LESSONS IN DRUGS

MORE than 150 teachers and other professionals across the county visited
Wheathampstead to learn how to push the anti-drugs message home to pupils.

In the Butterfield Road Development Centre they were shown the resources
available, including cd-roms and videos as well as gadgets demonstrating
the health dangers like special goggles and models of clogged arteries.

Mark Hennessey of the Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Service said: "It was
pleasure to be part of the event.

"It was really pleasing to talk to so many people from other agencies and
have them ask about our service and the wider picture regarding drugs and
young people.

"One person asked me how they could spot the signs of drug use in young people.

"I described how there aren't any clear signs to tell if a young person is
using drugs.

"Changes in appearance and behaviour can be mistaken for everyday teenage
development."

The delegates, including youth workers and school nurses, tried out the
resources, and discovered how to incorporate drug education into the
National Curriculum.

The event was filmed by the Home Office and will appear on the official
website http://www.drugs.gov.uk later in the year.