A new online resource was launched in Aberdeen last week by theatre in education company, Live Wire Productions, to raise drug awareness among primary pupils across Scotland, writes Keith Lobban .
Funded by the Scottish drugs Challenge Fund and children's website, www.bizzikid.co.uk , Watch Out! Drugs is a colourful, interactive guide, suitable for children aged 10 years and over. It contains educational games, fact files on a variety of legal and illegal drugs, an interactive Drugs Challenge Quiz and activity sheets to support teachers.
Children will be able to access Watch Out! Drugs free of charge at www.bizzikid.co.uk .
Watch has been designed to supported Hooked! an innovative drug education musical resource for schools.
Developed in partnership with Grampian Police and the Aberdeen City Joint Drug and Alcohol Team, Scottish Drugs Challenge Fund baking has ensured that every school in Scotland can receive a fully-funded copy of the resource. Thousands of applications for Hooked! have already been received from schools, Education Authorities and Drug Action Teams for distribution.
The Challenge Fund an Executive awards scheme administered by Scotland Against Drugs aims to unite the public, private and voluntary sectors in helping communities address the problems of drug misuse.
Managing Director of Live Wire Productions, Vanessa Chew, said: The funding from the Scottish Drugs Challenge Fund has given every school in Scotland the opportunity to experience drug-related issues through interactive drama. We are delighted that, with the development of Watch Out! Drugs, children with Internet access at home will also have the chance to reinforce learning and deepen their understanding of the important issues.
Director of Scotland Against Drugs, Alistair Ramsay, said: The Scottish Drugs Challenge Fund supports innovative projects that address the problems of drugs misuse in Scotland.
For a copy of Hooked! contact Live Wire Productions on 01224 592777, fax 01224 592778 or email hooked@livewireproductions.org.uk .
Aberdeen Independent, 2nd March 2006