Drug use can devastate people's lives and has a damaging effect on communities. Drug and alcohol abuse can increase crime, poor health, unemployment, disrupt education, and have a disproportionate impact on the country's most deprived communities.

Wardens can help by:

• Engaging with young people on drug and alcohol issues

Wardens can provide simple information about drug and alcohol use and encourage those affected to seek help.

They can also help to keep young people off the streets at night by providing them with alternatives to drinking and taking drugs. They can do this by working in partnership with youth services to provide leisure opportunities such as football and dance groups.

• Reporting drug dealing, drug-related anti-social behaviour or illegal activity to the police

Wardens can act as the 'eyes and ears' of the street and work closely with the police to report drugs-related activity. They can identify areas that drug use might be taking place and they can act as a point of contact for members of the public.

• Deterring drug activity and under-age drinking by being visible in hot spots

Extra patrols in hot spots can help deter drug use and under-age drinking.  The Wardens work in partnership with the police to pass on any information they might have.

For more information about drug use contact 'Frank' on 0800 776600 or www.talktofrank.com.

Information courtesy of the Home Office Crime and Reduction website http://www.crimereduction.homeoffice.gov.uk