The search for unsung heroes who change lives every day

A team which helps prisoners to break their addiction to drugs is in the running for a national drug award.

The Primary Care Centre in Shrewsbury has been put forward for the Home Office scheme to find the drug worker and team of the year.  The awards, part of the Tackling Drugs Changing Lives campaign, are open to all public and voluntary sector workers in the UK who have taken direct positive action to tackle drug issues in the local community.  Two awards are available, one for an individual and one for a team and each winner will receive £10,000 for their organisation.

Katrina Wainwright , who put her Primary Care Centre team at HM Prison Shrewsbury forward for the award said: "These awards are a great opportunity to recognise teams and individuals who do a very difficult but absolutely vital job."

Dealing with drug-related issues is a feature in the working lives of people across the public and voluntary sector, from Drug Treatment providers, Police teams, Prison Officers, Social Workers, Housing Officers and Youth Workers to specific roles such as Criminal Justice Interventions Teams and Drug Action Teams.  These awards provide the opportunity to recognise and reward those unsung heroes who change lives every day.

Anyone whether they are colleagues, friends, family members or current or ex-service users can make a nomination at http://www.drugs.gov.uk but there are only a few days left before the closing date of 31 March.  An expert judging panel will choose finalists from each of the government regions and one overall winner in each category.  The winners will be announced on 23 May on National Tackling Drugs Day.

To find out more and how you can nominate please go to: http://www.drugs.gov.uk/awards2006.