PREVIEWS of new shows aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour and substance abuse are to be given to youth work professionals.

Holmfirth theatrical communications company CragRats will showcase the productions at CragRats Mill next Tuesday and Wednesday.

Professionals at the events will include youth workers and representatives of drug action teams, the police, health professionals, Kirklees Council and the children's charity Barnardo's.

They will discuss anti-social behaviour and substance abuse and watch performances devised under the CragRats ReAct scheme.

ReAct uses hard-hitting drama performances and workshops to educate young people about anti- social behaviour and substance abuse.

The sessions focus on teaching youngsters about the consequences of crime, drugs and anti-social behaviour, plus talking about the impact of peer pressure.

ReAct staff also advise professional groups and organisations and provide training for adults.

Lindsay Campbell, ReAct brand manager, said: "The programmes are designed to form part of long-term youth strategies and are not just a quick-fix solution. CragRats ReAct's education programmes aim to nurture positive attitudes and behaviour among young people and tackle issues such as self-esteem and personal responsibility."

She said CragRats devised the new shows in response to a rise in anti-social behaviour.

CragRats sources showed 74% of anti-social behaviour orders are imposed on people d under 21. Also, young people are the most likely victims of low-level crime.

Figures showed that substance abuse was a significant problem and that glue sniffing is responsible for more deaths among under-18s than any other substance abuse.

For further information about ReAct, phone 01484 686451.