WEST Yorkshire Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson was among representatives from the police, legal and medical professions attending a training session looking at use of now outlawed ‘legal highs’.

More than 70 professionals attended the event, organised by Lifeline Bradford, which helps people with alcohol and drug abuse and has been dealing with increasing numbers of people using Novel Psychoactive Substances, which were made illegal earlier this month.

The training event looked at trends, risks to users, and related psychological, social and health issues. Other guests included the Lead Commissioner for Public Health England (PHE) in Bradford, solicitors, police officers, probation workers, social workers and representatives of mental health services.

“All attendees gained knowledge on NPS, where they are derived from and the impact on users and the community,” said Faz Hafiz, of Lifeline.

“It also looked at understanding psychological, social and health effects of NPS and the current legislation. Due to high attendance we will be organising another training event in the coming months.”

“Our staff visited pubs after the event, promoting harm reduction messages.”