The annual Tackling Drugs Changing Lives Awards, have been launched today and the search begins for unsung heroes who are making a real difference in their local community.

The national awards recognise, reward and celebrate the people on the front-line who are working to tackle drugs and change lives every day.  Examples include those who help with diversionary sports training, drug enforcement activity or professionals who counsel and treat drug users - all are eligible for the award scheme.

Two awards are available, one for an individual and one for a team, each winner will receive £10,000 for their organisation to spend on the prevention or treatment of drug misuse.

Anyone can nominate a drug worker or drug team whether they are a friend, family members, and colleague or service user.  The closing date for nominations is 30th August 2008.

Launching the awards in Brighton, Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said:

I know that drug workers and drug teams across the country are working tirelessly everyday to tackle drugs and change lives. In fact, I have met many people and teams who deserve to be nominated for these awards.

John Scott, Home Office Regional Deputy Director for the South East, said:

This is a chance to recognise the life-changing work done in the south east to help people turn their lives around, and to reduce the harm caused by drugs in local communities.

We need to reward the sheer dedication of those in the front line and make sure the wider world knows about the contribution individuals and teams are making every day.

The 2007 Individual winner was Vicky Ward who works at Turning Point Adult Treatment Service in Sheffield. She received her award for working tirelessly to get homeless people into treatment and the best quality of care.  Vicky said:

Winning the National Drug Worker of the Year award last year was a real privilege and has contributed towards promoting Turning Point’s Adult Drug Treatment Service both locally and nationally.

The £10,000 we received from the Home Office helped enormously as we have been able to fund a six-month outreach worker post. The additional street-based support means we have helped more vulnerable drug users in Sheffield receive harm reduction advice and treatment support.

Bearing in mind the benefits the award has brought to clients and Turning Point, I would urge people to go ahead and nominate their local heroes for an award this year.

A panel of expert judges, chaired by the Home Office, will choose ten finalists, one from each of the nine government regions plus Wales.  Two overall winners will then be chosen - an individual drug worker and a drug team.  The winners will be announced towards the end of 2008 at a ceremony in London.

Full information on the Tackling Drugs Changing Lives Awards 2008 and details of how to nominate click here:  and for more on the Government’s drug strategy, “Drugs: protecting families and communities” click here:

Isle of Wight Community News @Island Pulse.