YOUNG PEOPLE WORK TO IMPROVE DRUG PREVENTION
Mentor Youth – London, a youth involvement project, allows young people to help improve drug and alcohol prevention in the city by sharing their views, expertise and research findings with policy makers.
I joined the group because I wanted to help make a difference in the lives of young people because the education of drugs in schools is terrible and every child has the right to be properly educated about all substances. (Youth advisor)
Over the past 18 months, the Youth Advisors have decided on what is key for drug prevention, researched the views of other young people and experts, and are now taking their messages to top decision makers.
This project is developed and driven by young people themselves because Mentor believes that young people’s voices must be heard in order to develop effective prevention programmes.
If you’d like more details on the project or you’re a young person and want to get involved in being a voice for young people in London, get in touch with Simon simon.claridge@mentoruk.org / 020 7739 8494
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On 15 February youth advisors from the Mentor Youth London project hosted a seminar on the findings from their work to date. The event was planned and hosted by the young people themselves and attended by 50 people with a keen interest in both protection from drugs and alcohol misuse, and in substance misuse services for young people.
The interactive seminar was thought provoking and creative. The young people opened up proceedings with a short video from Sir Ken Robinson, around education and creativity.
Over the past few months the young people have been working on the video below to better explain why they got involved and the work that they do.
One of the key elements of the project has been a survey that looked at the availability and quality of drug education in schools in London.You can download the top line findings below as well as the full survey findings.
During the seminar, delegates took part in a discussion on drugs and young people. Read the findings here.
Here’s some of the feedback from delegates …
“It was one of the most impressive, inspiring and encouraging things I have been to in years. Really was excellent and all concerned deserve congratulations.” (GLA)
“Do you do road shows and visit schools? Is there a training programme, so that Mentor can roll out on a wider scale, nationally?” (Schoolteacher)“The young people involved were extremely professional and I was very impressed by their knowledge and enthusiasm.” (Amy Winehouse Foundation)
“Great balance, interactive and informative. Loads of energy. ‘The Findings’ is a brilliant idea.” (Alcohol Concern)
“Youth Involvement throughout was great. One of the best seminars I’ve been to. To the young people, ‘You should be very proud of yourselves’.” (Drugs outreach worker, Richmond)
“The opportunity to hear from and speak to young people themselves…All good, just about the right amount of time. Moved along well. Good chance to engage with young people directly.” (City Bridge Trust)
[What did you enjoy about the afternoon?] “All of it because it was youth led, interactive, just the right length of time and interesting.” (Family Planning Association)