Pubdate: Thu, 22 Nov 2007 Source: Hampshire Chronicle (UK) Copyright: 2007 Newsquest Media Group, A Gannett Company Contact: http://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4628 TEACHERS ATTEND DRUG CONFERENCE TEACHERS from across Hampshire heard one mother's harrowing experiences of her twin sons' drug addiction at a special conference on substance misuse and other issues which can affect young people. The conference, hosted by the PRISM Network, was entitled Scratching the Surface' and took place at the Potters Heron Hotel in Ampfield last Wednesday, (November 21). This year the conference had a special focus on self-harm and bereavement as well as providing information and workshops on substance misuse. It was aimed at raising awareness of services available for young people and enabling teachers to offer specialist support to young people. Many of the teachers who attended the conference are the first point of contact for pupils looking for advice about drugs and other issues. The conference was opened by Councillor David Kirk, Hampshire County Council's Executive Member for Children's Services and the guest speaker was Elizabeth Burton-Phillips, author of Mum, can you lend me twenty quid?' a book which recounts her experiences coping with both her sons' addiction to heroin. Elizabeth, who herself has 35 years teaching experience, never imagined that both her twins would become involved in drugs. She was shocked when they were suspended from school for smoking cannabis but that just turned out to be the start of her terrible journey which culminated with a knock on the door in the early hours from police telling her that her son Nick had killed himself in despair at his addiction. Since his death she has campaigned to make parents, teachers and others who support young people aware of the realities of drug addiction and its effect on families. Elizabeth, who lives near Reading, is a family spokesperson for FRANK, the national drugs helpline and chairman of Crack it a support organisation for those coping with addiction in the family. Teachers from every Hampshire County Council secondary school were invited to attend the conference and those who have expressed an interest in taking on the role of a school drugs co-ordinator will be offered further training. Cllr Kirk said: "Substance abuse and the other issues being discussed at this conference can affect any family at any time. It is therefore vital that young people and those who work with them have all the relevant facts to hand to help them make informed choices and so they know where to turn to for further help and advice. "This conference is an ideal opportunity to raise awareness of school staff, not only to health and education issues related to substance misuse and other matters affecting young people, but also to the good practice currently going on in Hampshire. Through the PRISM Network and other agencies Hampshire County Council staff work with young people to inform them of the dangers of substance misuse and the devastating effects it can have on their lives and the lives of those around them." The PRISM (Processing Referrals Involving Substance Misuse) Network aims to increase social inclusion and promote improved educational outcomes for vulnerable pupils who may be involved in substance misuse. It provides specialist advice and consultation to school staff on the management of pupils with substance misuse related problems, within a school setting. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D