Almost 2,000 pupils at nine schools across Cumbria will receive a hard-hitting lesson about the dangers of underage drinking.
Smashed – a 25-minute drama and 35-minute workshop – arrived in the county today and aims to drive down alcohol consumption and harm among young people.
The UK as a whole is making progress in reducing levels of underage drinking, however data from the UK Government shows that hospital admissions for alcohol-specific conditions among under-18s in Cumbria is above England’s national average (37.0 per 100,000 versus 29.3 per 100,000).
Smashed will be performed at St Joseph’s School, Workington; Netherhall School, Maryport; Keswick School; The Whitehaven Academy; West Lakes Academy, Egremont; St Bernard’s High School and Furness Academy in Barrow; Kirkby Stephen Grammar School and Cartmel Priory
Smashed has been running for over 17 years and has delivered educational performances to students in over 20 countries. To date, Smashed, presented by Collingwood Learning and supported by alcohol firm Diageo, has reached over 500,000 pupils in the UK and is set to reach a further 1,855 over the duration of this Cumbria tour.
Chris Simes, managing director at Collingwood Learning, said: “It’s brilliant to be returning to the North West to inspire young people with the Smashed Live programme. These engaging and lively shows have a proven lasting impact and make a real change from the typical classroom session.”
The programme was developed in consultation with young people, has had a positive impact, Collingwood Learning said. A recent evaluation report found:
- 81 per cent of students are less likely to drink alcohol underage as a result of watching Smashed
- 80 per cent of students know where to get help about alcohol as a result of watching Smashed
- 76 per cent of students feel equipped to make the right choices about drinking alcohol underage as a result of watching Smashed.
