By Lisa Rowley

In photo L-R, Catherine West (DAC Director), Denis Allen (Deputy Mayor of Telford), Michael Hall (DAC Founder & Managing Director) 

An organisation raising awareness of the dangers of drugs has launched a discount card in Telford to help to fund activities for young people and their families as part of its campaign.

People buying the £5 card will get a discount at a number of locations in the town while helping the Drugs Awareness Campaign. The card was launched at Telford Ice Rink on Monday when a disco was held.

Michael Hall, founder of the non-profit-making company, said: "The DAC is not a ‘Say No' campaign, but a major awareness drive designed to capture the attention of young people to the problem of both legal and illegal drugs misuse.

"DAC aims to provide education via information provided by local and relevant drug prevention and sexual health agencies at events which use the international languages of sport, leisure and the performing arts.

Target "Our target market is eight to 14 year olds and their parents or guardians.

"To raise funds for the campaign, DAC has designed a discount card scheme to be supported by local leisure departments, shops, restaurants, clubs and leisure activities, which will provide the card holder with, on average, a 10 per cent discount on every transaction made.

"The DAC card will be available for everyone to purchase for £5 from ages eight to 80 via schools, newsagents, universities and colleges, public stands and listed outlets." Mr Hall said the cards would be sold in schools and colleges, which would receive £1 for every sale.

Shops will also be selling the cards but Mr Hall said more outlets were needed. He said they would be offered a free webpage for a year to advertise their business.

Currently AFC Telford is giving under-16 cardholders free entry to its ground on match days and 10 per cent off in the club shop.

Telford Ice Rink is giving discounted entry and Horsehay Golf Club is giving 25 per cent off a round of golf.

Of the £5 cost of the card £1.50 will go towards organising events for young people and their parents.

Denis Allen, Telford & Wrekin deputy mayor, said: "I am hoping and expecting that with enough support from people in the Telford area we will enable young people to avoid drug abuse and its dreadful consequences for themselves and their families and people around them.

"I fully support this organisation and wish them great success."