PARENTS/CARERS - NATIONAL PICTURE

The Government has a strategy for addressing reducing the harm of drugs in England and Wales, called 'Drugs: protecting families and communities' - 2008.

The ten-year drug strategy (2008-2018) aims to restrict the supply of illegal drugs and reduce the demand for them. It focuses on protecting families and strengthening communities.

The 2008-2018 drug strategy comprises four strands of work:

• protecting communities through tackling drug supply, drug-related crime and anti-social behaviour
• preventing harm to children, young people and families affected by drug misuse
• delivering new approaches to drug treatment and social re-integration
• public information campaigns, communications and community engagement

The strategy was updated in February 2008 and you can learn more about it at www.drugs.gov.uk

The Home Office and Department of Health also launched an advice and information service about drugs for both young people and families and carers called FRANK. FRANK is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to offer sound, non-judgemental advice on drugs, the law and how to get help.

FRANK is available free on 0800 77 66 00 or go to www.talktofrank.com