News and events

News

Substance Misuse News
Date	News
7 March 2008	Cannabis Upgraded to Class B drug Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has confirmed in the House of Commons today - 7 May 2008 - that cannabis will be upgraded from a Class C to a Class B drug. Taking effect from early 2009, the reclassification will mean: More roubust enforcement against cannabis supply and possession, and those repeatedly caught with the drug will not just receive cannabis warnings A new strategic and targeted approach to tackling cannabis farms and organised criminals behind them Introducing additional aggravating sentencing factors for those caught supplying cannabis and other illegal substances near further and higher educational establishments, mental health institutions and prisons
21 April 2008	Drug Alert: Heroin Contamination Update Further to previous warnings, in Hampshire, within the last week, at least 5 persons have been admitted to hospital after injecting a heroin based substance. At least one individual has been admitted to intensive care, prompt medical attention being required. The normal medical drugs to counteract the effects of an overdose do not appear to be working. There is therefore a high risk of overdose or death. In the event of a suspected overdose or adverse effect then urgent admission to hospital is required. In order to prevent the spread of this contaminated substance please could any information be passed direct to the police, or in confidence to the DAAT or other provider agency.
28 March 2008	Drug Alert: Heroin contamination We have been notified by Oxford DAAT of several reported overdoses in the last 24 hours in the Didcot area due to a contaminated batch of Heroin. The Heroin concerned is darker colour and turns ‘blood red’ when cooked up. The symptoms are varied with a number becoming extremely violent and others becoming immediately unconscious. If you have any concerns please speak to your Drugs Worker.
27 February 2008	The new 10 year National Drug Strategy 'Drugs: Protecting Families and Communities' has been launched. For full details of content go to the Home Office drug strategy website pages
7 February 2008	Drug and Alcohol Evening Address was a big success with highly emotive and personal descriptions of how substance misuse can affect lives of everyday families in Wokingham - presentations were heard from a range of speakers including Chief Inspector Tony Ismay, Reading User Forum, and Wokingham Drug Action Team - to see media coverage select the attachment below

Events

Details of forthcoming substance misuse events
Event	Date and time	Description	Contact details
Living in The Shadow of an Alcoholic Parent	9 October 2008, 10.30am	A presentation to sixth form students at Emmbrook School given by Emma Spiegler, author and founder of award winning website COAP: Children of Addicted Parents and People.	For a summary of this presentation, please contact Wokingham Drug Action Team 0118 974 3795
Tackling Drugs Changing Lives Week	19 May - 23 May 2008 Wokingham Drug Action Team expo 22 May 2008 10am-2pm	For anyone interested in getting more information on: Referral and assessment into drug treatment Community drug support Structured Day Care Programmes Needle Exchange Blood Borne Viruses Young People’s substance misuse services. Family Support for those affected by substance misuse Employment Support for substance misusers	Wokingham Drug Action Team 0118 974 3795
Woodley Drop-In Launch	Friday 7 April 2008 1.30pm - 3.30pm	This is an event for service users and professionals who want more information on the Woodley Substance Misuse Drop-In Service	Richard or Carla at Cranstoun Drug Services 0118 974 3796 07973 619028 07772 313224