Alcohol risks highlighted in play

MORE than 4,000 primary school pupils have taken part in a theatrical education project funded by NHS Doncaster to highlight the risks of drinking alcohol.

Year 5 pupils in 86 schools participated in special workshops with members of Worksop-based VXII Theatre Company after seeing its play All Geared Up.

The play tells the story of two friends who find a suitcase and wonder what’s inside – with issues including peer pressure and self-esteem explored in interactive sessions relating to alcohol.

The programme has been designed to add a creative dimension to drug, alcohol and tobacco education – and will help schools achieve Healthy School status.

Lee Golze, NHS Doncaster’s children and young people commissioning manager, said evidence showed that the amount young people are drinking has increased and it was appropriate to focus prevention work on children aged nine to 10.

The science curriculum also covers alcohol at this stage.