New booklet provides advice on drugs and alcohol to families

The Royal Borough's drug and alcohol action team (DAAT) popular Guide for Families which has information on the most common drugs from alcohol through to heroin has recently been updated.

Three thousand copies of the revised guide are being distributed to schools, GP surgeries, family centres, libraries, leisure centres and other venues around the borough.

The all-colour pocket-sized guide:

• provides details of what drugs look like, their street names, how they are taken, the effects, the risks and the legal status
• has a list of helpful local and national contacts
• aims to encourage parents to become more informed about substances and then talk to their children and help them to make positive choices and stay safe
• advertises the. T2 drug treatment and advice service that can offer support to young people with drug or alcohol problems along with their siblings and parents

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for adult and community services (which includes the DAAT), said: "I would encourage parents to read this guide as it provides details on drugs and where to get information and further advice.

"Drugs and alcohol are easily accessible and while we are fortunate that the Royal Borough does not have a big problem, it is important parents keep informed so that they're better able to talk to their children about the risks."

For further information or to get a copy of the booklet, call the borough's drug and alcohol action team on 01628 796362 or email daat@rbwm.gov.uk