STUDENTS at Penketh High School, Warrington, are set to get “Smashed” – a crucial lesson on the risks of underage drinking, in an effort to reduce underage drinking and its associated harms among young people.
“Smashed”, an international educational theatre production by Collingwood Learning and supported by Diageo, will visit 18 schools across Merseyside this month and will be at Penketh High on Wednesday, November 13.
The initiative will use engaging interactive performances to educate students about the causes and consequences of underage drinking.
Now in its 20th year, ‘Smashed’ has delivered educational performances to students in 38 countries around the world. By delivering a combination of live theatre performances, interactive workshops and digital experiences, the project educates young people about the dangers of alcohol use. Combining drama with interactive workshops, Smashed uses professional actors to present a 25-minute performance followed by a 35-minute workshop where participants reflect on the themes and answer questions about the choices made by the characters.
This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by fostering a culture of health and well-being among adolescents, a critical demographic for instilling lifelong healthy habits. “Smashed” does not merely inform; it transforms attitudes and behaviours towards alcohol consumption among young people.
In the 2023 – 2024 school year, 73 per cent of students in Great Britain said they were less likely to drink alcohol underage following the “Smashed” performance.
“Smashed” works in close collaboration with Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAPs), an organisation which brings together councils, police, retailers, schools, health providers, and community groups to reduce alcohol related harm among young people.
In the past decade, the UK has made positive progress in reducing levels of underage drinking. However, data from the UK Government shows that hospital admissions for alcohol-specific conditions among under 18s on Merseyside are above England’s national average (33.9 per 100,000 versus 26.0 per 100,000).
Schools not reached by the live tour also can take part in Smashed Online.
To find out more, visit: https://online.smashedproject.org/gb/
