Students across Inverness to receive crucial workshop on the risks of underage drinking
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Secondary school students across Inverness are set to receive a lesson in the dangers of underage drinking in an effort to drive down alcohol consumption and harm amongst young Scots.
Smashed, an international theatre production developed and presented by Collingwood Learning and supported by drinks firm Diageo, will visit six secondary schools across Inverness this week with the aim of educating pupils about the consequences of underage drinking.
Underage drinking in Scotland has been declining over the past decade.
However experts say there is still more to be done to drive down the number of young people in Scotland drinking underage and to educate minors on the risks associated with alcohol misuse.
Each session combines a 25-minute dramatic performance followed by a 35-minute interactive workshop which allows students to reflect on vital underage drinking themes and answer questions about the choices made by the characters in the performance.
Smashed works in close collaboration with Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAPs), an organisation which brings together councils, police, retailers, schools, health providers and community groups across the UK to reduce alcohol harm among young people.
Smashed has been running for over 17 years, with educational performances being delivered to students in over 20 countries around the world.
To date Smashed has reached over half a million students in the UK and look set to reach a further 9,000 pupils over the course of this Scotland tour.
Chris Simes, managing director at Collingwood Learning, said: “We are delighted to be returning to Scotland with Smashed Live in Autumn 2022.
"In the aftermath of the pandemic, the response from schools to a live in-school event has been overwhelmingly positive and our team of talented actors are committed to engaging young people in Scotland on important messages around the potential health and social harms of drinking underage.”
Diageo has long committed to promoting moderation and tackling alcohol harm across the UK.
It has supported Smashed since it began in 2005, and has pledged to educate 10 million young people, parents and teachers, globally on the dangers of underage drinking by 2030.
The programme, developed in consultation with young people, has proven positive impact.
The latest UK evaluation report found:
· 81 per cent of students are less likely to drink alcohol underage as a result of watching Smashed
· 80 per cent of students know where to get help about alcohol as a result of watching Smashed
· 76 per cent of students feel equipped to make the right choices about drinking alcohol underage as a result of watching Smashed
Nuno Teles, managing director at Diageo GB, said: “Smashed’ aims to empower young people by equipping them with the knowledge, awareness, and confidence to understand the dangers of underage drinking.
"Creating a positive impact in the communities in which we operate is critical to our business and the Smashed programme has a proven track record of delivering outstanding results in secondary schools.
"e are so delighted to welcome the tour to Scotland so we can empower the next generation to drink responsibly.”
In addition to the interactive workshop, Smashed provides support for schools in delivering vital Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) and online support materials for parents.
Schools not reached by the live tour have the opportunity to take part in Smashed Online.
