Tackling drugs, saving lives across town

This Friday (12 June) will mark the end of Tackling Drugs, Saving Lives Week, however local agencies are determined that the work done to tackle drugs and reduce drug related crime in the Borough of Rochdale does not go un-noticed.

A special show case event has been organised to celebrate the work done by workers, agencies, service users and volunteers who work to tackle drugs and limit the damage they cause in local communities.

Presentations, testimonials and information stalls are hoped to provide an insight into what goes on behind the headlines.

There will be inspirational speeches from former drug users who have managed to turn their lives around and are now helping others who are experiencing similar problems.

Awards will be presented to the former drug users by Councillor Ted Flynn to celebrate their recovery success.

Tracy Ginnever, Drugs and Alcohol Team Manager from Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Rochdale Borough is fortunate to have many dedicated services available to help people overcome their drug problems. We know that getting users into treatment and keeping them there is the best way to save their lives and reduce the harm they cause to people around them.

She added: “People should be reassured that we are working hard, in partnership, to make safer communities – that means there is no place for drugs.”

Sergeant Paul Walsh drugs coordinator from the offender management unit at Greater Manchester Police’s Rochdale Division, said: “Our team along with a number of agencies in Rochdale such as High Level, Early Break, the Service Users Group and Brentwood work very closely to tackle the problem of substance misuse.

“Working together means we are able to give people the treatment which is right for them. This in turn prevents people from offending or re-offending in the future.

“Rochdale Division’s Bluebeard Operation was a good example of how our work as a team paid off. It led to 26 people successfully being convicted. The dealers involved were sentenced to a total of 65 years and eight months collectively and six community sentences were also handed out.”