TWO community groups in Bolton have joined forces to raise awareness and provide support for issues around drugs and substance abuse.

The Centre of Excellence is leading the ‘Just say no!’ drugs campaign, alongside the Flowhesion Foundation, working alongside many other voluntary and statutory partners in the borough.

The campaign aims to engage and encourage young people aged 12-18 to critically reflect on drug use and other intoxicating substances, whilst making them aware of the hidden dangers in everyday recreational activities.

This is achieved through an interactive presentation, developed with the support of the 360 alcohol and substance misuse service, and other mental health professionals.

The sessions end with an informal question and answer session, delivered in a number of out of school settings such as religious, cultural and sports venues.

Chair of the campaign, Sadiq Tania, who is also The Flowhesion foundation’s Bamer infrastructure support lead, said: “We have been overwhelmed with the positive support and response we have had for this campaign in Bolton and want to thank all of our partners and the young people, as well as parents who are really opening up to learn about this sensitive topic.

“We have delivered dozens of workshops and its sobering to see that young people do not understand the true impact substance abuse has.

“We’ve also had other issues such as language barriers amongst parents that means they cannot fully engage or educate themselves on these issues.

“Our campaign is here to change that.

“I also wanted to thank all the people involved in this project who are volunteering their time to make it a success.”

Both organisations jointly-formed a substance misuse advice hub, which also offers specialist support for parents and young people.

This is staffed by a number of bi-lingual professionals such as social workers, mental health professionals, and counsellors.

All are on hand and volunteering their time to provide support, advice and bi-lingual counselling for parents or young people that have been affected by these issues.

The Flowhesion Foundation is a multi-award-winning organisation that works in Bolton and across Greater Manchester to better improve relations between communities, tackle inequalities and build positive aspirations.

The Centre of Excellence are a group of business owners and professionals who are driven to bring about positive change in the local Bolton community.

The campaign plans to hold a conference for parents on drugs later in the year.

If you would like a presentation delivered to your community group or organisation or if you wish to access support via the substance misuse advice hub, ring 01204275106 between 10am-2pm or email: Ifrasim.ahmed@flowhesionfoundation.org.uk.