The second National conference on Volatile Substance Abuse organised jointly this year by SOLVE IT and The Chantelle Bleau Memorial Fund has been viewed a huge success.
The event was held at The Hanover International Hotel Bradford and attracted 160 delegates from all over the UK, from a variety of agencies primarily engaging in children and young peoples services.
Keynote speaker, Tim Loughton M.P. Shadow Children's Minister, called upon the Government to give VSA a greater priority and to more to raise awareness among young people and parents. "Volatile Substance Abuse is often dismissed as a problem of the 1980's, something that went on in back alleys, but this attitude has to change" Tim said. He went on " Too many people are unaware of the dangers of VSA and it's about time something was done about it".
Nick Taylor a former prisoner and drug addict told the conference," I wasted 15 years of my life, but I honestly believe if I had been better educated on the dangers then I might not have sunk to a life of crime and drugs".
The tone of the conference had been set by a drama, produced and performed by the students of Tong School Bradford, who used performance to illustrate the young people's attitude to the consequences of VSA. Delegate Comments:
"An excellent, inspiring conference coming from all aspects of VSA. Many Thanks"
"Very good to have a focussed conference on VSA - Good to have such a variety of presentations and people who are committed to this work"
"Enjoyed the conference very much, it has enabled me to take away lots of information to pass on to workers in my field and to young people".
Planning has already begun for the 2005 conference, which we hope will be as well supported and as successful as this years.
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