GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES FRANK DRUGS CAMPAIGN

A UKP3m advertising campaign warning parents and children about the
dangers of drugs will be launched by the government today.

Backed by the Home Office, Department of Health and education
ministers, it will provide advice, information and support about all
illegal substances.

The initiative is the first to target parents and carers as well as
young people. They will be urged to "Talk to Frank" for advice on
substance abuse and drug addiction in a series of four TV commercials,
plus radio, posters and print advertisements.

The campaign will concentrate on class A drugs - the most harmful
substances such as heroin and crack cocaine. But helpline workers and
the website talktofrank.com will have information about all illegal
drugs.

A spokesman for the Home Office said: "The campaign aims to raise
awareness of the risks associated with drug use and provide credible
and reliable information to parents, carers and young people.

"Frank will focus on the most vulnerable young people and on helping
parents to access information and advice to enable them to talk to
their children."

The initiative would provide "accurate, confidential and unbiased
information" and help people get in touch with local agencies.

Figures show that one in three people will try an illicit drug in
their lifetime and about a third of young people being treated for
drugs abuse are under-25.