YOUNG people are playing a major part in a new initiative to combat drug use in Halton.
Teenagers from the borough have helped compile and design the Flipped Guide, an information handbook that spells out the facts on drug taking.
Halton Drug Action Team (DAT), who commissioned the Flipped Guide to raise awareness of the perils of drug taking, felt that it was important that young people were involved from the start of the campaign.
Jenny Owen, DAT's young person's substance misuse co-ordinator, said: 'Young people from Connexions at Grangeway in Runcorn helped us with the content and design of the guide which has enabled us to create something teenagers find attractive enough to pick up as well as being informative.'
The guide contains fact files on common drugs and highlights the dangers of substance abuse. Copies will be distributed to all high schools, youth hostels and other venues and organisations used by young people to reach the widest audience possible.
Mark Kershaw, Connexions personal advisor, said: 'The young people enjoyed getting involved with the Flipped Guide. They really enjoyed working with the project leaders as we felt they listened to what we had to say and they appreciated their ideas.'
Jenny Owen added: 'The Flipped Guide will complement all the other tools used by the DAT to encourage young people to recognise the dangers of substance misuse, and enable them to make informed choices and the guide has been designed to be eye-catching.'
