Blocked- so what?
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Banbridge High School students make DVD to highlight the dangers of underage drinking
Last year the Civic Link Group at Banbridge High School working with Carlow Vocational School decided to research the effects of underage drinking which causes so much conflict in our community. They discovered that the problem was widespread and that many young people believed that ‘getting blocked’ is just a bit of craic and would not do them any harm.
At their Community Panel Hearing in May 2009 they presented their Action Plan to chosen policy makers. They had researched the possibility of producing a DVD to warn young people about the dangers of underage drinking but realised that such a production would be too costly. Mr Ian Russell, Principal of Banbridge High School at that time, encouraged the group to carry out their Action Plan and the idea was seconded by all policy makers present.
Banbridge Policing Partnership provided the necessary funding, support and guidance and the DVD was produced by the Civic Link group at Banbridge High School. The DVD shows young people some of the dangers that drinking alcohol poses to their well-being, health, safety and future life. The group produced a script and interviewed doctors, the PSNI, youth workers and community safety wardens about their perceptions of the problems caused by underage drinking.
A premiere of the DVD ‘Blocked – So What’ was held at Banbridge High School on 8th December 2009.
The young people involved with the making of the DVD have set high standards and shown what can be achieved through Civic Link.
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