Drugs worker praised despite missing out on national award

5:30pm Wednesday 12th December 2007

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A DRUG worker has been praised by the Home Office for his commitment to tackle drug misuse in the Asian community.

Hasan Sidat, 37, was in the running for the national drug worker of the year award in the government's Tackling Drugs Changing Lives Awards yesterday .

He was put forward to the national finals after winning regional heats where he was named North West drug worker of the year.

The father-of-three from Little Harwood joined the Lancashire Council of Mosques as a drug worker more than four years ago from his job as a machinist.

He was nominated for the award by Dr Mahmood Chandia chief executive officer of the Lancashire Council of Mosques for his project which saw Blackburn's mosques become the first in the country to adopt a drugs policy.

He has educated more than 25 Imams and hundreds of children and parents to help them deal with drug issues.

His work is helping to raise awareness about drug abuse in Asian communities, and challenge long-standing myths.

Hasan was one of 20 regional finalists in the running for two national prizes and winners each received £10,000 for their organisation.

Although Hasan missed out on the main award, he received his regional award in Westminster yesterday.

Home Office minister Vernon Coaler said: "It's fantastic to be able to recognise the hard work, passion and dedication of people up and down the country who are working to reduce the harm to individuals, families and communities caused by drug misuse.

"Our enforcement, education and treatment strategy is delivering results. Drug use and drug related crime have fallen in recent years. Our successes could not have been achieved without the expertise and commitment of the people working to transform lives at the community front line."

The Awards were established in 2006 to reward drug workers and drug teams across the country who are taking direct positive action to tackle drugs and are changing the lives of service users, their families and the wider community.

Hasan said: "Reaching the regional final was a bigger achievement because 400 people had been nominated.

"Winning the national award would have been a bonus.

"The regional award is an achievement for the Lancashire Council of Mosques and myself."

Dr Mahmood Chandia said: "The project was pioneering work.

"The fact that he reached the final stage is a testament to the work that he has done to raise awareness about substance abuse.

"It is not a question of winning as long as the work is continued on a regional and national level."