Students in Leeds and Castleford to get a dramatic lesson on risks of underage drinking

The 2,200 secondary school students, aged 12 to 14, will watch a play about a group of friends who find themselves in trouble as a result of their misuse of alcohol. The performance is followed by an interactive workshop where pupils will be invited to probe the cast on any of the issues brought up during the play and explore the consequences portrayed by the actors.

The performance is part of ‘Smashed’, an alcohol education and awareness programme delivered by Collingwood Learning and sponsored by Diageo, a global leader in beverage alcohol. The tour will visit 90 schools in eight regions across England, including Castleford Academy, Airedale Academy and Pudsey Grangefield School this week.

The programme has reached 400,000 pupils in 2,040 schools across the UK since it began in 2005, and is now delivered in every continent.

‘Smashed’ was developed in consultation with young people and combines drama with interactive workshops to help young people understand the facts, causes, and consequences of alcohol misuse and the risks of underage drinking.

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The programme extends beyond seeing the play in the classroom. Following the workshops, ‘Smashed’ also provides additional support for the schools in delivering vital Personal, Social and Health Education, and offers a free online guide which supports parents with discussions at home about underage drinking.

Stuart Andrew, MP for Pudsey said: “I’m pleased pupils in Pudsey will be given a better understanding of the problems surrounding underage drinking. It’s an opportunity to internalise vital life lessons early on. Thanks to ‘Smashed’, for bringing their one-of-a-kind workshop to Pudsey Grangefield School.”

The UK is making progress in reducing levels of underage drinking. According to an NHS Children’s Health survey, the number of children aged 8 to 15 that reported drinking alcohol fell from 45% in 2003 to 14% in 2017[1]. However, there is still work to be done. A study by the ONS showed that when 16 to 24 year olds do drink, they are the most likely demographic to binge, which is why ‘Smashed’ is targeting 12 to 14 year olds - it prepares them to make informed decisions in the future as they reach this age group.

Chris Simes from Collingwood Learning said: “This is a real change from the usual classroom lesson and makes the risks of underage drinking impossible to forget. We help teachers carry these lessons forward by delivering Personal, Social and Health Education support after the visit, and offer parents free online support materials. We’re thrilled to be supported by Diageo and to be heading to 90 schools, visiting 14,500 students, in the first England tour of the new decade!”

For more information, go to www.collingwoodlearning.com.