EUROPE

"d:side will assist greatly with the vital preventative work being undertaken with some of the most vulnerable children and families in our community."

John Guest, Southwark Education

Children in Crisis in the United Kingdom

Drug misuse in the United Kingdom is a serious problem, threatening health and social cohesion. It is estimated that between 250,000 and 350,000 children have a parent or parents who are drug users in the United Kingdom. The culture of binge drinking costs £7.2 billion in crime and disorder and £1.2 billion in healthcare issues annually.

Children in Crisis runs d:side, an exciting, interactive drug and alcohol education programme for children and young people that encourages them to make positive, informed decisions about their lifestyles.

School Lessons 

In Leeds d:side works with children and young people in schools to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of drugs and related issues. Using specialist education centres and resources for the classroom, a range of topics are covered, from the effects of legal and illegal drugs, to social consequences of drug misuse to issues of peer pressure and self esteem.   

Resources 

In London throughout 2009 d:side developed and produced interactive resource packs for primary and secondary schools in Southwark. These are designed to support teachers and schools in delivering effective and engaging drug and alcohol education sessions.

With the support of JP Morgan Cazenove, the team also made a short film with a group of students from Southwark College and a film maker from the BBC to raise awareness among young people about the issues and risks surrounding the use and misuse of drugs and alcohol. The film -'What are we smoking in this room?'- features a young woman, Sarah, and a man, Tom, who talk about their experiences with drug and alcohol abuse, and a specialist who shares information and advice. 

The film was included in the secondary school resource packs developed by d:side to be used in years seven and eight to generate debate and discussion in drug and alcohol education sessions and add diversity to these sessions. Click here to learn more about our media project.

By providing schools with a comprehensive resource pack full of important information and fun activities, we aim to help teachers deliver the highest level of drug and alcohol education to children and young people.  

For more information about our d:side programme simply call 0207 6271040 or email dside@childrenincrisis.org. Click here to read more about the programme methodology.

Children in Crisis in Italy

d:side in Italy is now a well-established programme in the City of Milan, receiving the support of the local town council and local health authorities. The programme is also being delivered in Umbria with the financial support of the local regional authorities and has been met with incredible enthusiasm and participation from schools and pupils.

In October 2009, d:side  will  be presented at a National Symposium on Healthy lifestyles by invitation of the Milan health authorities.

Children in Crisis Italy recently celebrated their 10th Anniversary by holding a special concert at Milan’s prestigious Teatro alla Scala featuring the world famous Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela.  To find out more about this event click here.

To learn more about Children in Crisis in Italy, please click here.

Children in Crisis in Ukraine

To learn more about Children in Crisis in Ukraine, please click here.