Drug Safety Project (DSP) AWARD
WINNER! - was developed by MDECC in 1999 after extensive
local community consultation. Young people aged 16-18 years were
recruited from community groups to receive extensive peer education
training. Peer educators increased drug knowledge and confidence
and were empowered to make informed choices when making decisions
regarding drug and alcohol use. Peer educators then provided drug
and health information informally to their friend networks. They
also attended a number of local youth events.
DSP 'Survivor Challenge' - In 2004
the DSP project was revamped and re-branded. Two tribes of young
people 'shabu' and 'hydro' were taken to an island camp for
intensive drug, alcohol and related health training. 'Survivor
Challenge' was particularly relevant to the target group, and built
an analogy between fun, at risk behaviour and experimentation with
drugs and/or alcohol. Apart from dynamic education sessions the two
tribes were challenged by raft building, high ropes, ghost walks
and board breaking. The young people then passed on information
learned at the camp to their friend networks.
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Evaluation Summaries
Drug Awareness at TAFE (DA@T) -
MDECC worked in partnership with TAFE NSW, Northern Sydney
Institute, Northern Beaches College in 2006 and 2007 to conduct
peer education projects with TAFE students. Tobacco, alcohol,
cannabis and psychostimulants were the focus of education. In 2006
DA@T students trained as peer educators conducted a comprehensive
needs assessment on the TAFE campus which found binge drinking to
be the main issue. Students ran educational events and contributed
to strengthening policy in relation to tobacco and smoking at TAFE.
In 2007 the focus was on drink and drunk driving. DA@T students
surveyed 400 of their fellow TAFE students and their peer networks
to get a clear picture of the issue. The 'Drink, Drug, Drive'
communication strategy was subsequently launched at the Brookvale
campus.
Urban Development - Youth, drugs
and rock and roll! MDECC and Singing Alive combined drug and
wellbeing education with singing, song writing and performance
skills. The Urban Development Crew was recruited from a local
singing school and via local media. Young people from all over the
Northern Beaches participated. Over the 8 week program they learned
new ways of creatively expressing emotions, building confidence and
self esteem. Their original songs were performed at a CD launch at
Artichoke Café in Manly.
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