SMITH HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANT WORK OF DAPL

12.00.00am GMT Fri 8th Feb 2008

Member of the Scottish Parliament for North East Fife has congratulated DAPL (Drugs & Alcohol Project Levenmouth) on its recent pilot programme, which offers an early intervention service to young people who have issues with drugs and alcohol. The service which includes therapeutic counselling, support, advice and information to youngsters within the first 72 hours of a reported related incident has been heralded as a great success by the police, politicians and the local communities it serves.

The service has widened its catchment area to cover North East Fife and has the benefit of both a young persons and Adult service which means that they are able to offer holistic support to families affected and furthermore with their family support groups running in Leven, Glenrothes and Kirkcaldy they can provide group support for parents or family rather than one-to-one where preferred.

Commenting on the programme, Iain Smith said, "This is a very important and pioneering service being provided by DAPL which offers first class support to youngsters and families affected by drug and alcohol problems.

"I congratulate the staff and all who are associated with the project for their continued excellent work. I really hope that this project which runs in partnership with Fife Constabulary will be able to extend throughout Fife to help tackle the problems caused by drug and alcohol abuse."

Further funding for DAPL will be sought in August 2008 in order to continue its work.

ENDS