The Scottish Police Chief and Education Secretary highlighted the need for drugs education.

On Tuesday 23 May, key policy makers from across Scotland gathered at Police Scotland’s headquarters to discuss the vital role education plays in protecting young people and preventing drug-related harm. The event, hosted by the Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation, was addressed by Police Scotland’s Chief Constable, Sir Iain Livingstone QPM, and Jenny Gilruth, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills.

Fiona Spargo-Mabbs OBE, Dan’s mother and Director and Founder of the Foundation, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to bring together key policy makers, agencies and stakeholders across Scotland to explore the essential role drug education can and must play, if we are to equip this next generation with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate drugs and decisions safely.”

The event featured a range of keynote speeches and a question and answer session on the harm of drugs to individuals, families and communities, with a panel including Fiona Spargo-Mabbs OBE, Professor Marion Bain, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Detective Chief Superintendent Stuart Houston, Police Scotland’s Head of Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism and Superintendent David Howieson.

Additionally, a film performance of Mark Wheeeller’s powerful play ‘I Love You, Mum – I Promise I Won’t Die’ was screened. The play tells Dan’s story and is currently touring Scottish schools.

Sir Iain Livingstone QPM commented: “At the same time, we have a positive duty to work with others to improve the lives and wellbeing of our communities. I am really grateful to the officers and staff and all the partners and agencies who are contributing to this collaboration and pay tribute to Fiona Spargo-Mabbs and her husband Tim for her vital work in driving progress in this crucial area over almost a decade since the tragic death of their son Dan.”

Jenny Gilruth, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, added: “We must ensure young people are educated about the harms of substance use – both to themselves and others. Events like this are crucial in supporting the efforts of the Scottish Government and partners on the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce in raising awareness about the significant harm caused by illegal drugs, allowing young people to make informed choices which will help them lead healthy lifestyles.”

The Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation is a drug education charity founded in 2014 by Dan’s parents following his death aged 16. The charity aims to ensure young people are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to make safe and informed decisions about drugs. Third Sector organisations, involved in drug education and supporting young people, also attended the event.

Police Scotland have committed to playing their part in reducing the harm caused by drugs, alongside working to prevent drugs from reaching the streets. The Serious Organised Crime Taskforce, chaired by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, oversees the implementation of Scotland’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy with the aim of disrupting serious organised crime and reducing the harm it causes.

On Tuesday 23 May, key policy makers from Scotland gathered at Police Scotland’s headquarters to address the vital role of education and prevention in tackling the harm caused by drugs. The event, hosted by the Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation, was attended by Police Scotland’s Chief Constable, Sir Iain Livingstone QPM, and Jenny Gilruth, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills.

The Foundation was set up in 2014 by Dan’s parents following his death aged 16, with the aim of ensuring young people are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to make safe and informed decisions about drugs.

During the event a wide range of keynote speeches were delivered and representatives took part in a question and answer session on the harm of drugs to individuals, families and communities, with a panel including Fiona Spargo-Mabbs OBE, Professor Marion Bain, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Detective Chief Superintendent Stuart Houston, Police Scotland’s Head of Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism and Superintendent David Howieson. The event also featured a film performance of Mark Wheeeller’s powerful play ‘I Love You, Mum – I Promise I Won’t Die’, which tells Dan’s story and is currently touring Scottish schools.

Sir Iain Livingstone QPM commented: “At the same time, we have a positive duty to work with others to improve the lives and wellbeing of our communities. I am really grateful to the officers and staff and all the partners and agencies who are contributing to this collaboration and pay tribute to Fiona Spargo-Mabbs and her husband Tim for her vital work in driving progress in this crucial area over almost a decade since the tragic death of their son Dan.

Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.

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