The West Suffolk Substance Misuse Implementation Team (SMIT) was formed to help tackle issues around drugs and alcohol within our community. The team is supported with funding from the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and its main task is to initiate projects that will contribute towards implementing the government's drug and alcohol strategies. View www.drugs.homeoffice.gov.uk

The four main objectives of the SMIT are:

• Identify hot spots of drug and alcohol misuse;
• Provide better support for those people who are misusing drugs and alcohol;
• Raise awareness of the facts, risks and dangers of drugs and alcohol; and
• Reduce the impact drugs and alcohol has on communities.

The West Suffolk SMIT team has a commitment to working closely with Suffolk Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT). By keeping one eye on the overall strategic aims of the county this ensures our projects are effective and needs driven. To see more about the work of Suffolk DAAT go to www.suffolkdaat.org.uk

Current SMIT projects include:

A Right Bunch of Artheads

Artheads is a project aimed at raising awareness around drugs and alcohol within our community. Over the last two years we have put on art exhibitions, live gigs and performance events across West Suffolk. The events have involved people who have themselves experienced problems with drugs and alcohol and also people from the wider community including schools and colleges. It is now Haverhills turn to receive the Artheads treatment.

On April 18^th we will be hosting an evening of live music and performance at the Arts Centre. We have four bands, individual performers, breakdancing, competitions, dancers from west Suffolk college, non alcoholic bar, art and substance misuse workers with info and freebies. Bands include: Student (Bury sound winners), Indigo, Selective Walk and Manza.

Tickets are £4 from the Arts Centre. Event is open to the whole community. The atmosphere at Artheads events is celebratory, upbeat and moving.

This event will be like nothing else you have ever experienced, so don’t let the truth pass you by.

Substance Misuse Work Placement Scheme

In partnership with St Edmundsbury Borough Council theSMITteam has set up a scheme aimed at helping those people who have been through treatment to address their drug problems, back into work. This is seen as a crucial part of the rehabilitation process. Many people do very well in treatment but then the reintegration back into society can be a daunting challenge. As the council has a range of departments engaged in various activities we are able to tailor placements based on the individuals need. To date, we have had one completed placement, who in now in full time employment at a local drug agency, two current and two more about to start.

• a FRANK streetmarketing campaign with young people;
• a young person's drug and alcohol support group;
• Cannabis support programme;
• live music events; and
• Tai Chi groups and acupuncture training.

For more information on some of these projects check out the SMIT newsletters (PDF 824Kb) and don't forget to check back here for updates and information on upcoming projects and events.