Young people are being urged to take part in a national awards initiative, which is aimed at raising awareness of alcohol and drug issues.

The ‘Let's Talk About Drugs' National Youth Media Awards aim to get people aged between 12 and 25 talking about the hidden harms associated with drug use.

According to Tony Duffin, director of the Ana Liffey Drug Project, which organises the awards, the ‘just say no' approach simply does not work with young people.

"There is little point in telling people, particularly young people, what to do on these issues. What we can do is support young people to inform themselves about the issues, through evidence-based information, and to make informed decisions about how they want to deal with that information," he said.

The closing date for entries is 5pm on March 31. The awards get hundreds of applicants every year and are supported by the HSE, the Department of Health, Healthy Ireland and COSC (the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Social and Gender-based Violence).

There are four age categories - 12-14 years, 15-17 years, 18-21 years and 22-25 years. The overall winner will receive €2,000.

"I believe that this is a really valuable opportunity for young people across the country to get stuck into the issues involved in a way that is original and creative.

"We want entrants to engage meaningfully with this year's topics, which are ‘What are the effects of drug use?' and ‘What are the hidden harms of alcohol use?'. We then want to read, hear and see that story told in a way that captures the imagination of their peers," Mr Duffin explained.

For more information on the awards, click here