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Training & Schools
Over the years the Choose Life Project has gained a vast amount of knowledge and experience in delivering quality drugs education.
In 2005 we expanded outside of HMP Liverpool into the community and now deliver our drug education to a wide variety of organisations and schools throughout the North West of England and North Wales.
Without exception, all of our trainings are developed in close partnership with the Choose Life Project volunteers, and nothing is included in our sessions that is fabricated. Although some of the contexts may be utilised creatively, all of the content is 100% authentic.
Below are a number of trainings/session we can offer, however, if your organisation, or school has a particular educational/training requirement/need please contact us:
EDUCATING YOUNG PEOPLE:
EDUCATING ADULTS:
Though some of the above sessions may cross over to the adult education/training, we also have trainings specifically for adult professionals, or, those who work with young people, or adult drug users.
POLICE TRAINING ONLY:
Role Play of a Drug Dealer:
One of our most powerful sessions. Imagine at the beginning of a presentation the speaker is aggressively interupted! Someone from the back says ''Steve/Tony, I'm not here for this, I'll have to do my bit now, I've got things to do'' He/She continues ''I'll have to do it now or I'm getting off'' Reluctantly the speaker gives way.
The new speaker, a Choose LIfe Project volunteer, continues role playing the attitude and behaviour of a drug dealer saying ''by the way, I'm not one of these volunteers, I'm here to return a favour Steve/Tony did for me in prison! you don't need to know what that was (that's left to the imagination of the audience). Anyway, I'm returning that favour today, but once I've done this, that's it, done. There'll be no more of this''
This introduction engages and creates a tension between the audience and the speaker. He/She talks about how he/she befriends and recruits young people to sell drugs. And how drugs are bashed (adulterated) to increase profit. Selling cannabis and ecstasy is also talked about, as well as the ''consequences'' of not paying for, or ''getting nicked'' with the drugs.
After about 20 minutes the volunteer comes out of role and explains that he/she was only role playing the attitude and behaviour of drug dealers, and that they are a Choose Life Project volunteer. they explain also that the role they played was based on their real life experience of dealing with drug dealers, and that none of it is fabricated.
The role play is then reinforced with an impactful power point presentation of the drugs trade to help the audience to see the bigger picture, and understand the victims created by drug dealing, and how it impacts on, and effects communities and society.
A Day in My Life:
Very few people have the insight into the world of a drug addict. Understandably, it is hard to comprehend the hour by hour structure that develops when a drug habit gets out of control and takes over someone's life. Imagine your life being completely governed by drugs.
Imagine all of your thinking, motivation and behaviours being filled with drugs! getting them, or the money to buy them, and using them. You can then begin to get some idea of what it's like, but there is much more to it than that even. Each account is different from each volunteer, but there is also a pattern that is linked to every elses story.
When the Choose Life volunteers sit in front of people and talk openly about this day in day out cycle, and discuss things that they feel ashamed, embarrassed, or even guilty about, it leaves the listener/s with an understanding that cannot be learnt in any other way.
''The course content was emotive, informative and well presented.
The project volunteers were excellent and professional.
Awareness was raised through 'real life' experiences. Brilliant!''
Youth Offending Team Worker. Liverpool YOT
Life Story:
One of the most powerful sessions is when one of our volunteers gives the audience the privilege of hearing their life story.
This normally takes about 30 minutes and is an insight into a world that very few people know about.
''It was amazing. Hearing the stories about the way in which people have to pay for their drug habits. You don't realise
things like that go on. It was so interesting''
Crime and Criminology Student. Edge Hill University
The Choose Life Play: (Gruesome! Gruesome! Gruesome!)
The Choose Life play originated in HMP Liverpool when a group of inmates wrote a script based on their introduction to alcohol and drugs. An introduction that resonates still with many young people. And a situation that many young people can relate to.
''The play was brilliant. I know it made us all think and be aware of the dangers of drugs. Thanks''
Young Person. Gatacre Comprehensive
The play opens with a group of young people outside an off licence. The older brother is bullying the younger ones into smoking and taking alcohol and drugs.
Later we see the consequences of taking drugs as we follow the main character Billy Hughes, as he descends into a life of addiction, crime and jail, along with the impact on his partner and son.
''It was very good, I will never touch drugs after today's play''
Young Person. YouthWorks
''100% of the pupils stated that they had a far greater understanding of the effects if drug abuse, We appreciate your willingness to share your experiences in an open and honest manner. Personally we believe it is the best example of drug awareness education that we have come across in over 20 years of teaching''
Fiona Shand. PSHE Co-ordinator. Ysgol Glan Clwyd
A Mothers Story:
Often the traumatic experience a mother and her family go through is not understood by professionals, and sometimes this can lead to stigma, and that maybe maybe it had something to do with way the drug user/s was brought up, or the culture within the family. However, the parents themselves are often as unaware as anyone else.
''It was only after going out with the Choose Life Project and started listening to other volunteers that I started to understand about drugs and how difficult people find it to to come off. Before I was just angry, and frustrated with my kids''
CLP Volunteer and mother of 2 recovered drug users
The powerful and emotive story told by the mothers who support the Choose Life Project never fail to touch our audiences. The understanding that professional and others take from hearing such a personal and moving experience is invaluable in helping those who work with parents and families.
''The Mothers story really helped me to understand, and the information was very useful as it will help me to empathise with families who live with drug users, and to support/refer them to relelvent agencies''
Social worker. Wigan
Small Group Sessions:
We also provide options for open forums at the end of presentations to allow the young people, or adults the opportunity to ask any questions that may have arisen. Each group is co facilitated by our volunteers.
"I think it was very useful, as I now know what a life with drugs is like. I think that bringing people in to tell us about their experiences is a lot better than telling us ''No''. We're obviously going to take advice off someone who's been through it, rather than someone who's never touched drugs before''
Young Person. 1.10.07
So far, the group sessions have been very successful and are highly valued.The volunteers are open and honest in these groups and make no attempt to glamorise or trivialise drug use.
''I think it's a good thing you coming into schools as; it makes us realise not to try/use any drugs. The effects can not only ruin your life, but can cost you your life, This should be taken into every school in Britain''
Young Person. 5.09.07
Signs & Symptom of Drug Use:
''It wasn't untill I opened the door to my sons bedroom one day, and seen that it was empty that I realised there was a problem! Everything had gone, it had been sold to get money for drugs''
Feedback to Choose Life: Anonymous Parent
Another parent told us that she had once said to her son ''I'm going to buy you a telephone box for Christmas, your never out of it''. With hindsight she understood that her son was constantly on the phone (which was just outside her house) to his drug dealer.
There are other signs and symptoms that do, or, can indicate that drug use is going on, either, in the family, workplace, or social settings. The Choose Life volunteers are able to discuss their own past behaviours, attitudes, or circumstances, and those of others that would be useful to have an understanding of. Things that may seem perfectly normal, and others that only make sense when drugs are brought into the equation.
Small group sessions are co facilitated by our volunteers and provide awareness and an understanding of the signs and symptoms that can alert parents, or professionals, working with those at risk of using drugs, or other potential problems.
''I feel that this training should be a mandatory course for all employees who work with children and families''
Social Worker. Wigan
The Pro's & Con's of drug Use:
During this session the Choose Life volunteers give a balanced view of drug use and help the delegates to understand why people use drugs, along with the comparisons between legal and illegal drug use.
This session also explores issues around smoking, alcohol, and other legitimate activities.
''Very, very, enlightening!''
Criminology Lecturer. Lancashire
The Cycle of Change:
If you have ever wanted to change any kind of habit such as biting your nails, getting up an hour earlier, watching too much T.V. or, not eating in between meals, you will know that sometimes ''the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak!''
It doesn't seem to matter how much you want those changes, they can still be very difficult to make. Now, imagine if that habit was a Class A drug addiction/lifestyle! The difficulties associated with the desired change then become much more complex. Having an understanding of the process that people have to go through i.e. the Cycle of Change helps those working with addiction set realistic and achievable goals that support their clients and families.
''Although I had a good understanding of this model, it was mostly theoretical! The way the volunteers introduced their stories in teh presentation really gave it substance''
Drugs worker. Wirral - Merseyside
The Narrowing of Repertoire:
Most people have a variety of interests. they may be social, professional, or, private pastimes, things that we enjoy doing and keep us healthy, and engage us more fully in life.
Most services now recognise that supporting people through detox is not enough to maintain a drug free lifestyle. Aftercare is just as important, if not more.
When the Choose Life volunteer explains how the focus of their lives all came down to drugs and nothing but drugs, it is easy to understand why it is so important to re-introduce recovered/recovering drug users to past, or, new interests and positive activities. These may be activities such as sports, music, the arts, education, or, voluntary work. Full time work may also be an option for some, but supporting people in their drug free status will involve attention to aftercare.
The 4 Stages of Relapse:
Though people manage to become drug free, maintaining a drug free status requires commitment and continued awareness. Maintaining 'recovery' means understanding that the potential for relapse is always a possibility and requires focussed attention at particular times.
Times of high risk should be identified and an action plan devised so as to maximise the safety of those at risk. Anticipating potential pit falls in advance and considering 'how' to avoid the risk of using drugs is essential. A good knowledge of the stages that people go through before/during relapse can be used to raise awareness with clients and help prepare them for high risk situations. This will help people to achieve a more desirable outcome.
The personal insights of our volunteers enhance the delivery of this presentation, giving the delegates a practical knowledge of the process that many addicts go through when relapse occurs, and the tools to use with people who are going through the process of recovery.
Drug Related Crime:
The cost of drug related crime to society is extremely high. It is generally understood that 80% of all crime is drug related. 8 out of 10! The financial cost of dealing with this crime goes far beyond policing and the courts; it affects all members of the community in many ways. It costs approximately £37.500.00 per year to keep 1 inmate in prison.
There are other costs too, non-financial costs to individuals, whether they are the drug user, their family, or the community. Our intention is to broaden the knowledge around the issues and circumstances surrounding drug related crime.
We have developed a variety of training sessions that highlight these issues. See below:
The Hierarchy of Drug Dealing:
The majority of people think of drug dealing as an individual, or, group of people selling drugs in our communities, cities, or clubs etc And while this is true there is a much bigger picture.
It is estimated that the second biggest trade globally, is the drugs trade! This includes legitimate drugs such as pharmaceuticals, cigarettes and alcohol, however, this is still a massive trade.
Working with police authorities and other security forces across the North West and North Wales, we highlight how the trade operates from source to street. In this presentation we map out the whole process, the growing, preparation, packaging, exporting, and importing of the drugs. How the whole process begins again once the drugs arrive in Britain, or other countries. The army of people involved etc
Most drug dealers at the higher levels describe themselves as 'business' men/women, and the way that they conduct their business is as thorough as any good business model. However, most good business models do not manipulate, threaten, or, coerce peole to work for them, or, create the huge amount of victims that this trade does.
This presentation is supported with powerful visual images, a comprehensive graphic of the business model involved, and the personal insight, and real life experience of our volunteers.
Preparing & Selling Drugs (Video):
This unique presentation is reserved for police forces only, or, those involved with fighting drug dealing crime. Through our relationship with former and reformed drug dealers, we have compiled information, equipment and parapheranlia to demonstrate how Class A drugs, such as Heroin, and Crack Cocaine are prepared, packaged and distributed.
We show how the drugs are priced, and the profit margins involved. How the drug dealers go about covering their tracks, or disguising/hiding their activities, and show samples of the drugs in both small and large quanitities.
This presentation is also supported by the experiential knowledge of our volunteers.
This is a facinating introduction into the world of the drugs trade!
Retail Crime (The Art of Shoplifiting):
Most people imagine shoplifters as a person sneakily hiding small goods in their pockets and leaving the shop without paying, but nothing could be further from the truth for the professional shoplifter/s who rely on what they steal on a daily basis in order to support a drug addiction.
While there are individual shoplifters, there are also those who work in pairs, or, teams. There is almost always a strategy involved, and the creativity involved and demonstrated is amazing!
This presentation shows the strategies employed, along with the props utilised and the thinking behind it all.
It is delivered by volunteers who have lived the tale and can speak openly and honestly about the experience with knowledge.
Why People go to Prison:
Scamming Grafts:
Domestic/Commercial Burglary:
Street Safe:
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