Pupils and parents at King Alfred’s Academy are set to take part in a special event aimed at highlighting the dangers of underage drinking.
Alcohol Action Day, set to take place on Tuesday 27 March, is being organised by the Wantage and Grove Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP).
During the daytime Year Nine pupils will take part in workshops and see presentations on issues such as the damage alcohol can do to a young person’s health and mental wellbeing, how alcohol can lead to risk-taking behaviours, and the legal consequences of attempting to buy alcohol underage. The session will also cover other issues that young people may struggle with, including substance abuse, mental health, and building healthy relationships.
The daytime event will feature guest speakers from Thames Valley Police, the NHS and other local organisations. It will finish with a presentation from young singer/songwriter Henry Maybury, whose song ‘Lost Days’, which has been viewed over a million times on YouTube, was written in tribute to his brother Tom who died from an alcohol related illness.
In the evening there will then be a separate session for parents of Year Nine pupils to learn how underage drinking could affect their child. Local organisations and charities which support young people’s wellbeing will be on hand to offer advice.
Cllr Eric Batts, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “We had very positive feedback from pupils and parents following last year’s events. The work carried out by Wantage and Grove CAP has helped to achieve a noticeable decrease in underage drinking and an increase in the awareness of the issue locally”. James Maddern, Assistant Headteacher for Engagement and Ethos from King Alfred’s Academy, said: “Working collaboratively with many partners has enabled the school to provide a day for our year nine students that educates our students on the risks of alcohol. This is vital for our students and we are incredibly grateful for the involvement of the Wantage and Grove CAP.”
