Bill Rammell MP, the Minister of State at the Department for Education and Skills with responsibility for lifelong learning, further and higher education, is providing the keynote speech at "CONFRONTING FORGOTTEN SUBSTANCES" - the third annual conference that deals specifically with the dangers of volatile substance abuse.
The conference takes place this year at The Thistle Hotel, Marble Arch, London , on Friday, November 18, 2005, and for the third year running, it is a sell out, attracting delegates from all over Britain , representing the Department of Health, Education, The Prison Service, Social Services and politicians amongst others.
Mr Rammell's appearance at the conference is a big boost to the conference organisers, who are encouraging the Government to give more profile to a problem that kills five young people every month.
Said SOLVE IT's chief executive Barbara Skinner, MBE, said: "I am delighted that the Government are taking notice of the problems caused by Volatile Substance Abuse, and I am looking forward to welcoming Bill Rammell to our conference. I am confident there will be plenty of delegates queuing up to alert him to the problems caused by, and the dangers of abusing volatile substances.
"I hope he finds it enlightening, and I hope he will be inspired to go back to the Houses of Parliament and help us deal with the problems of solvent abuse. The loss of five lives a month is five lives too many."
- Volatile Substance Abuse (commonly known as "sniffing") kills more than twice as many 10 to 19 year olds each year than all forms of meningitis combined?
- VSA kills more young people than heroin, ecstasy and cocaine put together?
- Five young people die every month as a direct result of VSA, or sniffing.
Solvent and Volatile Substance Abuse has been with us for hundreds of years, and it is still VERY MUCH a problem!
SOLVE IT is a national charity that confronts these issues, and in an effort to raise awareness of the dangers of VSA, and the devastating (sometimes fatal) consequences caused by it.
All media are welcome to attend SOLVE IT's annual conference, but we would appreciate it if you could tell us in advance if you wish to send a reporter and/or photographer/camera crew.
For further information contact Peter Jones, SOLVE IT Media, on 07870 687992; or Steve Lambert, SOLVE IT Marketing and Fundraising, on 01536 510010. |
