Vickki was invited to deliver an alcohol awareness session to the Year 12 students at King Edwards VI Sheldon Health Academy. It was decided that the session would focus on staying safe on a night out, creating awareness of the risks and vulnerabilities a person faces when they have drunk alcohol and ways in which they can keep themselves safe. This was a particularly important message as we were drawing closer to the festive period.
Vickki incorporated several activities during the session, including the ‘safe night out’ challenge; a series of different tasks which someone might face during a night out. This includes withdrawing money from an ATM, opening a lock, and picking up items from their handbag or wallet – all whilst wearing the alcohol impairment goggles.
Vickki explained alcoholic unit measurements and discussed the dangers of drink spiking. She went on to highlight ways that this can be prevented and how the students could keep themselves safe. The ‘Best Mates Night Out’ video was also shown to the students, as this illustrates some of the worst case scenarios which can occur on a night out; including alcohol poisoning, sexual assault, and violence.
On the topic of alcohol poisoning, Vickki explained some of the signs of alcohol poisoning and simple actions which could be taken to save someone’s life. The final message to the students was ‘remember the pushover, not the body bag’!
Our sessions, health events and assemblies are an excellent way of raising awareness of issues related to alcohol, drugs, tobacco and gambling with young people. Email our Development Officers for more information on how we can help you!