UK-based Jackpot Training Ltd, is pleased to announce the successful completion of its first Canadian roll-out of the Drug Use Screening Tool (DUST) to North Okanagan, BC for professionals working with young people vulnerable to substance misuse and concurrent disorders.

Jackpot Training Ltd is the largest UK provider of DUST, which has been widely used in the UK since 2001, but this is the first time the screening tool has been brought to Canada. Its overwhelming success now means that the programme can be rolled-out further across the regions.

The two-week delivery of the programme now means that the North Okanagan region has four approved DUST trainers and up to 110 staff trained in Drugs Awareness and DUST.

Jackpot Training Ltd’s Managing Director Matt Algar said: “The experience of co-ordinating and delivering the training in Canada was both rewarding and enlightening.  The UK can learn from the Canadian approach and vice versa.  DUST will work well in the North Okanagan region and fits perfectly with current legislation.  We can now look forward to rolling out DUST into further Regions in the BC area, and possibly Country-wide".

DUST is based on a series of tick-box questions that were developed with risk and protective factors and early identification in mind.  This fits in with Canada’s Anti Drugs Strategy, which aims to “reduce illicit drug use in 10-24 year olds” and to “delay the onset of use and frequency”, along with satisfying the findings of the CCSA regarding “action as needing immediate attention and investment” .

One attending delegate stated: “The thing I found most useful was getting some consistency of understanding and information, along with a great, concise screening tool.”

Another said: “I found it most useful to gain first hand knowledge from a trainer who has used this tool.  It’s helpful to hear about the path that’s been taken.  The advice he’s given us has been informative and engaging.  I thoroughly enjoyed this training.”