Teenagers learn about the dangers of drink during the World Cup

Date published: 13 June 2010

Whilst the majority of the population will be enjoying the World Cup safely, warnings are being given about the risks of excessive drinking and the increased burden our emergency and support services will face over this period.

Locked up in a prison cell, Tameside pupils will discover the consequences of misusing alcohol and its relationship with crime and violence.

It’s all part of the ‘It’s Your Life’ project aimed at teaching the pupils, aged 14-15, the effects of unsafe lifestyle choices during hard-hitting awareness days taking place on 15 and 16 June.

The pupils, from secondary and special schools across the borough, are to attend a series of workshops and presentations as part of the project.

They will look at the consequences of alcohol misuse such as anti-social behaviour, links to dating violence and domestic abuse, arson and car crime and the impact on victims, families and communities.

A presentation from the Prison Service includes a mocked-up cell to give the teenagers some idea of what life is like on the inside.

There are workshops from Greater Manchester Police’s tactical firearms unit, the Fire Service, and Branching Out. The days also include plays and workshops on anti-social behaviour, dating violence and domestic abuse.

Pupils will also take part in a self defence session to reinforce the importance of taking part in positive, active lifestyle activities.

Cllr Ged Cooney, Executive Member for Lifelong Learning said : “We hope that the day’s experiences will reinforce the dangers and consequences of misusing alcohol, such as the links with crime and the impact on people’s lives, relationships and health. Hopefully, it will have an impact on choices and decisions they make in the future.”

The project – ‘It’s Your Life’ – is an excellent example of multi-agency working in Tameside and has been developed in partnership with Education, GMP, Community Safety, the Fire Service, and Branching Out.

The project has been funded by Tameside Council.

For further information contact Shelagh Walton, Healthy Schools Co-Ordinator on 0161 342 5082.