Welsh initiative tackles drugs and alcohol issue

As drugs and driving among young people is emerging as an issue of international concern, the growth in use of illicit substances coupled with the recognition of high levels of alcohol use has prompted one Welsh local authority to study the problem in more depth.
The result is a report on a multi-agency initiative that has established baseline information on the issues of drugs, alcohol and driving in Powys.

The information, taken from a confidential questionnaire completed by Year 10 pupils in the County, was used to write a drama entitled ‘Smashed’. The Theatre in Education production was performed in comprehensive schools in Powys and followed up by a further confidential questionnaire to pupils about the effectiveness of the play.

The executive summary of the report, ‘All You Need is to get Home’, can be downloaded from the Powys County Council website:
http://highways.powys.gov.uk/english/roadsafety.htm

The research and the drama form the basis of a teaching resource, which is available from the Road Safety Unit of Powys County Council. The resource uses young students to present a peer group drama in a non-preaching way. High school teachers, drug and alcohol groups and youth clubs have used it successfully, and it is also suitable to show to parents.

The pack comprises a video, executive summary of the report, teachers’ notes, synopsis of the story and a CD containing the script. The video lasts for 40 minutes and has breaks in it so that it may be paused for discussion or used for more than one session. Smashed is the winner of a Road Safety Council of Wales award.

Further details of the project and the teaching pack, priced at £20, can be obtained from Meg Lewis, senior road safety officer, megl@powys.gov.uk.