Thinking About Alcohol: Helping Young People Manage Well

In September, the Thinking About Alcohol initiative made a meaningful impact in three secondary schools, reaching 180 students through interactive workshops. The goal? To raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol abuse, provide tools to seek help, and offer resources to prevent addiction.

The workshops delivered powerful messages using relatable characters and engaging facilitators, sparking important conversations about alcohol’s risks and its broader impact on families and communities. Feedback from 103 students showed a strong positive reception—73.8% enjoyed the sessions, and an impressive 82.8% felt they learned something new. Many students said the workshops encouraged them to reflect, with 76.2% agreeing it made them think about alcoholism and 79.4% feeling better equipped to seek help for themselves or others.

Students shared personal takeaways, including insights into addiction’s challenges, its ripple effects on families, and the importance of support networks. Memorable moments, such as a character’s struggle with recovery, left a lasting impression, helping to personalise the topic and drive home the workshop’s messages.

Looking ahead, the project is set to leave a lasting legacy with plans for a teachers’ resource and an app-based quiz. These tools aim to extend the reach of the initiative, giving schools the resources to keep the conversation going and integrate alcohol awareness into everyday learning.

This initiative is an inspiring step towards empowering young people to make informed decisions and supporting them in building healthier futures. Keep an eye on the Cannock Chase Can app for updates on the upcoming quiz and resources!

Do you think your school could benefit from this programme? Let us know!