Bradford Schools Lead the Way In Tackling Drugs

Thursday 5 July 2012

Schools are being hailed for their efforts to educate Bradford youngsters about the dangers of drugs ahead of a major new week of action to help prevent substance abuse.

A total of ten schools are to be awarded the prestigious Bradford Schools Drug Prevention Initiative Charter Award this evening (05/07) for their efforts to provide innovative drugs misuse education for young people.

The awards, which are in their 17th year, come before the launch of this year's Tackling Drugs Week in Bradford which will see the Police, NHS, Bradford Council and partners join forces for a week of action to combat drugs supply and raise awareness of the dangers of drugs abuse.

Guests at this year's ceremony include Chief Supt Simon Atkin: George McQueen, Assistant Director for Access & Inclusion Bradford Council, Lord Mayor Councillor Dale Smith, Lord Mayor and His Honour Judge Jonathan Rose.

They will present awards to ten schools including; Atlas Community Primary School, St Oswalds C of E Primary School, Lidget Green Primary School, Cavendish Primary School, Laisterdyke Business & Enterprise College, Low Ash Primary School, Thornton Primary School, Green Lane Primary School, Nessfield Primary School and Oakworth Primary School in the ceremony, who have all excelled in providing support to youngsters.

Meanwhile 50 young people from Dixons City Academy, Dixons Allerton Academy, Samuel Lister Academy & Beckfoot School will receive certificates for their successful completion of training and delivery of Drugs Peer Led Education.

The Peer Educator scheme itself see's students train with experts to be able to mentor and educate fellow pupils about the dangers of drugs use, through their own lessons.

Partners in the Bradford Schools Drug Prevention Initiative include the 10 Rotary Clubs of the Bradford District, Soroptimists International, Bradford Education and West Yorkshire Police (Bradford District).

Annaliese Emmerson, project officer for Bradford District Police, said:

"The drugs prevention charter itself is now in its 17th year and the fact that it has reached such a milestone reflects the support and value it continues to hold among schools across the District.

"We also know students respond positively to advice and support from their peers and the scheme itself continues to provide us with a very effective way of communicating with them, spreading a positive prevention message through word of mouth among thousands of young people.

"The peer educators themselves also gain a rage of communications skills and qualifications which will only be an asset for them in the current demanding jobs market."

Sgt Phil Stead of Bradford District Police, said:

"The important work these schools have carried out in preventing drugs misuse serves as a valuable springboard for us into the Preventing Drugs Week starting from tomorrow (06/07).

"Providing young people with the information they need to make informed choices is a crucial factor in helping to strip away any glamour which may surround drugs among young people and it is reassuring to know that another ten schools have reached the gold standard of achieving a Charter Award."