SYPADS
Launched in People United Against Crime's first year of operation (1996), SYPADS aims to help the parents and carers of drug users. Initially founded to set up and support self-help groups of parents and carers, SYPADS was asked to respond to demand by establishing a telephone helpline.
Following a feasibility study and a search for funding, the helpline opened in March 1998. It was staffed by a team of 25 trained volunteers who provided emotional and practical support to callers.
In 2003 SYPADS launched a new service offering the Asian community a telephone helpline in their native language.
The minority language telephone helpline was developed in response to a need for information and support amongst Punjabi / Urdu speakers.
12 volunteers from the Asian community received training in drugs awareness, counselling and telephone skills. The service operates from bases in Sheffield and Rotherham but is available to any caller regardless of where they live