drugs and
substance abuse
relationships and
domestic violence
knife crime
teenage pregnancy
and sexual health
consequences of
offending
skills for independent living
restorative
justice
bullying and emotional literacy
primary to
secondary
transition
alcohol misuse
exploring diversity and community cohesion |
WASTED
Substance Misuse
Wasted was launched in 1994 and was developed and piloted with the support of Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance as part of their Community Involvement programme.
Target audience
Wasted is suitable for young people in Mainstream Education aged from 10 to 14. It is an extremely adaptable programme and has also proved to be very successful with older age groups and in Pupil Referral Units. The programme has also been used in parent awareness sessions and Conference and Training events by organisations such as Business in the Community.
Objectives
- To identify the wide range of substances available, both legal and illegal.
- To distinguish between medical and non-medical use.
- To look at the possible health and social consequences of drug misuse.
- To dispel myths and stereotypes, offering accurate, credible information.
- To address issues of personal responsibility and informed choice.
- To promote the necessary life skills to resist peer pressure / influence and implement personal choice.
The play
The play tells the story of Ryan, the 'new' boy, and traces his journey from relative innocent to being a seasoned drug user. The play closes as Ryan is in crisis. Having been seen dealing drugs, he flees and hides. Confused, paranoid, and scared, he is abandoned by his friends and faces an uncertain fate as the police begin to follow his trail.
The workshop
The workshop takes its lead from the ideas, comments and questions raised by the young people. Throughout, any misinformation is corrected and necessary and appropriate additional information conveyed, according to the experience, understanding, ability and needs of the group. What are drugs? How do they work in our bodies? What effects do they have? What are the dangers associated with drug misuse?
Attention is turned to the play and the characters in it. The audience is invited to meet characters from the play and challenge and discuss their behaviour. The characters defend and excuse their behaviour, requirung a deeper analysis and more varied approach from the audience.
Finally, the audience are asked to identify important moments of choice for the characters within the play. These moments can be re-run and an audience member is invited to take part as one of the characters to see if they can change / influence the outcome.
A comprehensive resource pack is available with this programme.
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