An ‘outstanding’ Bolton secondary school has been running a series of sessions telling pupils to “just say no” to drugs.
The sessions have been run over several months by the Halliwell based Eden Boys School and comes as part of the borough’s “Just Say No” anti-drugs campaign, now in its second year.
The campaign was introduced to the school by principal Arshad Ashraf, who also volunteers with various community groups.
Mr Ashraf said: “The last NHS survey, 2021 found 18 per cent of pupils had taken drugs in the last year.
“I felt that it was important to educate our young people from the outset on the harms of drugs as well as the destruction it wreaks on not just users but families and communities.”
This marks the latest step taken by the Wolfenden Street based Eden Boys School, which was rated ‘outstanding’ in its latest Ofsted inspection in preparing pupils to deal with social issues.
In November the school took pupils to visit the Knife Angel monument during its time on Deansgate in the town centre.
The Just Say No sessions including showing pupils a drugs box, under supervision with different types of drugs and cover the effects that harmful addictive substances can have.
They also look at why people may get involved in behaviour like this, the legal implications for possession and supply as well as how to get further confidential, trusted support for users.
Next in an initiative supported by Bolton Council leader Cllr Nick Peel, the school plans to host a parents conference in the new year aiming to educate parents about the issue.
This will also highlight free community activities taking place in the school and wider area including sports, mentoring, volunteering opportunities.
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Bolton Just Say No drugs campaign chair Sadiq Tania said: “I’m delighted to be working with Eden Boys and their senior leadership team to bring our sessions to the school.
“We’ve had some high-profile incidents in the local area recently relating to drugs and I think it is more timely and relevant than ever to be talking about the issue.”
Anyone interesting in finding out more about the campaign or getting involved can contact Julie Warren-Taylor of the Flowhesion Foundation.
They can do so by calling 01204 275106 or emailing admin@flowhesionfoundation.org.uk.
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