$65,000 BID TO PROVIDE DRUG LESSONS

Oldham is to receive $65,000 to help teachers to deliver a drug-education
programme to young people.

The money is part of the Government's nation-wide push to improve the
quality of education on the dangers of misusing drugs.

All schools in the borough are being encouraged to provide drugs education
and drugs-related incident policies, consistent with the Department for
Education and Employment good practice guidelines.

And the Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) has been set up with this as
one of its main aims.

DAAT co-ordiantor Mrs Kay French said: "We are aware that some of the most
vulnerable people may miss out on this input within schools, due to truancy
or other problems.

To combat this, we are working in partnership with education, youth
services, the youth-offending team, voluntary organisations and others to
ensure these youngster do not slip through the net."

The $7.5 million being made available by the Government for drug education
will allow schools to support training for teachers and Connexions advisers
on drug issues.

It will also ensure all schools have access to a local drugs adviser, and
pupils at risk get support in and out of school.

Mrs French added: "The Connexions Service in Oldham will provide every 13
to 19 year old with a personal adviser to mentor them. We believe this will
dramatically increase the ability of different agencies to work together".