Hope UK works with a wide variety of groups. Our work is tailored to meet the needs of the inviting group or course attendees. If you invite us to take a drug awareness session, or life skills course, we will discuss with you what you feel are the needs of your group and what you hope to achieve by inviting us, as well as how your group likes to learn.
The following gives you some idea of the kind of thing we might cover – and you can see some examples of sessions, and the kind of activities we might use.
Click here to download a booking form.
Children age 4-7
⇒ Understanding medicines – that all medicines are drugs but that not all drugs are medicines.
⇒ That all substances can be harmful if not used properly.
⇒ Knowledge and understanding of simple safety rules about medicines, tablets, solvents and household substances.
⇒ Tobacco and alcohol, and their effects.
⇒ The human body and things that affect it.
⇒ Making simple choices that affect health and well-being.
⇒ Self-esteem (‘you are special’).
⇒ Recognise, name and deal with their feelings in a positive way.
⇒ Understanding how to keep themselves safe, and knowing where and how to get help.
What they say
“I liked it when they said you are wonderfully made.”
“It was fun and exciting.”
“I liked everything.”
(Primary School, London)
Children age 8 – 10
⇒ All of the above, going deeper, plus:
⇒ Differences between illegal and legal drugs.
⇒ Emphasis on life consequences.
⇒ Exploration of own attitudes to drug use and related issues.
⇒ Life skills training, e.g. peer resistance skills, confidence.
⇒ Exploration of how the media present information.
⇒ Recognition of and willingness to challenge stereotypes.
⇒ Understanding that pressures come from a variety of places.
⇒ How to say ‘no’ (and manage the outcome!)
What they say
“I liked the relaxed atmosphere and interesting info.”
“It was fun and interesting.”
“All the sessions were good; the beer goggles were fun.”
“Activities, not just talking.” School, Worcester
“It was lots and lots of FUN!!! I wish it could last forever” School, South Wales
Young People
⇒ Developing any of the above ideas, plus
⇒ What is a drug?
⇒ Role play – exploring peer influence/resistance skills.
⇒Signs and symptoms – effects of different drugs, etc.
⇒ Explanation of all drugs including identifying the drug, its classification and its effects.
⇒Drug laws.
⇒ Why do people use drugs? How can I achieve positive outcomes without the need for a drug, e.g. confidence?
⇒ Further life skills, including communicating effectively, leadership, interpersonal skills
⇒What to do in an emergency.
What they say
“Useful – learning about legal highs and risks of drugs.”
“It was great as it was practical and discussion which helped all learner types.”
“Thank you very much – very engaging. I especially liked the ladder task.”
“I thought that they were very enthusiastic and made sure that everyone was enjoying the session. We moved around a lot too which was good.”
“Open to lots of questions, good at discussions.” Young People, Hertfordshire
Parents
⇒ Information about alcohol, tobacco & other drugs.
⇒ Looking at samples and paraphernalia.
⇒ Signs and symptoms.
⇒ The law.
⇒ Social issues (including binge drinking, health and crime).
⇒ Family perspectives.
⇒ Why people use drugs – and how this affects how we help our children.
⇒ Prevention strategies – how to help my child avoid the risks.
⇒ Where to go for help.
⇒ Dealing with drug-related incidents.
What they say
“Clearly presented and easy to understand”
Very useful – Introduction to the law, opportunity to see drugs and understand classification”
“Enjoyed activities – interactive and provided visual aids to the workshop. It is more likely that information would be remembered than listening to a presentation”
“Not too formal and clear information pitched at the correct level” Parents Session – Hertfordshire
For information on training for youth workers and family workers click here.