A five-day programme of activities focusing on drug use and its impact on people's lives is set to take place across Oxfordshire to mark National Tackling Drugs Week.

The diverse events are aimed at highlighting the ongoing efforts being made by all local agencies involved in tackling drug use, through education, support, treatment and law enforcement.

A wide range of activities will include school talks given by former addicts, a children's play, police operations, drop-in advice sessions and a major conference organised by the county's Drug and Alcohol Team.

The event aims to:

  • Raise awareness and increase public confidence in the partnership work undertaken across Oxfordshire to respond to concerns people may have about drugs
  • Tackle drugs and reduce drug-related crime in communities across the county
  • Highlight the wide ranging activities and services available Oxfordshire County Council's director for community safety, John Parry, said: "This is the first time public services and other agencies across the county have come together in this way to highlight all the valuable work going on to tackle an issue that affects all of Oxfordshire's communities.

"Through our partnership work we are determined to tackle issues relating to drug use head on, providing effective education, treatment and support, backed up with law enforcement.

"We want to reach out to as many people as possible and spread the word that we are committed to the fight against drug use and that there is help out there for anyone who needs it."

Organisations taking part include the county, district and city councils, Thames Valley Police and Oxfordshire PCT. Other agencies involved include the Oxfordshire Drug and Alcohol Team (DAAT), Cranstoun, Evolve, Oxfordshire Users Team (OUT), SMART CJS, the Women's Service, Oxford Safer Communities Partnership, Youth Offending Services and the county council's Safer Communities Unit.