DASH - Drugs Action Shipston

welcome to DASH - DASH, a Shipston based organisation, was founded in 2002 to reduce
drugs usage and drug related crime and to also raise awareness of drugs
issues in the community. The work of
DASH has already led to much activity in the community towards helping
reduce drug usage. Since the youth project began in 2003, the youth workers
have worked with over 3000 teenagers providing advice on drugs, sexual health
and career options. The youth workers have also provided more activities for
the young people in the town. Working with local organisations and the schools.

Bullying - Advice for young people.
Bullying is when a person or group of people makes someone feel frightened or bad about themselves. This can include name-calling, violence, theft or being forced to do something you don't want to do

DRUGS - SPOTTING THE SIGNS

The first sign of drug use are subtle and are often normal behaviour for teenagers, but if your child starts exhibiting all or many of the following characteristics, then they may be taking drugs:

Secrecy
Friends who use alcohol or other drugs
Change in interests/activities
Dishonesty
Loss of concentration
Forgetfulness
Drop in school grades
Changes in behaviour at home
Changes in diet, including food cravings ("the munchies")
Dropping out of sports activities
Strange paraphernalia in the house
Unexplained need for money

To find out more, contact: How To Drug Proof Your Kids, at www.dpyk.org.uk

The Loveboat Residential Click

DASH Annual General Meeting
18th February 2009 Held at the Ellen Badger Hospital

Chairmans Report
I am pleased to confirm another another year of progress.
The Outreach Workers employed on a part time basis from WAYC have continued to provide an excellent service to the young people in Shipston and Quinton. Our thanks to Kieran McGerty, project leader, and his colleagues from WAYC.
The following Community Projects were implemented:

A photographic competition
A series of free swimming/gym sessions at the Leisure Centre
Counselling Sessions at Schools in the area.
A Public Meeting held at the Shipston High School, ti discuss the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Main speakers Mr Barry Barnhurst & Mr Richard Helyer.
A Pool team formed to compete with teams in the area. T Shirts sponsored by JTL.
A wall Graffiti Canvas completed by young people in Quinton, under professional guidance, which was exhibited in the Village Hall.

Fund Raising

A Concert given by the Avon Opera Group raised £407
A Tombola stall at the Victorian Evening raised £100
A 'Banger Rally' to Prague, entered by Gerlinde & Stephen Gray raised £1025 in sponsorship.
A number of outings and visits were organised for young people, all as a result of funds raised during the year.

Grants
During the year Grants were received from:

Garfield Weston Trust £3000
Shipston Town Council £600
WASP (Warwickshire County Council) £2500
Stratford District Council £4530
Donations and various Fund Raising activities raised £346

During the year DASH has continued to work closely with the Police, the Schools and various organisations dealing with young people with problems.
Our Service to the young people can only be sustained with the support from local organisations and the community for which I acknowledge with much appreciation.
Also I close with my personal thanks to all the members of DASH who during the year have given me their support and active participation.

Doug Harris
Chairman
18/02/09

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