By Julie Morgan

Last updated 09:54, Thursday, 03 July 2008

WARNING against the dangers of drug and alcohol addiction is the aim of a new £75,000 project backed by a Whitehaven businessman.

STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART: Dave Smith holds a picture of his son Ryan who died from a drug-related cause, as he talks to Whitehaven School students about the heartbreak of drug use.

The Know Project, launched this week at Whitehaven School, aims to hit home about substance abuse by introducing young people to those who have personal experience of addiction.

Sponsored by The Romar Innovative Trust, the three-year deal will enable the Ryan Smith Rising Sun Trust to de-glamorise the image of drug-taking.

Launching the project, John Rowlands, managing director of Romar Innovate, which has financed its own trust through key suppliers to the Romar Nuclear supply chain, said: “I hope that the pupils will see that drugs and alcohol abuse have no place in being successful.

“We believe that by supporting The Know Project we will be helping to prevent a worrying trend towards drugs and alcohol dependency of our young people,’’ he added.

Dave Smith, financial director of The Ryan Smith Rising Sun Trust, said: “This is an unprecedented amount of money and we have said a big ‘thank you’ to The Romar Innovative Trust.

“The grant means we can go into schools and youth organisations, without charging, and reach around 2,000 young people each year,’’ he said.

“The people we have involved in the project are those who have walked the walk, not just talked the talk,’’ Mr Smith said. “Hopefully, it will also open other people’s eyes to the work we do.’’

Mr Rowlands added: “Dave and his staff do a great job running the Ryan Smith Rising Sun Trust and will help anyone in a drugs or alcohol dependency related situation, running a 24-hour helpline.

“The Know Project will hopefully prevent some young people falling into the trap of drugs and let’s hope Dave and his staff have fewer clients in the future,’’ he added.

The Rising Sun Trust has also recently launched a family support service. Meetings are held at the Trust office, Fisher Street, Workington, each Wednesday at 6.30pm, which are open to families in Copeland. For more information on any of their projects contact 01900 870034 or the helpline on 08000838449.