Parents and kids learn from alcohol and drugs abuse project

A course designed to educate young people about the consequences of drinking alcohol, taking drugs and associated anti-social behaviour has been running in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire. Parents and kids alike say it hits the spot...

Twelve young people, at risk of substance misuse and subsequent involvement in low level crime and anti social behaviour, attended the six-week course at Mount Grace School, Potters Bar. The course was designed by PC Susan Taylor and Anti Social Behaviour Officer, Amy Jeffrey, both from Hertsmere Community Safety Unit. The sessions entail educating young people about the dangers of drinking, taking drugs and the legal consequences that could follow. Alongside the course for young people, parents/carers attended ‘positive parenting’ sessions to improve communication and gain information about dealing with negative influences, such and drugs and alcohol. The project follows a successful pilot that ran in Borehamwood in April 2008.

None of the young participants from this course have been involved in alcohol related crime or anti social behaviour since completion.

Josh Perry, aged 12, said he and his brother Jake, 14, had both learned a lot from the course. Josh said: “It was really good because I now know the effects that drugs and alcohol can have on you. If I was offered them, I would just say no. I know that if you drink too much alcohol, you can get out of control. You won’t know where you are or what you’re doing. It’s really dangerous and it ruins your health too.”

Josh and Jake’s mum, Kim, said: “I think this course has been absolutely fantastic for everyone. I reckon that everybody should get a chance to go on it. It’s particularly great for kids – I think mine have learned so much. I wish all schools had this on their curriculum. I wish all pupils had the opportunity to experience it. On the parenting sessions, it’s been really good to meet other parents who are in similar situations.

“The course has been of real value to me because we speak a lot about how to deal with situations and how it is for the child. We learn how to take a step back and think about things before acting. It’s been good for us all.”

More information from Herstemere's Anti-Social Behaviour Caseworker Amy Jeffrey on amy.jeffrey@herts.pnn.police.uk or tel: 01727 796646