Youngsters in Pembrokeshire are making their voices heard on drug prevention. Pupils from the county are taking part in a nationwide project aimed at giving young people a say in drug prevention work among their peers. Mentor UK's Youth Involvement Project was launched in November 2005 and, as part of the project, a Young People's reference group was set up comprised of 25 youngsters aged between 12 and 20. Represented on the group are: Thomas Ross, 16, from Tasker Milward; Michaela Haines, 16, Tasker Milward; Jessica Absalom, 16, Tasker Milward; Rachel Murphy, 16, Tasker Milward and Liam Haines, 14, Pembroke School. Youngsters from Rotherham, West Yorkshire, London and Essex are also represented. The young people have met every three months to discuss combating drug use and other issues relevant to them. This year the Young People's reference group has: • Contributed to the development of the National Institute of Health and Clinical excellence draft guidance on community based interventions to reduce substance misuse amongst vulnerable and disadvantaged young people. • Consulted on the possible introduction of random drug testing in schools and communicated their views via a letter to the Secretary of State for Education and Skills. • Had their views presented by Mentor UK to a special meeting of 25 national drug co- coordinators at the EU. • Presented their views on control, support and education approaches to local drug and alcohol professionals in Derbyshire. • Presented their end of year views to members of the Home Office, and the Children's Commissioner in England. Suzanne Strachan, Pembrokeshire County Councils youth development worker based at Tasker Milward School, said the project had been such a success that it would be continuing next year with plans to develop the work locally as well as link up with the National Assembly. "On a wide level, the project gathers the thoughts and feelings of young people to develop a strategy, which they can relate to and take ownership of," she said. "Individually it has left the young people involved with a lasting understanding of the issues surrounding, and the impact of, substance misuse on young people." Group member Tom Ross, said: "Presenting our views to the Home Office was a nerve racking experience but as a group we prepared well for it." Meanwhile Michaela and Liam Haines said they had really enjoyed working with other youngsters from across the UK and had made some lasting friendships.