Teen Challenge Tasmania (TCT) are pleased to announce the completion of #NotEvenOnce (#NEO) Drug Education Project for 2016. Delivery this year continued in high schools in Northern Tasmania and Hawkesbury region, NSW to grades 7 – 10. It was also delivered into Sporting Clubs within Tasmania.
“#NEO has proven again to be a very effective AOD education program, resulting in significant positive shifts in student’s choices away from likelihood of alcohol and illicit drug use after the seminars.” stated Tanya Cavanagh, Executive Director, TCT.
The results from 2016 student evaluations show similarities between TAS and NSW in relation to students “likelihood” to try alcohol and illicit drugs. In 2015 evaluations we combined the likelihood to use alcohol & illicit drugs in one question, this year we split the two. Prior to the seminar students are asked to rate their likelihood to try either, between 1 = “not likely at all” and 6 = “highly likely”. Following the seminar, they are asked to revisit these questions and rate once again their likelihood to use in addition to other ratings on the delivery including presenters, content/data, and media.
“Alcohol use is still a prominent risk factor for young people and their likelihood to use prior to the seminar was very high” Tanya said “however after the seminar we saw large positive shifts away from likelihood to use and even students shift to “not likely at all” (abstinence choice). Frankly, this was surprising and extremely encouraging considering the entrenched drinking culture in Australian society, I thought this would be hard to shift. “
“Illicit drug use “likelihood” evaluated prior to the seminar was significantly lower than alcohol, however, once again we saw significant positive shifts away from their likelihood to use. Including a larger percentage choosing “not likely to use” (abstinence) illicit after the seminar, particularly in TAS.” explained Tanya”
“3 interventions with young people who asked for help directly because of the seminar speaks for itself.” said Tanya “The students really get this powerful message. It’s delivered in a creative way, with student involvement, real life experiences, current scientific and medical data, harm minimization, discussing causation issues and building resilience.”
“I really liked how you presented it in a fun & modern way” year 7 student TAS.
“I usually have a hard time focusing but this had my whole attention.” Year 8 student NSW
“I found the whole seminar brilliant, it’s the best one I’ve seen in this space. I especially liked how you weren’t all doom and gloom. You wrapped it up well, giving kids hope in this area. Your focus on resilience really gave them options, that life isn’t always easy but here’s ways you can work through it.” Teacher TAS
“Great Use of current data and information. Real life experiences always help students understand. Students were thoroughly engaged.” Teacher NSW
TCT are passionate fence builders for our future generations to turn as many as we can away from the cliff that leads to addiction. “Scientific and medical evidence shows that any alcohol or drugs, introduced to a developing brain has an impact on that brain.” said Tanya “We believe it is important to fight for the developing brains and future potential of our young people.”
TCT look forward to commencing the project again in 2017 to reach even more students, sporting clubs and communities, to work together to protect our future generations. If you would like any further information on #NEO or to enquire as to delivery in your school, sporting club or community please contact TCT on [email protected] or 0412 300 850 or www.teenchallengetasmania.org.
Tanya Cavanagh Executive Director Teen Challenge Tasmania Inc.
