The fight against drugs ruining local lives was highlighted by a Bolton organisation.

The new Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Nick Peel visited the Flowhesion Foundation alongside local Halliwell councillors Rabiya Jiva, Kevin Morris and Safwaan patel to hear about the work being undertaken by a local drugs awareness campaign.

The ‘Just say no! drugs campaign’ now in its second year is a joint collaboration led by The Centre of Excellence, The Flowhesion Foundation and involving dozens of other local faith, community and voluntary organisations.

Organisers informed Nick of the great success story, how the campaign has delivered over 25 drugs awareness workshops to children and young people in out-of-school settings.

The Bolton News: Flowhesion Foundation

The campaign has worked with a large number of young people referred to its dedicated substance misuse advice hub and a well-attended parent conference was held in February 2023.

Cllr Nick Peel said: ‘It’s so encouraging to see the momentum this campaign has gained since it began and how credible organisations have come together to spearhead it.

“It’s clear from the engagement the campaign has that people are serious about learning about the issue.

“The supply of illegal substances and their tragic affects are constant reminders as to why we need campaigns like this to raise awareness.

The Flowhesion Foundation and the centre of excellence have recently become founding members of Next Steps, an innovative wellbeing network in Bolton funded by Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust.

Next Steps empower people to make positive changes to their relationship with alcohol and drugs.

Cllr Rabiya Jiva, stronger communities, policing and voluntary and community sector, lead said: “I’ve been aware of and involved in this campaign from the outset.

“I want to thank the volunteers and staff who have given time, commitment and passion and as a consequence have seen it grow leaps and bounds.”

The ‘Just say no! drugs campaign’ has seen investment from Bolton’s Fund and more recently Achieve.

The campaign will be using the latter investment to host drop-in sessions for users and offering bespoke 1-1 support.

To get involved in the campaign, contact: Sadiq Tania Chair ‘just say no drugs campaign!’ T: 01204275106 E: sadiq.Tania@flowhesionfoundation.org.uk Ahmed Patel, vice chair T: 01204275106 E: ahmed@thecoe.org.uk