The Wrap - Drug and Alcohol Education (KS 3-5)
Wednesday 28th June 2023
A new education pack for schools has been developed by the charity Developing Health and Independence (DHI).
The online harm reduction education package was created in Wiltshire and is now available as a teaching aid for secondary schools across the UK to buy. The Wrap educational resources, which were partly financed by Wiltshire Council, are available to schools in Wiltshire free of charge. Wiltshire schools can contact: information@thewrapdhi.org.uk for a password.
Discussion based exercises, which are suitable for use at Key Stage 3, 4 and 5, look at effects and risk with a focus on how to stay safe. The activities explore issues linked to alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, ketamine, MDMA and exploitation through “county lines” – an increasing concern for police and youth workers.
While the charity does not condone illegal drug taking it takes a realistic approach to what might be young people’s experimental behaviour. So rather than just taking an abstinence based approach the resources aim to ensure young people are better informed about risk taking behaviours, such as sex or drug and alcohol use as well as county lines, with a view to putting them in control of their decisions and minimise risk.
Helen Kerr, assistant head teacher at Wiltshire’s The John of Gaunt School, one of the schools that piloted The Wrap’s education pack, said: “As a leader in a comprehensive school having access to such a useful resource means that we are able to deliver this essential education to our students. We are confident knowing that the knowledge base that underpins The Wrap and these resources mean our students are able to access the most up to date and relevant information empowering them to take control of their decision-making so they remain safe.”
These materials can be used as part of a wider programme of drug education and PSHE, which will be most effectively delivered by teachers.
Wiltshire based Connect Young People works with young people in the community providing advice, guidance and one-to-one sessions for anyone, under 18, who is having problems with drugs and/or alcohol as well as associated issues such as safety and mental health. The services are free and confidential.
DHI’s The Wrap is an online platform for young people, 18 and under. It enables young people to get support at an early stage before more difficult situations develop. It also sets out to empower young people to make positive choices and builds resilience to overcome life’s challenges.
