Slemish students become ‘alcohol aware’ at seminar

Stephen Reynolds, past Chairman of the “Pubs of Ulster” organisation and owner of “The Front Page Bar” highlighted the impact alcohol had on health.

A participative workshop followed and this was led by PCSP members Eugene Reid, Mary Cruickshank, Ruth Orr, Jane Lamont and Wendy Kerr and coordinated by PCSP co-manager, Peter Greenshields, which focused on the wider effects of alcohol and official government policy.

Pauline Connaghan and Joanne Campbell from the PSNI gave a presentation which allowed students to fully understand the legal and social implications of underage drinking.

Students particularly enjoyed having the opportunity to try on ’Beer Goggles’ which highlighted in a practical, but harmless way, the tendency for alcohol to cause them see double, feel dizzy and nauseous. The experience highlighted the full extent of how you would feel when having consumed too much alcohol.

Audrey Wales, Chairperson of the Policing and Community Safety Partnership stated: “This is a very worthwhile experience. As chairperson of the PCSP I hope we can continue to deliver these workshops, especially now when the pressures on young people are greater than ever. Hopefully we can continue to support both the school and the young people and see this being further developed.”

Principal Dr Paul McHugh thanked all who had supported this event especially those from the Policing and Community Safety Partnership and the PSNI. He stated that the students had heard a very important message which would hopefully encourage them to make better life decisions and keep them safe and healthy in the future.