East Lancashire schools combat abuse and drugs (From Lancashire Telegraph)

East Lancashire schools combat abuse and drugs

1:07pm Tuesday 5th March 2013 in News By Emma Cruces, Reporter

A NEW programme to help combat issues of drugs, domestic abuse and sexual exploitation of youngsters is planned to be rolled out in schools.

The scheme is being led by Lancashire County Council, which is hoping to introduce the new teaching in primary and secondary schools from September.

As well as health and well-being, the topics the programme will also cover would include the prevention of terrorism and how to avoid becoming part of a gang.

Helen Denton, executive director for children and young people at Lancashire County Council, said: “I would like to propose that we do something about these issues in a big way.

“We have got to deal with the problem of sexual exploitation, which is a particular issue we have got. Teenagers still don’t realise it is happening to them.

“We also have issues surrounding drug and alcohol use.”

The county council has already secured £100,000 in funding from the Domestic Abuse Campaign.

Support for extra funding from the Lancashire Schools Forum has also been expressed.

In order to reach out to children who may not attend mainstream education, Mrs Denton proposed that information and advice would also be available online, so that parents could go through the programme with them.

If successful, it is hoped the scheme may be introduced in schools in other parts of the country.

Mrs Denton said she often spoke to youngsters who said they felt they did not get the support they needed to make the right choices.

She said: “We need to make sure this is delivered particularly to children who are not on our radar.

“It is the right thing to do. We may not see the results of it, but it is about investing in our future.

“We have got an obligation to do something about it.”