Looking after ourselves and others

By Mrs Jane Smith, Assistant Principal Student Engagement

This week, former school teacher and founder of Drug and Alcohol Research and Training (DARTA), Paul Dillon, delivered presentations to students in Years 10 to 12. The sessions were tailored to suit the needs of each year group, focusing on relevant and age-appropriate topics. For Year 10, the emphasis was on young people, alcohol and risk-taking, with a strong message about looking after your mates. Year 11 students explored the topic of alcohol, vaping and cannabis, framed around the question: "What do you and your friends need to know?" For those in their final year of school, the session addressed a broader perspective with the theme: "What do I need to know about alcohol and other drugs?"

The key takeaways from the sessions were for students to have a plan, to look out for one and another, and to seek early assistance if faced with difficulty. In each session, he reinforced the need for students to know how to look after an alcohol or drug-affected friend, the important role of the recovery position and when to call an ambulance. The key message for students was that they are a friend not a doctor, and when in doubt, to never be afraid of passing the problem to an adult and by calling for an ambulance. Paul Dillon’s storytelling and use of statistics reinforced that it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Paul Dillon has developed a range of resources for parents with information about the impact of alcohol on brain development, tips on parenting regarding drugs and alcohol, and tips for parties.