The project Prevention works! focuses on prevention of drug use, particularly among youth in cities.
The background to the project is that there is a notable availability of synthetic substances in certain cities in the Baltic Sea region and in neighbouring countries. Many EU countries have adopted national drug strategies, however, the capacity to deal with drug use vary in the cities involved in the project. Various political and social approaches to drugs are a challenge. The project suggests that too little is being done to prevent the youth from using illicit drugs. It calls for more primary preventions measures.
The project is based on the Icelandic Model, which emphasizes the role of parents, schools and other networks around young people. The model links national data of substance use among the youth with local actions. A number of cities in the Baltic Sea region have already started implementing the Icelandic Model and need more knowledge. One ambition of the project is to tackle the lack of knowledge in primary prevention. The project will arrange a training programme consisting of four different modules. It will also provide a platform for discussions and knowledge exchange.