Garage gears up for drug fight

The garage has DJ equipment, computers and video wall

A garage space is being converted into a specially-designed drug information point aimed at teenagers.

It is the first time that a drop-in centre intended specifically to provide information about the effects of drugs to young people has been set up in Cardiff.

Kitted out with DJ equipment, computers and a video projection wall, the Garage Project is run by the drug charity Inroads.

The organisers said it would give users the chance to learn about drugs in a friendly environment and help them to realise the dangers involved in drug abuse.

It is a fact that there are more drugs on the streets than ever

Project leader Steve Lyons

Steve Lyons, a project co-ordinator for the project said: "It is a fact that there are more drugs on the streets than ever.

"At InRoads we believe that the best possible approach is to engage with young people in an informal, non-authoritarian way so that they can see the potential problems that can be caused by drug use.

Drugs increase

"We believe this new scheme will help us do this," he added.

The charity, which has a programme that works closely with many schools in the Cardiff area, is putting the final touches to the site, which will be ready next month.

Drug use in Cardiff has increased, according to the charity

Inroads is the main drug help service which is aimed at young people living in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.

Through the Garage Project, the charity hopes that other services will be introduced for young people, including advice on housing, health and legal issues.

The charity has said that drug use in the Cardiff area has increased significantly in the last few years with the number of drug-related deaths increasing too.

Workers at Inroads say they have seen a dramatic increase in the number of referrals over the past two years.