by Keyan Milanian

kmilanian@thekmgroup.co.uk

Medway Police are joining forces with partner agencies such as the Medway Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) to promote a national week in support of tackling drugs.

The Medway Community Safety Partnership is running a series of events all next week with the help of the area’s new SOS Bus.

Vic Hogg, deputy director general of the crime and policing group at the Home Office will be opening the event at the Dockside Outlet centre on Monday. He will also be joined by Gillingham FC player Luis Cumbers.

Throughout the week the SOS bus and support bus will be paying visits to Gillingham Town Centre, Medway Maritime Hospital, All Hallows Leisure Park, Mid Kent College, Hempstead Valley Shopping centre and various other sites across Medway.

Inspector Gary Woodward from Medway Police, said: ‘The Medway Community Safety partnership is taking the bus out to educate people about the dangers of drugs.

"The partnership is committed to tackling drug crime and we would welcome any feedback from our local residents. I am delighted that Mr Hogg has decided to support us and we are looking forward to an action packed week.

"The SOS bus allows us to reach a huge number of people within our community and we will be able to provide specialist advice and support to those who need it. This is a great opportunity to listen to local people and provide them with the assistance they need.’

John Scott, Home Office Regional Director for the South East said: "It is great to see the Medway Community Safety Partnership working hard to help reduce drug related crime and to assist drug users into treatment.

"The impact of addiction affects not only drug users themselves, but also their families and loved ones, and even the communities in which they live.

"National Tackling Drugs Week provides an opportunity for those working to protect their communities to listen to the concerns of local residents about drug use in their area.

"It also gives the Medway Community Safety Partnership the chance to demonstrate the excellent work they are doing to tackle drug related issues.’

Timetable of events for the week: