Drug Worker Wins Gong

A Brent youth worker has been named London and National Drug Worker of the Year 2008.
Daniel Smyth from the Brent Centre for Young People was rewarded for the support he has given to young drug users.
He was chosen from among 20 regional finalists and picked up his gong from Home Office Minister Alan Campbell at an awards ceremony in London last week.
Since September 2007, Daniel has provided intensive one-to-one support and group work to 27 young men at Cardinal Hinsley's School in Harlesden, where he identified a gap in provision of mental health and substance misuse services.
He works with people who are using a range of substances, showing emotional difficulties and challenging behaviour in school.
Daniel said: "For many of these young men this is the first time that someone has made an effort to give them the one-to-one support they desperately need and want. I am very keen to continue and build on the work I do at the school, and give other young men that chance to change their lives."
Through Daniel's work, a large proportion of his subjects have significantly reduced their drug use and are no longer selling illegal substances in school or in the community.
A key part of Daniel's success has been in building trust and providing a positive male influence in their lives.
Mr Campbell said: "These awards celebrate the great contribution that dedicated and hard-working professionals and volunteers make in helping individuals overcome drug addiction, which in turn helps families and communities."