29 June 2007
City kids are 2 smart 4 drugs - new London initiative
More than 1100 students from inner-city schools will participate
today (29 June) in a cutting edge anti-drugs programme run by the
City of London Drug Action Team.
For the first time in London, the drama, role-play, dance, sport
and comedy of the ‘2 smart 4 drugs’ programme will tackle the facts
about drugs and alcohol with year six and seven pupils from the
City of London, Islington, Tower Hamlets and Southwark.
Chairman of the London Drug Policy Forum, Maureen Kellett said
empowering young people to make smart choices was critical in
reducing the 20,000 youth who escalate to problem drug use in
adulthood every year in England.
“We believe 2 smart 4 drugs will have a powerful impact on
youngsters because they will learn about the dangers of drug and
alcohol abuse first-hand from a former addict,” the Chairman
said.
“Today we are giving more than 1100 young people the facts they
need to make personal choices about drugs and alcohol and
appreciate the consequences of drug-taking. City kids are some of
the best and brightest and we want each of them to reach their full
potential,” she said.
The City of London Drug Action Team said that a 2006 national
survey shows early intervention is the key, 6% of 11 year olds
surveyed took drugs compared to 29% of 15-year-olds.
Assistant Commissioner for the City of London Police, Frank
Armstrong, believes that drug and alcohol education are giving
today’s young people a head start.
“Visiting the City’s schools is an ideal way for our officers to
help educate children about how they can stay safe, and is an
important part of our role as a Force.”
“Today’s event gives us the chance to talk directly to 11-13
year olds and address the root causes of experimentation and drug
taking, rather than having to deal with the consequences later
on.”
The 2 smart 4 drugs roadshow hosted by Capital 95.8 presenter
Chris Brooks, runs over 90 minutes and features:
- an account of life as a heroin addict and drug rehabilitation
by Comedian Mike Gunn
- sketches, song and game show by The London Bus Theatre
Company
- former England basketball player, Nav Oojageer, talking about
drugs in sport
- plus the 2smart dancers and on-stage fun and games!
Press contact: Cubby Fox, City of London 020 7332 3451
Press interviews and filming: 11.00am on 29 June 2007.
Address: Mermaid Theatre, Puddle Dock, Blackfriars, London, EC4V
3DB.