visit them in schools and youth groups enables the team to interact with and speak to young people directly.

“The Street Warden Team here at the Council does a fantastic job of working with people in the community to keep people safe and reduce the fear of crime across the district and I know that pupils at the schools involved will benefit greatly from this initiative.

“I would like to personally thank all of the officers involved in making this project happen and look forward to more events like this in future.”

Funding for the drug awareness programme comes from the Forest Community Safety Partnership which has been granted funding from the The Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner to focus on this subject. The Forest Community Safety Partnership is a multi-agency group that includes Forest of Dean District Council, Gloucestershire Police, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, as well as local charities and housing associations.

The aim of the partnership is to enhance the quality of life for local residents by working directly with the community to reduce crime, anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime within the Forest of Dean.

Street Wardens from the Council will initially be working with Offasmead and Bream Primary Schools, as well as local youth clubs and scout groups. The visit will involve a presentation with both children and adults on making healthy choices and a sensitive discussion with young people around drug awareness and safety.

Schools, youth clubs, or local groups who are interested in having a member of the team visit should email [email protected] for assistance.