Youngsters recognised for parts in key health battles

A NEW awards scheme celebrating the efforts of young people who work in alcohol and substance misuse prevention is set to honour its first winners tomorrow.

The first Young Stand (Scots tackling alcohol and drugs) awards will be made in a ceremony at the John McIntyre Conference Centre in Holyrood.

The 2013 awards attracted 24 applications from after-school clubs, sports schemes, schools projects and mentoring projects.

The scheme has been set up by the Scottish Collaboration for Public Health Research and Policy.

Senior adviser Dr Ruth Jepson said: “Alcohol and substance misuse remains a key public health concern.

“In addition to celebrating the hard work of those who tackle this important issue, Stand will help to raise the
profile of evaluation in this area and its role in understanding and developing the evidence base.”