Soraya is thrilled to reflect upon a fantastic five months. She had the opportunity to facilitate a series of workshops tailored to a diverse range of audiences, from the wheelchair-bound and sociable 6th formers at Treloar College, PHSE teachers in East Sussex, and back in London, to ‘Change Grow Live’ alcohol and drugs support workers.
One of the significant achievements has been reconnecting with colleagues from Metropolitan Police and the Met Youth Engagement Policy Unit. A pivotal meeting with Insp Spencer Richards and her long-time supporter, Sgt Steve Sweeny, paved the way for a productive partnership. Sgt Sweeney’s endorsement led to collaboration with local borough Youth Engagement Teams, resulting in training sessions covering five different boroughs – Wandsworth, Redbridge, Dagenham, Barkingside and Hillingdon. A total of 53 officers were trained and three cadet workshops were held for a total of 73 cadets. The positive response has sparked plans for additional ‘Train the Trainer’ sessions and cadet workshops in the new academic year, including a webinar with Sgt Sweeney in October.
A great highlight of the holidays has been training all 70 youth workers and staff at Onside Youth Zone in Dagenham. What an amazing facility the youth zone has with a climbing wall, music room, boxing ring, kitchens and a quiet homework space - not to mention the multi purpose sports hall and football pitches. Between 1,000 and 3,000 young people are supported after school and throughout the holidays through this one setting alone.
If your school or youth organisation is based in London or the South East and you’d like to order free resources or receive RSHE training on alcohol, cannabis or vaping please contact Soraya via soraya@alcoholeducationtrust.org .
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