National Tackling Drugs Week

Drug and Alcohol Action Teams and the Safe Schools and Communities Team are continuing to get the message out to school children about the dangers and effects associated with illegal drugs.

Their work across schools in Dorset is being supported by Safer Neighbourhood Teams during National Tackling Drugs Week, which begins today. (8 June).

Last week at St Edward’s School, Poole, Year 8 pupils were treated to a theatrical performance of ‘Gemma’s Wardrobe’, a one hour show performed by young actors and actresses from the Soloman Theatre Company. The show is based on a true story of a happy and successful schoolgirl whose life begins to unravel when she gets into drugs.

Twelve year old schoolboy Jack Davies, from Oakdale, said the play was really shocking: “It sent a really clear message through to me not to take drugs ever, because if you take drugs, your mind can get into an uncontrolled state, it’s not good for you and you could end up losing everything.

“I would rather be taught about the dangers of drugs through a play like this rather than a boring lecture. We could interact and have a laugh whilst watching the play but still the serious message of ‘choice’ and ‘just saying no’ was what was left in my mind.”

Safe Schools and Communities Officer, PC Geoff Calloway was invited to contribute to a special ‘drugs’ workshop for Year 8 pupils later in the day.

He covered the law in relation to class A, B and C drugs and the differences between them. He also explained to the young people about the consequences of being caught in possession and/or supplying of illegal drugs.

He said: “Making decisions for yourself is part of growing up so we want to give these young people all of the information they need to help prevent them coming into harm.

“If they break the law and end up being criminalised, it can affect them for the rest of their lives as well as their health and the effect on their families.

“Drugs education is being delivered in a multi-agency way that young people can engage and learn and get involved. It’s not about someone standing there telling them ‘don’t do this, don’t do that’ – it’s about giving them the correct information and getting them to think about the choices they can make. At some stage in their life, they might be offered something, whether it’s drugs or alcohol and we want them to be able to make the correct choice.”

These workshops and plays are delivered in schools across Dorset in addition, to reinforce state drug education.

Members from Solomon Theatre Company also took the youngsters through a series of exercises, which touched on peer pressure, self-esteem, persuasion skills and being able to say no.

The theatre performance ‘Gemma’s Wardrobe’ was repeated in an evening session solely for parents, to be able to relate to what young people may be thinking about drugs.

For more information on how to contact services in relation to drugs visit "http://www.dorset.police.uk"