Published at 11:33, Friday, 02 May 2008

A WEST Cumbrian drugs charity has visited a Workington school as part of a pupil drug education programme.

National acclaim: Dave Smith, who runs The Rising Sun Trust in Workington

Dave Smith, who set up local charity Rising Sun, which offers a confidential 24-hour service of advice, support and help to drug users and their families, visited Stainburn School to give a talk about the dangers of using drugs.

The talk was the final part of four sessions which have been running for the past few weeks, with speakers from the police, ambulance service and a former drug-user.

Emma Pooley, schools co-ordinator for the charity, said: “We have had superb feedback from the children in questionnaires about the different sessions we have run.”

The talks have been organised for the children’s citizenship and personal, social, health and education programme, part of their key stage three studies.

The Rising Sun has also caught the attention of some of the highest profile charities in Britain.

They include Mothers Against Violence, which was set up in 1999 in the wake of the death of teenager Stephen Lawrence, and the Damilola Taylor Trust, both of which have asked Rising Sun representatives to speak at their meetings.

The trust has been running the Liverpool-based helpline for national charity Parents Against Drug Addiction.

The Rising Sun Trust is also appealing for more volunteers. Anyone interested can contact the trust on 01900 870034.

Anyone who needs help, advice or support can ring the helpline on 0800 838449.

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk