Teenagers will be warning other youngsters about the dangers of Drugs as part of an initiative to be launched in Manningham, Bradford, next year.

The peer education scheme is being organised by the Park House Youth Work Project in a bid to cut drug abuse in the area.

Youngsters will be trained to support other young people as well as running educational sessions in schools, community centres and youth clubs.

Sally Teasdale, one of the workers involved in the project, said: "This really is an innovative initiative where young people educate each other.

"There are several schemes around the city where youngsters can get advice about drugs but they're always run by adults.

"We feel they are more likely to take notice of what their peers have to say.

"Drugs have had a big effect in the area during the last few years in terms of crime, family stress, violence, community harm - and unfortunately they have become an everyday experience.

"The training will enable young people to support and empower other young people.

"They will have talks from police, people in the health service and workers from outside agencies involved in drug issues. Over a long period, we're hoping we can train several groups of young people."

A 12-week pilot scheme has been funded by Bradford Council to get the project off the ground. Around 16 young people aged 14 to 16 from the Manning-ham area will be chosen to attend two training sessions a week.

The project will be launched at the end of January and organisers are hoping to set up a management committee.

For more information contact the Park House Project on Bradford 751564.

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