P-PG/PREV/PP (2010) 4

EUROPEAN DRUG PREVENTION PRIZE

Overview of projects submitted in

2004 – 2006 – 2008 – 2010

Summary of prize-winning projects and shortlisted projects

CONTENTS

Acknowledgements                                                                                                                          5

What is the European Drug Prevention Prize about?                                                                  7

Concept and objectives                                                                                                           

Merits of the Prize                                                                                                                    

Thoughts and opinions on the European Drug Prevention Prize                                              9

By Ece Kirik, member of the Jury for the 2008 and 2010 Prizes                                           

By Richard Ives, member of the advisory expert group counselling the Jury                        

Number of applications submitted by country                                                                           11

Overview of the entries submitted                                                                                               13

European Drug Prevention Prize 2010                                                                                        15

Prize-winners                                                                                                                           

Shortlisted projects                                                                                                                  

European Drug Prevention Prize 2008                                                                                        33

Prize-winners                                                                                                                           

Shortlisted projects                                                                                                                  

European Drug Prevention Prize 2006                                                                                        45

Prize-winners                                                                                                                           

Shortlisted projects                                                                                                                  

European Drug Prevention Prize 2004                                                                                        55

Prize-winners                                                                                                                           

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The European Drug Prevention Prize was initiated by the Pompidou Group in 2004. It evolved over the years and was adapted to the ever changing contexts of drug prevention and youth participation.

On the occasion of the 15^th Ministerial Conference, the Pompidou Group wishes to take the opportunity to express its gratitude to all countries, organisations and individuals who made the Prize such a success.

The Pompidou Group is thankful to the countries which have supported the initiative politically as well as financially and thus made the organisation of the event possible: Finland, Luxembourg (Fonds de lutte contre le trafic de stupéfiants), the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Switzerland. We also thank the hosting countries for the exemplary organisation of the conferences during which the Prize was awarded: Lithuania, Poland and the Russian Federation. In addition, the Pompidou Group and the Secretariat are grateful to the European Playground Association (e.p.a.), the Nordic Council and the Jellinek Foundation for their help and contribution in the organisation of some important meetings of the jury.

The Pompidou Group and its Secretariat is grateful and acknowledges the hard and committed work done by all members of the jury who have put at our disposal their knowledge of the youth culture, their understanding of drugs prevention programmes which appeal to young people and their awareness of the importance of youth participation and involvement in this field.

The young jurors (aged 18-23) are recruited by the Secretariat to serve on the jury for two consecutive Prize cycles. The young persons involved so far came from Finland, Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation and Turkey.

The Jury is supported by an advisory group of three experts who work with dedication and commitment counselling the jurors and supporting the Secretariat throughout the process. The Pompidou Group and the Secretariat warmly thank Yelena Mikhaylova-O'Connell, Tony Dronfield and Richard Ives!

Last but not least, we express our gratitude to all persons involved in the grass-root projects who do their utmost to make young people participate in drug prevention programmes at local, regional or national level. So far we have received almost 200 projects from 36 countries. It is our hope that through the organisation of the Prize, the Pompidou Group is encouraging active youth participation in drugs prevention, and, by allowing some projects in particular to rise from anonymity, promoting and recognising the efforts made in this direction.

In addition, we thank our three promising trainees who, at different levels and different phases, were involved in the organisation of the European Drug Prevention Prize. Madeleine Delli-Benedetti, Katie Lewinski and Aurélie Pillot have enthusiastically and genuinely been interested in the Pompidou Group’s activities and greatly assisted us in compiling this document by summarising the most valuable projects submitted to the Prize.

We hope this document will be found useful to all stakeholders interested drug prevention and youth participation.

Patrick Penninckx

Executive Secretary of the Pompidou Group

WHAT IS THE EUROPEAN DRUG PREVENTION PRIZE ABOUT?

Concept & Objectives

Since 2004, the Pompidou Group is awarding its European Drug Prevention Prize every two years to innovative drug prevention projects lead by young people for young people. The main objective of this prize is to recognize the importance of active youth participation in creating a better and healthier environment for all communities in Europe.

The jury consists of six young people, aged 18 to 23. The Jury is supported by an advisory group of three experts. The young jurors autonomously select the three prize-winners among the examined applications submitted. The three projects, which they consider to be the most innovative regarding drug prevention and the active involvement of young people from the setting-up to the running of the project, are awarded the Prize.

Promoting youth involvement in drug prevention:

•          youth not only has the right to participate – they have a right to say and decide for themselves

•          they are the experts for youth issues

•          they also learn a lot from participating in decision-making and implementation and evaluation of projects

Added value of the Prize for the Pompidou Group:

•          Young people bring a 4th dimension, target group involvement, into the work of the Pompidou Group already working with policy makers, researchers/scientists and professionals (practitioners, social workers, etc.)

•          8 years of practical experience in youth participation

•          what we have done so far shows the youth participation is feasible and can be replicated

•          it is appreciated by both sides - decision makers and young people involved

•          it helps to make prevention programmes more effective and efficient

Merits of the Prize

The European Drug Prevention Prize is unique as it is a prize awarded by young people to young people:

-       it rewards young people’s direct involvement in drug prevention from the setting up to the running of the project;

-       the independent jury consists of young people aged 18 to 23 who autonomously examine the project applications and decide upon winning projects.

Moreover, the prize promotes the advantages of youth participation in drug prevention through:

-       allowing young people to have a say in a programme or endeavour and thus providing them with an incentive to continue this expression rather than drift towards negative ventures;

-       allowing young people to take responsibility for themselves, for their peers, for their families and for others;

-       bringing new perspectives and insights to drug prevention which draw upon young people’s expertise on their own social and cultural conditions;

-       contesting negative stereotypes that categorise young people as lazy and indifferent to issues that concern them.

THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS

ON THE EUROPEAN DRUG PREVENTION PRIZE

By Ece Kirik, member of the Jury for the Prizes 2008 and 2010

Those young people who are involved and participating in drug prevention speak the same language as the people who are the target audience of these interventions. There is no generation gap between these two groups which helps to develop confidence and reach out to those who otherwise would be reluctant to come in contact with adult experts. Young people can convey prevention messages in the appropriate language and format which is best understood by their peers. Young people are flexible and very responsive to new device in technology and culture. Innovation in methods and means of prevention is one of the added values of youth participation in this field. Therefore, I believe it is important to involve young specialists or even students from related fields in research and development of prevention interventions.

My involvement in the Jury of the Prize has helped me to choose my professional path and get involved in drug prevention as a specialist in psychology. One of the main experiences for me was the realisation that drug problems affect people regardless of their nationality, culture, beliefs, etc. We can learn from each other - what might seem as a new problem in one country most certainly was dealt with in another country before. Therefore there is a great need for international cooperation, networks of experts, policy makers and young people who could work together and support each other in dealing with problems related to drugs.

By Richard Ives, member of the advisory expert group counselling the Jury

Across Europe (and throughout the world), drug prevention gets less financial support and less attention than drug treatment or tackling drug supply. Sometimes, the effectiveness of prevention activities is questioned. Those who do drug prevention can feel neglected and unloved.

Yet some of the most innovative work in the drugs field takes place in prevention. Across Europe, drug prevention practitioners are working in new ways and making connections with other social problems, involving a wide range of professionals and volunteers and engaging with young people and their parents using a huge variety of approaches.

Recognising, rewarding and promoting this diversity, these innovations, and the hard, determined work of ‘preventionists’ is one aim of the Pompidou Group’s European Drug Prevention Prize.

The other aim is to support and encourage the involvement of young people in drug prevention. Involving young people in issues that concern them has long been a commitment of the Council of Europe. Its Revised European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life says: ‘Participation and active citizenship is about having the right, the means, the space and the opportunity and where necessary the support to participate in and influence decisions and engage in actions and activities so as to contribute to building a better society.’

The European Drug Prevention Prize is an excellent example of that commitment. As the Expert Advisor to the Jury of young judges since the inception of the biennial Prize in 2004 (the Panel is each time refreshed with new members), I have had the privilege of seeing this in practice. I have no vote and act only in an advisory capacity – control has been ceded to the young people.

They have responded to this responsibility, showing great care and sensitivity in selecting prize-winners from the many projects submitted (a total 80 in 2010 alone). I have no doubts about the quality of the 11 projects to which the Prize has been awarded over its four cycles. These projects have approached drug prevention in creative and innovative ways; they have engaged young people of all ages and included those with disabilities and with a variety of difficulties; they have used a range of techniques for drug prevention. They have potential for transferability to other settings in other cultures and countries.

As a model for genuine youth participation, the European Drug Prevention Prize challenges other organisations to work harder to engage young people effectively through mechanisms that define and ensure their involvement. If an international organisation – with all its structural and bureaucratic constraints – can achieve genuine and lasting participation, then so can others.

NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED BY COUNTRY

47 Council of Europe member states	35 Pompidou Group member states	Prize 2004	Prize 2006	Prize 2008	Prize 2010 (all CoE countries invited to participate)
Albania	co-operation				1
Andorra
Armenia
Austria	1988	1	2
Azerbaijan	2001			9	4
Belgium	1971	4			2
Bosnia & Herzegovina					3
Bulgaria	1995	3	1	1	2
Croatia	1997		1
Cyprus	1989		4	2	1
Czech Republic	1993	1		1
Denmark	1980
Estonia	1998				2
Finland	1987
France	1971	3	1	7	5
Georgia					2
Germany	1971	5	1
Greece	1981	5	1	1	1
Hungary	1990	1			1
Iceland	2000		1
Ireland	1980	3	1
Italy	1971	1	6	1	4
Latvia	co-operation
Liechtenstein	1994			1
Lithuania	2001				6
Luxembourg	1971
Malta	1988
Moldova					1
Monaco
Montenegro
Netherlands	1971		2	1
Norway	1983		1	1	1
Poland	1991	2		1	2
Portugal	1985	3			4
Romania	2005				7
Russian Federation	1999	2	2	1	4
San Marino	1991
Serbia
Slovakia	1993	1		1	1
Slovenia	1994	3	1		3
Spain	1984			2	8
Sweden	1980		1		5
Switzerland	1985	1	1
”The former Yugoslav Rep. of Macedonia”				1	1
Turkey	1980	2	2
Ukraine	co-operation				2
United Kingdom	1971	3	1		7
		44 projects	31 projects	34 projects	80 projects
		18 countries	18 countries	15 countries	26 countries

OVERVIEW OF THE ENTRIES SUBMITTED

Purpose of this report

Every two years, the Pompidou Group receives a number of valuable and impressive active youth drug prevention projects. While only three European Drug Prevention Prizes are awarded, we recognise the merits and innovation of many other entries which are then shortlisted. We feel that many of these projects may offer new and creative ideas and may serve as a resource for policy makers, researchers, experts, practitioners and even young people in the creation and development of their own projects and programmes. All of these projects can be adapted and replicated in other countries and further developed with the goal of improving drug prevention. This report includes both prize-winning projects from 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010 as well as shortlisted entries from 2006, 2008 and 2010 contests.

The content of this report is based solely on the information provided by the project managers or representatives in the application form for the project or programme. No assessment of the applicant projects or programmes was completed as a means of evaluation for this report by the Pompidou Group. The report is not meant to evaluate or judge the quality of these projects, but rather as a way to highlight the achievements of interesting and creative projects.

Explanation of report summaries

Based on the project applications, we have prepared a short summary of each project, outlining what the project or group has accomplished and how it directly relates to drug prevention. Each project profile also includes a short summary of the type of drug prevention used and an explanation of how successful the project has been with regards to drug prevention and youth participation.

Each project profile also includes information that may further help readers, including keywords, youth involvement and participation, type and level of success of drug prevention, organisations and partnerships, goals and objectives, means of reaching participants and plans for future expansion and development. Below is an explanation of what each section describes:

1.    Keywords

Short keywords or phrases that help define or describe what is unique about the project. Readers may quickly scan key words among different projects to look for projects that may have similar goals or structures.

§  Examples include: peer-to-peer mentoring, popular media, inform and educate, hands-on programming, use of testimonials, network of schools/organisations

2.    Youth involvement and participation

The European Drug Prevention Prize exists to recognise and honour projects created for youth and by youth. We include both the number of youth involved in the management, facilitation or implementation of the project as well as the number of youth who participated and/or have benefited from the project. This number is based on the number submitted on the application form of the project. In some cases, this section may include the number of adult volunteers or paid staff members involved in a project as well. We break down “Youth involvement and participation” into three levels: 1. Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators, 2. Youth participation and beneficiaries of the programme or project and 3. Adult participation as staff members and administrators. Each subtopic includes the number of people involved as well as a short summary of their involvement or participation in the programme or project.

We highlight the level of involvement and quality of contribution of the youth participants and the impact on participants rather than necessarily the number of youth volunteers or participants. While these numbers have some significance, they are not as important as the overall quality of the project. 

3.    Type of drug prevention

Projects are categorised by three types of prevention strategies as identified by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). They are as follows:

§  Universal prevention is aimed at the whole population, where all groups are equally considered to be at a low risk. It includes school-based programmes and activities as well as family-based approaches such as parents’ evenings, lectures, seminars and workshops.

§  Selective prevention targets specific groups within the population that are at risk of substance abuse, for example, young offenders, school drop-outs, ethnic groups thought to be at greater risk, young people from problem neighbourhoods, families or even entire communities where people may be more likely to develop drug problems.

§  Indicated prevention aims to identify individuals with behavioural or psychological problems that may be predictive for developing problem substance use later in life, and to target them individually with special interventions. Such individuals include those with mental health problems, psychiatric disorders and signs of early drug use.

4.    Level of success

We also try to give some indication on how successful the project has been in its overall objective to reach and prevent drug use among youth.

5.    Organisations and partnerships

We list the umbrella organisation or organisations as well as any partnerships that the project has as an aid for readers and researchers looking to expand their own programmes through partnerships. Those who wish to know more about the structure of a particular project may contact the respective organisation.

6.    Goals and Objectives

While the main goal or objective of all projects is drug prevention, some projects have listed other related goals or aims on their application forms. These goals and objectives are listed in this section.

7.    Means of reaching beneficiaries

Means of reaching target audience or beneficiaries describes what resources or techniques the project uses to get its message across. This may include brochures, leaflets, short films, a website, educational programming, etc.

8.    Future expansion and development

We outline future plans for expansion, development or improvement as described by the organisations on their application forms, or ways that we believe they could expand. This information is meant to be beneficial to other drug prevention groups or programmes in these areas that may look to connect with or partner with these projects.

EUROPEAN DRUG PREVENTION PRIZE 2010

Energy Control                                                                                      SPAIN

Energy Control (EC) is a project that consists in peer-to-peer interventions, school workshops, and the use of new technologies (telephone, email, websites, internet discussion forums etc.) to both prevent drug use and reduce the risks associated with drug use. The group provides support not only to young people who use drugs in their leisure time, but also to people who are not drug users but who have friends or family members who are (including parents). Groups of young volunteers trained by EC set up stalls at parties which provide information on drugs, drug testing (both on site at the parties and, for more elaborate analysis, in their laboratories), and advice on how to use drugs as safely as possible – including breathalyzer alcohol tests. Energy Control also does prevention work in schools and trains other professionals or volunteers within other organisations.

Keywords: peer-to-peer, proximity intervention, drug testing, health and drug use advice, inform and educate, use of new technology, raising awareness, parent counselling, psychological support

Youth involvement and participation:

1.    Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

§  18 young people as administrators/ 64 volunteers for 120 to 200 interventions in parties a year

Young people are encouraged to make suggestions, comment and criticize projects and ideas. They have a say on which projects are undertaken, in the evaluation of projects, as well as in the internal functioning of the EC. Additionally, at the stalls, young people are the ones who inform their peers of the dangers of drug use. The information provided at the stalls is designed and created by the youngsters themselves in order to ensure that it is appropriate and is more likely to be accepted by people of the same age group.

2.    Youth participation and beneficiaries of the program or project

§  In a year, 300 000 viewers of the website, almost 5000 registered users of the web forum, 669 queries via email, 623 via telephone, 56 visits to EC offices

§  More than 1600 drug analysis performed and almost 300 users that come for consultation regarding drug testing

The use of proximity intervention directly at parties and other events of nightlife, the wide use of information technology, the provision of drug testing services, as well as the workshops in schools that target youngsters under 18, ensure that a large number of youngsters are beneficiaries of the project. EC also sets exhibitors with flyers containing information in bars, pubs, discos and other places. Many youngsters who now work as volunteers for the EC are amongst those who benefited from the project in the past.

3.    Adult participation as staff and administrators.

§  46 people as staff and administrators

The staff helps the youngsters develop their projects and works on the volunteers’ ideas in order to make the projects a reality. Additionally, EC works with professionals and experts on nightlife, as these are particularly qualified to detect risks.

Type of drug prevention and level of success: Universal and Selected

The high number of young people to either visit or contact the EC reveals that the group’s methods are functioning well. Over the years, Energy Control has become a reference in risk reduction in Spain. The group targets all youngsters that participate in nightlife. However, through particular programmes, it also works within centres for minors who have been arrested and does some risk prevention targeted specifically at underaged immigrants.

Organisations and partnerships: Asociació Benestar i Desenvolupament (ABD)

Goals and objectives:

• Put together, train and coordinate young volunteers
• Provide information and advice to drug users in the context of parties
• Raise awareness with the help of nightlife professionals
• Retrieve information from the illegal market and alert users about adulterated substances that may entail a health risk
• Implement personalised assistance and support outside leisure contexts
• Respond to demands for information, advice and training from students, parents, professionals, administrations and other organisations.

Means of reaching beneficiaries:proximity intervention (stalls at parties), distribution of information, use of technology, workshops in schools, presentations, informal lectures, counselling (notably for parents), drug testing, advice on drug use.

Future expansion and development:Development of additional projects, improvement of the training by means of a virtual class (class through the internet), improvement of the stalls that are set at parties, development of specific informative material for festivals, improvement of the website and development of a specific one for a younger public, improvement of the laboratories used to test the drugs.

SMOKE AND MIRRORS                                                                             UNITED KINGDOM

Smoke and Mirrors attempts to draw young people’s attention to the negative practices of the tobacco industry and encourages them to challenge these as a way of dissuading them to start/encourage them to stop smoking. It does so by launching a film competition and by organising ‘campaign weekends’ which serve not only to raise awareness but also to develop the youngsters’ skills and self-confidence. Media coverage as well as online campaigns (facebook, twitter, and other websites) are also used as tools. As an additional weapon to attract the youth’s attention, Smoke and Mirrors has engaged the support of celebrity ambassadors from Hollyoak, the only non-smoking soap.

Keywords: competition, movie-making, tobacco industry, youth culture, confidence and skills building, smoke-free environment, seminars

Youth involvement and participation:

1.    Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

§  Number not indicated

Youngsters are involved in every aspect of the project, from deciding the name of the project, the branding, the structure of the campaign weekends, the planning of future activities, to the evaluation of past projects. Indeed, all decisions are ratified by the young people’s ‘project action group’. Young people are also consulted through meetings, events and direct contact with the project action group.

2.    Youth participation and beneficiaries of the program or project

§  300 + young people involved in activities

The ‘campaign weekends’ are attended by over 100 youngsters. There, international and national experts deliver interactive sessions to enable young people to investigate the negative practices of the tobacco industry. Young people are encouraged to share experience amongst themselves and networking events for youngsters are organised. Additionally, 286 young people have participated in the film-making competition. The 10 finalists presented their storyboards to the other young people at the campaign weekend who then selected their three favourites. The three winning storyboards were then turned into films with the help of professionals. The number of beneficiaries from this project is further increased when one considers that the three winning films were screened to a wide audience of youngsters at various places, including cinemas on youth rated films.

3.    Adult participation as staff and administrators

§  10 + adults as staff and administrators

A project manager was contracted to support the development of the projects and enable young people’s participation, while a youth work consultant has contributed to the elaboration of a resource pack aimed at 14-18 years olds which was distributed widely to a large number of schools. The staff as well as other professionals have a history of working with young people on youth-led projects.

Type of drug prevention and level of success: Universal and Selected

About 82% of the participants feel the ‘campaign weekends’ are useful or very useful. These weekends have even encouraged some to take campaigning actions in areas beyond tobacco control. Additionally, evidence demonstrates that showing the winning films in cinemas has been effective in dissuading the 15-24 years olds from starting to smoke. The project works in partnership with agencies that target hard to reach young people and these are actively encouraged to participate. Smoke and Mirrors deliberately accesses services that hard to reach youngsters use and targets them as part of their recruitment and development plan.

Organisations and partnerships: Smokefree North West, Our Life & Vid-id

Goals and objectives:

·         Promote a smoke free future

·         Highlight to young people (14-18) the negative practices of the tobacco industry and create campaign actions led by young people

·         Action-taking through film-making

Means of reaching beneficiaries:organising film-making competitions and ‘campaigning weekends’, producing and disseminating films, launching resource packs, online campaigning

Future expansion and development:Development of a distinct strand of the project looking at peer education. The hope is that eventually, more independent anti-tobacco groups will be formed, which could be over seen by Smoke and Mirrors.

‘RecceR’ Resilience Coaching                                                                                 BELGIUM

RecceR Resilience Coaching focuses on building resilience (the universal capacity which allows a person, group or community to prevent, minimize or overcome the damaging effects of adversity) in young people who suffer from EBD (emotional and behavioural disorders). To do so, the group designed a game which relies on the identification of 3 monsters (aggression, impulsivity, and low self-esteem). The main character of the game, Billy, is held prisoner by these monsters. The youngsters play the game to acquire ‘resilience’ skills which will allow them to combat the monsters and free Billy. To acquire these skills, the youngsters rely on 3 in-game coaches, the magician, the adventurer and the warrior. The skills include the capacity to solve problems as a group, concentration skills, tolerance, and respect.

Keywords: Game, confidence and skills building, marginalized and at-risk groups

Youth involvement and participation:

1.    Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

Young people do not have a role in the management of the project but the conception of the project is based solely on the youngsters’ opinions and ideas. The goal of the group was to consult the young people with EBD through “focus groups” and ask them directly what they would like to see in a drug prevention programme. Young people are also asked to evaluate the project at the end, and the game is modified according to their suggestions.

§  47 adolescents consulted through six open focus groups

§  82 adolescents generated ideas on what they thought would be important in a prevention program during 14 nominal groups

§  A survey was developed, completed by 63 youngsters

§  78 adolescents explained how they wanted important themes to be implemented in practice

Additionally, the game-like approach makes the project highly interactive.

2.    Youth participation and beneficiaries of the program or project.

§  Youngsters are trained in resilience skills in groups of 4, play the game in groups of around 12

§  75 young people have participated so far

Seven different institutes participate in the project. The project has been implemented in two of them so far.

3.    Adult participation as staff and administrators.

§  25 adults as staff and administrators

The ‘focus groups’ are led by adults. The steering group consists of directors of institutes, policy makers, prevention workers and scientists. Educators also help the youngsters to transfer the skills learned from the games to their daily life. The game is filmed by a professional young video artist.

Type of drug prevention and level of success: Indicated

The project targets at-risk youngsters with EBD. It takes into account the strength (most participants have already survived quite some adversities) and weaknesses (low verbal and cognitive abilities, short attention span, problems of defiance to authority, other problems related to abuse or neglect) of the participants. The group realised that the little drug prevention that these youngsters had experienced had been largely unsuccessful as it often relied on high cognitive and verbal skills, and was therefore not appropriate for this group. After consulting the youngsters, the group understood that sufficient attention had to be paid to the visual and ‘fun’ aspect of the programme, so that the focus could be on non-verbal skills. Evidence shows that the programme has been very successful. The drop out rate is less than 5% and the game was successful in getting the young people motivated.

Organisations and partnerships: CGG Eclips

Goals and objectives:

·         To develop ‘resilience’ in young people (10-14 years old)

·         To do so by implementing a programme that is well adapted to the targeted group

Means of reaching beneficiaries:playing a game, teaching skills

Future expansion and development:Design of a secure website (to ensure anonymity) where the youngsters can upload their own ideas, recording of a promotional video to inform parents about the goals and content of the project, with tips on how to promote resilience in children.

Together Against Drugs                                                                                          BULGARIA

Together Against Drugs attempts to improve the quality of life of children with physical and mental disabilities, as well as attention deficits, hyperactivity, autism and other learning difficulties, by providing them with special education. The group estimates that these children are particularly vulnerable to drugs, and thus continuously promotes the importance of a healthy lifestyle. It also stresses the importance of tolerance and non-discrimination – in particular gender equality – and promotes social skills – for example, the exclusion of violence and the capacity to solve problems as a group. The project helps the youngsters develop skills that they will be able to use later in their professional life. This includes ICT skills, such as being able to use Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, Word, Paint, Internet Explorer, and emails – students are given pen friends all over Europe – but also music, arts and sports. Students are encouraged to help each other and participate actively through role playing and discussions. This helps develop their self-confidence, concentration skills, writing skills, and communication skills.

Keywords: development of life skills, in-school drug education, information and communication technology, children with disabilities, self confidence, social integration, social and emotional support, self esteem

Youth involvement and participation:

1.    Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

§  20 young people as volunteers

Young people participate in a youth council and forum where they share ideas on the project strategy and structure. The Youth Council takes decisions in collaboration with the Council of Consultants (composed of the principal of the school, psychologists, and supervisors from the Municipality of Pleven).

2.    Youth participation and beneficiaries of the program or project.

§  150 students with special educational needs

Young people are also very involved in the games and activities and are primary actors in developing their own skills. Students are encouraged to help each other.

3.    Adult participation as staff and administrators.

§  50 parents, teachers, tutors, specialists, officials from the Municipality

Adults volunteers support the development of professional skills and the efforts in overcoming marginalisation of the children. They help with the development of a friendly environment that promotes an intercultural and inter-religious dialogue. They also support activities that bring together different generations. One of the key priorities of the group is to work with parents.

Type of drug prevention and level of success: Indicated

The project is entirely focused on youngsters with disabilities. It focuses on the drug prevention but also teaches the youngsters about other social problems – social exclusion, discrimination, human trafficking etc. by creating a favourable environment for intercultural dialogue. The project has achieved significant local and media support.

Organisations and partnerships: School for children with special educational needs, Pleven.

Goals and objectives:

• Raising the awareness of students with special educational needs on the issue of drugs
• Developing skills that prevent antisocial behaviour and help these students find jobs so that they can work towards higher levels of independence
• Working in collaboration with parents

Means of reaching beneficiaries:Teaching of new skills, promoting dialogue, promoting values such as tolerance, special education

Future expansion and development:Development of the first ‘multifunctional sports field’ in the region. This will allow children with mental disabilities to develop their sports skills and use sports as a factor of social integration. Sports will also be used to promote better tolerance of disabilities and a healthy way of life.

COPE/Drugs                                                                                                                  SWEDEN

Cope/drugs is a parental education program. It focuses on Roma people and addresses parents with children from age 3 to 16 so that they can better support their children in their development. It aims to improve communication between children and parents, so that sensitive subjects like alcoholism and drug abuse can be discussed more easily. The group hosts meetings for young parents once a week. There, parents have discussions and attend lectures. Education in alcohol and drug prevention is mainly provided by the narcotic police, the Swedish Council for Information on Alcohol and Other Drugs, and tutors who are Roma themselves. A film in Romani language has also been produced.

Keywords: Roma people, hard-to-reach, parental education, discussion forums

Youth involvement and participation:

1.    Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

§  Number not indicated

Young parents attend meetings where the project activities are planned and discussed. They take part in the decision making process. The abilities and interests of young Roma people are key in designing the activities of the project. As they develop their self-confidence and feeling of responsibility, Roma people are expected to play an increasingly important role in the management of the project.

2.    Youth participation and beneficiaries of the program or project.

§  20 young Roma parents have taken part in the program

§  12 young Roma girls have taken part in the program

Through the education provided by COPE/drugs, young parents – and especially young women – not only learn to be better parents but also develop their self-confidence and decision making capacity. Young Roma women are taught that being female is not necessarily a disadvantage and are encouraged to defend themselves against violence and discrimination.

3.    Adult participation as staff and administrators.

§  10 adults as staff and administrators

There is a Roma resource person responsible for Roma outreach programmes from the Municipality. Experts on drug prevention also work with COPE/drugs. In particular, the two Roma female tutors, who give the classes to parents, are the first Roma persons in Sweden to have that type of education and can serve as ‘models’ for other Roma women. All these professionals are employed part-time.

Type of drug prevention and level of success: Selected

The project focuses on helping Roma people. Indeed, this group is considered vulnerable not only to alcohol and drugs but also to unemployment, dropping out of schools, criminality etc. Often, the parents of youngsters are alcoholics or drug addicts themselves. Therefore, the project is considered as particularly needed. The project is being presented to local politicians, and several municipalities have shown interest. Membership and visibility of the group is growing.

Organisations and partnerships: Save the Children

Goals and objectives:

·         Strengthening the parental role of Roma parents in order to postpone or prevent alcoholism/drug use in Roma adolescents

·         To help the social integration of young Roma women, notably by helping them to enter primary school

Means of reaching beneficiaries:parental education, discussions, meetings, peer-to-peer

Future expansion and development:development of a summer camp for all partakers in COPE/drugs. This could also serve as a reward to show appreciation for the work provided.

11 years of Max on the Stage                                                                                         SPAIN

11 years of Max on the Stage is a project that consists in the elaboration of a play. The play, which is continuously updated throughout the years, is designed by young people for young people, and tells the story of Max. Max and Maxi are alter egos, one and the same person, who transforms to approach the realities of young people dealing with the issue of drugs. The project emphasizes group participation, dialogue with peers, as well as the necessity for group reflection. The play is accompanied by a didactic guide full of information and strategies that motivate educational work after the play.

Keywords: theatre, peer-to-peer, discussion groups

Youth involvement and participation:

1.    Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

§  8 new youngsters every year, has been happening for 11 years.

The play is created and performed by youngsters. Everything is created from the proposals of the young actors (13-20 years old), who decide which situations are presented, who the characters are, what the key problems are and how to approach them. Improvisation is a key aspect of this play, which pushes the youngsters to know and understand their characters better. The second part of this participation is the subsequent educational work with the group of youngsters. Youngsters also participate in the evaluation of the project so that the play is always updated and adapted to a young public.

2.    Youth participation and beneficiaries of the program or project.

§  15 600 young people since the beginning of the project in 1999

In order to affect a maximum number of young people, the play avoids the moralism and drama that are normally associated with the world of drugs, and instead focuses on daily situations that touch on key subjects like peer pressure, risk situations, the false sensation of control, self-image, the relationship with the family, and alternative leisure options. The play is performed in the municipal theatre and the first showing is for groups of young people and their educators. Later on, the performance is especially addressed to families. Since the play is created by young people, the language, characters and situations are accessible and familiar to the young spectators.

3.    Adult participation as staff and administrators.

§  691 educators and 1650 parents

Adult participants assist the youngsters. These include professionals from the municipal theatre hall of Lleida and municipal preventive specialists who participate in educational counselling. Educators promote a healthy lifestyle and the prevention of risk behaviours. The adults/educators play only a secondary role, generating group dynamics and promoting these within the families at home. Teachers from the school are also involved.

Type of drug prevention and level of success: Universal and Selected

The project is based on universal prevention, incorporating selective prevention strategies that are directed at young people at special risk, such as those with no regular education. Groups of youngsters from the mental health centre of Lleida, from centres for mental disabilities, as well as young people with family or other social problems who are assisted by neighbourhood social services have all participated in the project. These youngsters participate actively together with the other youngsters. The fact that the project has been functioning for 11 years is evidence of its success.

Organisations and partnerships: City Council of Lleida

Goals and objectives:

·         Facilitating the acquisition of ‘protective skills’ when confronted with drugs (e.g. decision-making, evaluating limits, re-evaluating groups of friends etc.)

·          Using theatre as a space to bring youngsters together and youngsters together with adults

·         Promoting dynamic activities for youngster participation

Means of reaching beneficiaries:performance of a play, discussions, peer-to-peer

Future expansion and development:To make an interactive DVD which could serve as support material for educational centres and groups of youngsters, to carry out the production of the pilot episode of “Max’s friends”, a sitcom on local TV, which would pioneer a subsequent project that would integrate a greater participation of youngsters and more visibility for the group, to perform extra plays, with the goal of implementing the project into recreational spaces in youth associations.

“I create my future myself”                                                                                     LITHUANIA

“I create my future myself” is a police youth club established in order to provide legal, social, and psychological assistance to young people at risk and their families, as well as integrate these socially marginal youngsters into society through various afterschool activities. In order to be efficient, the project involves inter-institutional cooperation. Thus, the club involves the police, social workers, pedagogues, psychologists, teachers and experts in preventive work. The goal is to create a safe and stable environment for young people and children. Youngsters are referred to the centre by schools, social workers, children rights’ specialists, police and correction officers. Among the reasons for referral are failure to attend school, inappropriate social behaviour, drug dependency, and criminal activities.

Keywords: police, social integration programme, juvenile delinquents, marginalized at risk groups, afterschool activities, social and emotional support, legal advice, training programme

Youth involvement and participation:

1.    Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

§  Number not indicated

Regular meetings are organized between the project coordinator, social workers, and all the children. During such meetings, children/youngsters are given a chance to participate in the management of club affairs. Youngsters are also involved in the decision-making process through councils which consist of 5 members elected by them. During these councils, the club’s activities and the behaviour of other youngsters are reviewed. The Council may choose to punish another young person for misbehaviour (e.g. not allowed to take part in the next event). Additionally, children plan their time and activities themselves while in the club. Some groups, concerts or other events are organised by children with exemplary behaviour who serve as examples to their peers.

2.    Youth participation and beneficiaries of the program or project.

§  About 400 youngsters, age 6 to 25, since the programme started

Youngsters gather to the club afterschool and benefit from various forms of assistance: legal, nutritional, social, psychological, educational, etc. Psychological assistance consists in one-on-one consultations, and youngsters are given assistance in their homework. Additionally, the police delivers lectures on legal advice. Children and youngsters are also taught skills such as English, computer literacy, mathematics, martial arts, pottery, film, and music. Youngsters are rewarded for their achievements with money, new clothes, mobile phones etc. at the end of every month.

3.    Adult participation as staff and administrators.

§  3 pedagogues, a psychologist, a police officer, administration, and teachers

§  The club also has volunteers

§  Trainees from various institutions work at the club to acquire experience

§  50 adults in total

Type of drug prevention and level of success: Selected

The bulk of project participants are children from an at-risk social context and families, often with a history of juvenile delinquency or who have difficulties in attending schools/learning. The project ensures social equity as participants are different in age, sex, and nationalities (6 different origins). This club has served as a model which is now being reproduced in other regions of the country. This serves as evidence of its success. It also participates in the European Thematic Network of Local Authorities and has received an award.

Organisations and partnerships: Vilnius Police Club for Children and Youth

Goals and objectives:

The main objective is to prevent and reduce drug use, as well as the dependence and harm related to drug use:

·         To pursue drug and alcohol prevention by integrating children and youth into educative activities raising awareness about the harm of toxic substances

·         To provide psychological assistance to children who have behavioural problems and/or take drugs, as well as to their families

·         To promote a healthy way of life while taking into account the emotional and social needs of youngsters

Means of reaching beneficiaries:afterschool activities, psychological and pedagogical assistance, lectures

Future expansion and development:Improvement of the activities offered by the club (horse riding, film-making), release of a CD produced by the children who are currently taking part in a singing group, production of a promotional film about the project

Day and night preventive actions alerting 18-25 years olds                             FRANCE

to the risks of consuming alcohol and psychotropic substances

In this project, peers provide other youngsters with information and share their experiences related to the use of psychotropic substances. A team composed of young volunteers holds a stall at the entrance of student events, with the aim of raising awareness among the participants. The volunteers answer questions and deliver information on alcohol, drugs, tobacco, AIDS and risks of hearing impairment. They also orient other young people to specialized institutions. The project includes the concept of ‘clean parties’, the organisation of parties without drugs and alcohol. It also includes a system of ‘designated driver’, where one student undertakes to leave his/her car keys at the stall, and comes back later for a self-administered breath test.

Keywords: peer-to-peer, training courses, raising awareness, drug/alcohol free nightlife, awareness raising, dissemination of information,

Youth involvement and participation:

1.    Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

§  5 employees, 230 voluntary workers

The project relies on peer-to-peer and on young people’s proactiveness. Young volunteers who man the stalls are trained by the partners of the project and specialise in one area (e.g. alcohol). The training addresses the issues of drugs, alcohol, road safety, management of a project, and may be a passport to a paid job as prevention worker for the group. Moreover, in light of the huge number of student evenings, and because the project cannot meet all requests, a unique system was created: training is provided to the organisers of student parties, especially within student associations. The aim is to enable students to act as a preventive influence at their own party. Students are represented in steering committees. Feedback from the youngsters is very important in the evaluation process.

2.    Youth participation and beneficiaries of the program or project.

§  250 000 persons reached per year

 Youngsters are reached when they attend events. Questionnaires are distributed so that youngsters can evaluate their drug use. The questionnaire allows the project to discuss, with each participant, his or her drug use. The project uses innovative ways of raising awareness – for example, by distributing spectacles that simulate a 0.8 gram blood alcohol level and making youngsters go through a series of steps that simulate taking a vehicle. The project emphasizes dynamic, non-moralising ways of preventing drug use.

3.    Adult participation as staff and administrators.

§  6 employees, 20 voluntary workers, 20 000 recipients

Type of drug prevention and level of success: Universal

The project is aimed at students and young people in general, and recognises that the most disadvantaged groups are largely excluded from their preventive measures. That is why the project has undertaken to work in cooperation with the PJJ (judicial youth protection) to reach at-risk youngsters.

Organisations and partnerships: Association Voiture & Co

Goals and objectives:

• Reduce the number of young people who are addicted to drugs and use drugs at parties/student events
• Reduce the number of young people who are killed or injured on the road

Means of reaching beneficiaries:peer-to-peer directly at parties, organisation of ‘clean parties’, distribution of flyers in student areas/posters in large metro stations, training of volunteers, innovative activities useful to raise awareness

Future expansion and development:recording of a music video clip with an ‘anthem’ to help the promotion of the project, creation of a giant board game on the issues of drugs, alcohol and road safety

“Tears of Poppy” – Theatre Performance                                                     AZERBAIJAN

The project consists in the creation and performance of a play on the theme of drug addiction and AIDS. The play is performed in front of young people as well as in every prison in the country. The scenario of the play was written in consultation with health professionals and experts. The project acknowledges the fact that most young people in Azerbaijan are raised in a traditional and conservative environment. Parents are strict and do not necessarily realise that this environment may leave children unprepared to face the issue of drugs. Discussions are also held after the play, especially in contexts where it is understood that viewers lack education. Detailed discussions focus on what should be done by youngsters and what should be done by families.

Keywords: performance of a play, hard-to-reach, prisons, discussion groups

Youth involvement and participation:

1.    Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

§  15 young people

The people who worked on the project are mainly youngsters (actors, music, lighting and make up artists etc.). Young people participate in the discussion of what kind of play/characters/scenario are to be presented. They are also the ones to distribute the invitations and the ones to discuss the impact of the project after the performance.

2.    Youth participation and beneficiaries of the program or project.

§  Play performed over 120 times in different regions of the country

§  The main audience was students and secondary school students

§  Approximately 20 000 people have watched the performance so far

Young people participate in discussions after the play. The conclusion of most talks is that young people lack a proper education on the issues of AIDS and drugs. The fact that the play was performed in prisons acknowledges the need for drug prevention in contexts where people cannot necessarily read about the health problems they may face.

3.    Adult participation as staff and administrators.

Type of drug prevention and level of success: Universal and Selected

The International Committee of the Red Cross Delegation in Azerbaijan as well as the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Internal Affairs expressed appreciation for the project, which serves as evidence of its success. It has been designated as the ‘best drug prevention’ project in Azerbaijan. The fact that the play is shown in prisons, where a large proportion of HIV patients are, demonstrates that the project recognises that prisoners are a ‘hard to reach’ group, especially as they sometimes do not know how to read and thus cannot learn about their health through reading.

Organisations and partnerships: Baku Children’s Theatre

Goals and objectives:

• To prepare a theatre performance on the theme of drug addiction and AIDS
• To perform this play in front of young people as well as in prisons

Means of reaching beneficiaries:performance of a play, discussions

Future expansion and development:show this performance to more and more young people.

Scuola D+ Educhiamoci alla respondabilita                                                                ITALY

Some students of secondary school from four different schools were given training in drug prevention so that they could deliver the messages themselves to other youngsters. The training is mostly handled by young university students, and consists of discussions, brainstorming, analysis of some alcohol and tobacco advertisements, the planning of interventions in classes, as well as a simulation of these interventions to make sure that students are well prepared.

Keywords: peer-to-peer, in-class intervention in schools, discussions, training courses, skills training

Youth involvement and participation:

1.    Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

§  57 students of secondary school (16 to 19)

§  3 university trainees

Youngsters are the main actors. Three young university trainees deliver the training to the secondary school children. They are directly involved in the planning, the preparation (in which classes to intervene, which activities to propose etc.) and the implementation of the training course. The interventions are evaluated by the secondary school students as well as the young university trainees. Students are asked to complete questionnaires, comment on their experience and make suggestions to improve future interventions.

2.    Youth participation and beneficiaries of the program or project.

§  Number not indicated

Students get to discuss their drug and alcohol consumption, beliefs and experiences in a nice friendly atmosphere. They participate in fun activities.

3.    Adult participation as staff and administrators.

§  8 educators

The adult educators assist the university trainees. For example, in every school, two educators assist the university trainees in training the secondary school children. Then adult educators are the only ones responsible for the overall management of the project.

Type of drug prevention and level of success: Universal

The project is directed to secondary school students in general. The project evaluation highlighted significant results. Indeed, there have been some changes in the youngsters’ attitude towards alcohol and drugs. Evidence also shows that the training encourages secondary school students to take more assertive action. Some wrote articles, as well as worked to change the school regulation to clearly condemn drug use. The project can thus be described as successful.

Organisations and partnerships: Centro Vicentino Di Solidarieta’ Ceis Onlus

Goals and objectives:

• Work in cooperation with everyone in schools (students, teachers, parents, auxiliary operators, experts) to deliver messages to youngsters
• Facilitate the delivering of messages through the creation of groups of ‘peer educators’

Means of reaching beneficiaries:discussions, peer-to-peer, in-class intervention/activities

Future expansion and development:Expansion of the project to two other schools

100% health 0% smoke!                                                                                              FRANCE

100% health 0% smoke! is a peer education project targeted at secondary school students and coordinated by the school’s teaching community and health education professionals. Some young people receive specific training to conduct prevention actions vis-à-vis their peers. Young people in middle school are monitored for four years and benefit from workshops. The project is divided into four phases. It starts with a self-administered questionnaire to allow young people to evaluate their drug use. Secondly, some young people are trained to provide knowledge to their peers. Thirdly, these young people put their training into practice and teach other middle school youngsters in class. The last phase is the evaluation.

Keywords: peer-to-peer, discussions, games, in-school drug education, training courses

Youth involvement and participation:

1.    Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

§  Number not indicated

The trained young people and the guiding adults select and validate the prevention pack together. Young people also control the in-class interventions completely, as they run the prevention games. They choose the topics to be addressed. Young people and adults participate equally in the evaluation of the project.

2.    Youth participation and beneficiaries of the program or project.

§  150-200 young people

During the in-class interventions, pupils discuss and participate in games and activities.

3.    Adult participation as staff and administrators.

§  20 people

The organisers work with the trained youngsters to prepare the activities that will be presented in class. They supervise the whole project, give advice and direction, mentor the young people, and answer all their questions.

Type of drug prevention and level of success: Universal

The project targets all middle school youngsters.

Organisations and partnerships: Hérault Respiratory Diseases Committee

Goals and objectives:

• To surround junior secondary students with a coherent environment conducive to the adoption of non-smoking behaviour, through the involvement of the teaching community
• To develop young people’s aptitudes to become health educators vis-à-vis their peers
• Increase young people’s participation in prevention projects
• Enhancement of young people’s psycho-social skills and self-esteem
• Reduction of the number of drug users

Means of reaching beneficiaries:peer-to-peer, discussions, games, in-class intervention, training courses

Future expansion and development:reward the young people and adults who participate, continue this peer education with the same audience on other general health topics, develop the project in other schools, establish a standardised evaluation protocol for the project, transpose the project to other audiences (‘hard to reach’ youngsters), train professionals in the conduct of the drug prevention and peer education project, publish the results of the project, develop further partnerships.

Smoking prevention and cessation in high schools and                                  CYPRUS

technical schools in Cyprus

The project, undertaken by young graduate students, consists of in-class discussions, interactive activities and presentations about the danger of smoking. The project seeks to teach youngsters how to deal with negative feelings and situations (e.g. feeling sad, stressed, or upset) which normally push them to smoke. The interventions also aim at educating teachers, and relevant material is sent to the students’ parents. Seminars and presentations are also offered to parents in the evening. To help at-risk groups of youngsters with behavioural and psychological problems, the project includes therapies based on medical, psychological and clinical evidence.

Keywords: peer-to-peer, in-school intervention, discussion groups, activities, smokefree environment, stress management, parental education, educating teachers, psychological support

Youth involvement and participation:

1.    Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

§  10 college students

The project was designed by graduate university students from the department of Psychology at the University of Cyprus. The graduate students worked with undergraduate psychology students, and were involved in all aspects of the development and delivery of the project (conception, choice of methodology, training and implementation). For example, it was them who sought permission from the ministry of education to conduct this project and who looked for schools interested in participating. Youngsters deliver the presentations, supervise the activities/discussions and analyse/evaluate the results.

2.    Youth participation and beneficiaries of the program or project.

§  Number not indicated

Students (14 to 18) who benefited from the programme were evolved in its evaluation through questionnaires. The project was modified according to their input.

3.    Adult participation as staff and administrators.

§  1 faculty supervisor and 1 Ph.D. level student

§  1 licensed clinical health faculty psychologist

The faculty supervisor and the licensed Psychologist assist and advise the students.

Type of drug prevention and level of success: Universal and Selected

The project has been selected for presentation at two international conferences, one in Greece and one in Boston, which serves as evidence of its success. Some of the graduate students involved have started to analyse findings from this project and they have submitted applications to present the results at regional and international conferences. The project is open to all students attending high school and technical schools. However, it is also specifically aimed at hard to reach youngsters, as it takes place in a vocational school traditionally attended by students who have dropped out or failed regular high school, have the highest rates of delinquency and drug use, as well as behavioural and psychological problems.

Organisations and partnerships: University of Cyprus

Goals and objectives:

• To sensibilise and educate high school and vocational school students about the negative effects of smoking
• To collect information about student’s knowledge and practices regarding smoking in Cyprus, as part of an attempt to regularly monitor the progress of smoke-free policies
• To examine reasons why youth smoke and target these reasons in the prevention programme – e.g. teaching skills which allow to effectively deal with negative emotions such as anger and stress

Means of reaching beneficiaries:discussion groups, activities, in-school intervention, peer-to-peer, therapies, psychological support

Future expansion and development:Buying more study materials, development of a website, rewarding young participants with gifts.

FRISTIL                                                                                                                          NORWAY

FRISTIL aims to demystify the way alcohol and drugs are perceived by youngsters in order to postpone the age when they will tempted to abuse drugs/alcohol. FRISTIL’s approach is based on peer-education. The project targets 9^th graders (13-14 years old). These are gathered together from many different schools into four day seminars. There, they are introduced to peers who strongly believe in alcohol and drug free environments and who, having had training in pedagogy, can act as role models. During the seminar, pupils receive training on themes concerning youth, drugs and alcohol as well as practical training on how to pass their knowledge on to their classmates when they return. The project also includes the preparation of thematic evenings and the preparation of a play on the theme of parental role model. Following the play, children and their parents have discussions in groups.

Keywords: peer-to-peer, reference groups, seminars, performance of a play, discussion groups, parental education, organisation of evenings, skill training

Youth involvement and participation:

1.    Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

§  In each district, one youngster coordinates all other young leaders, supervises and organises them in teams in each of the local seminars

§  All seminars are led by young people between 13-20, approx. 100 leaders at all times

The project depends on the continuous contribution of young people, who are part of all the different stages of the project (preparation, implementation, evaluation). They participate in project committees and forums. The approach of training peers in seminars creates new experienced youngsters and strengthens the already existing network of young ‘leaders’. Students who return from the seminars become ‘managers’ of the project themselves, as they are responsible for spreading the knowledge they have learnt to their classmates. They lead 6 class sessions with themes concerning youth, drugs and alcohol. This training also includes the preparation and implementation of a thematic evening with their parents as well as the preparation of a play on the theme of parental role model. Following the play, parents and children have discussions. Following both seminars, pupils are encouraged to take initiatives in their local community.

2.    Youth participation and beneficiaries of the program or project

§  Approx. 600 youngsters in the primary group

§  5800 youngsters in the secondary group

3.    Adult participation as staff and administrators.

§  2 adults

Type of drug prevention and level of success: Universal

Successful youth participation explains the longevity of the project. Without youngsters’ innovative perspectives and ability to recognise and use trends to continuously update the project, the project would become obsolete. The project’s structure makes it accessible to at-risk groups, even if not targeted specifically.

Organisations and partnerships: Juvente

Goals and objectives:

• Postpone the beginning of alcohol/drug use of youngsters
• Reduce the positive expectations that youngsters have when thinking about drugs, and by that diminish peer-pressure
• Improve youngsters’ knowledge on the cultural dimensions of drug/alcohol use
• Encourage youngsters to make independent choices

Means of reaching beneficiaries:peer-to-peer, reference groups, seminars, performance of a play, discussion groups

Future expansion and development:Further educate young ‘leaders’ so that they can gain competences that the organisation cannot currently provide them with (in particular, ART – Aggression Replacement Training), so that they can also pass this on to other youngsters.

WOCAD Bella net International                                                                                SWEDEN

Wocad Bella Net International is a gender-specific drug prevention project focused on girls. Young girls are provided with practical training so that they can act as group leaders for other girls. Girls meet in groups and discuss issues related to lifestyles, identity, courage, self-esteem and development of their potential. Girls are taught to be proud of their gender and to reject discrimination. During these group sessions, activities are also organised. The project also possesses drama classes as well as an online forum open 24 hours a day for various discussions. It also focuses on training two people from each EU member state so that these two people can start girl-specific drug prevention groups in their countries.

Keywords: peer-to-peer, discussion groups, drama classes, gender-specific prevention, internet forum, self-esteem, skills training

Youth involvement and participation:

1.    Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

§  The programme is training over 6000 young leaders in Sweden

Bella Net is becoming an international network for girl group leaders and already has members from Portugal, Netherlands, Romania, Iceland, Belarus, Norway, USA etc. Girl group leaders work at youth centres, schools, NGOs. Young leaders choose the topics of training sessions and supervise them.

2.    Youth participation and beneficiaries of the program or project

§  Number not indicated

Girl participants also get to choose the activities and programme of the training sessions. Many of the participants are young working women. They can use the skills taught by WOCAD in their everyday professional lives.

3.    Adult participation as staff and administrators.

§  Minimum 150 young leaders

Type of drug prevention and level of success: Selected

The project was validated by the European Commission as a European Action on Drugs (EAD) in 2009, which serves as evidence of its success. The concept of Bella is also widely used in Nordic European countries. The project reaches out to all teenage girls rather than concentrating on girls in at-risk groups. However, the project also includes young women with disabilities and immigrant women, as well as women who are homeless and in prison.

Organisations and partnerships: WOCAD Women’s organisations committee on alcohol and drug issues

Goals and objectives:

• Raising awareness/prevention of drug use among teenage girls in all EU countries

Means of reaching beneficiaries:peer-to-peer, discussion groups, drama classes, gender-specific prevention, internet forum

Future expansion and development:Train 27 girls/young women from EU countries in interactive methods so that they can start new prevention groups for girls.

EUROPEAN DRUG PREVENTION PRIZE 2008

SWEEP THE WEED OUT OF THE GATE!                                                           BULGARIA

Sweep the Weed out of the Gate! aims to raise awareness about alcohol and drug misuse through peer counselling, strategy games, workshops and activities. The activities surround young people with a drug-free environment where they can increase their self-esteem and confidence. Volunteers enable participants to socialise and combat health threats and temptations. The project is directed at school students in grades five to seven. The students participate in a three-year peer counselling programme administered in three schools. The project uses popular games like computer games, to get the message of drug prevention across to the students. The project’s team-friendly environment provides the students with lessons on team work and team building while learning about health and safety matters. The programme gives them the confidence to enjoy themselves without the use of drugs.

Keywords: drug free environment; peer counselling; computer games; team building; health and safety matters; popular culture, self confidence

Youth involvement and participation:

1. Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

• 42 volunteers/administrators ages 12 to 19

The project’s 42 active student volunteers are trained as peer educators and mediators for conflict solving. These youth volunteers lead workshops, discussions and game shows on drug abuse and prevention at the participating schools. According to The Balkan Kids Foundation, the youth volunteers are the main implementers of the project’s work.

2. Youth participation and beneficiaries of the programme or project

• 653 student participants ages 11 to 19

Through peer counselling, drama, strategy games and creative outdoor workshops, the project aims to boost participants’ self confidence and ability to resist the temptation of drugs. Participants also took part in a contest under the theme of “No Drugs!” and created posters, comics, photos or graffiti. Secondly, participants were invited to attend a Halloween Party called “Say Boo to Drugs.”

3. Adult participation as staff and administrators

• 233 parents, teachers and local community members involved

No information on the specific responsibilities and involvement of adult volunteers is noted.

Type of drug prevention: Universal

The use of popular culture extends the project to ‘hard-to-reach’ students and allows for more active participation by the students, spreading the project’s drug prevention message to a broader target group.

Level of success:

Sweep the Weed out of the Gate! uses a wide variety of resources and means to reach its participants. Through creative and unique educational approaches and tools, the programme has done an exceptional job in reaching young people and teaching them about the dangers of drug use. In 2004 the programme became linked with the UBW Wien Yes initiative (www.ubw.int) which has further increased and promoted project participation.

Organisations and Partnerships: The BalkanKids Foundation

Goals and Objectives: 

• Empower young people with a set of life skills that builds self confidence and promotes healthy living
• Inform young people about the dangers of drug use and drug abuse

Means of reaching beneficiaries: computer games; outdoor workshops; board games; online resources; articles and essays; radio and TV presentations

Future expansion and development: Development of a website to serve as a resource with information on programming and youth drug use prevention.

RESIST                                                                                                                            GREECE

The main aim of the project is to promote drug prevention, but the group also addresses other areas of potential ‘addiction’ in youth culture such as the Internet and computer games. Resist gives young people information on substances like alcohol, tobacco, pills and cannabis, and provides them with practical health advice so that they are better able to make informed decisions about using drugs. The project helps to teach young people how to avoid situations where drugs are available and how to say ‘no’ to offers of drugs from peers. The participants are also able to meet in small groups to discuss the issues and topics most relevant to them such as stress management, peer pressure and self-esteem. By discussing these issues in smaller groups, young people provide peer support for each other and develop their communication and other life skills.

Keywords: health advice; peer pressure; stress management; peer support; youth culture; popular culture, inform and educate, discussion groups

Youth involvement and participation:

1. Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

• 20 young people—6 boys and 14 girls ages 12 to18

Through 10 meetings, the groups discussed issues like self-esteem, stress management, peer pressure, social pressure, communication, social skill training, effective resolution of conflicts and social exclusion. Young people were directly involved in the brainstorming process of creating the video game by offering ideas for characters, scenarios, dialogue and music. They created posters and graffiti to advertise for the video game and participation in the programme.

2. Youth participation and beneficiaries of the programme or project

• Number not indicated

Though no information on the response of the youth who have played the video game is given, the 20 youth volunteers have also directly benefited from their participation in creating the video. This project gave them the opportunity to openly discuss drug use and related issues of social exclusion and peer pressure.

3. Adult participation as staff and administrators

• Staff from Prevention ELPIDA

Adult staff members helped to oversee and manage the creation of the video game, but no specific duties or responsibilities are mentioned.

Type of drug prevention: Indicated

The group was created by teenagers who were socially excluded and considered at-risk. Young people aged 12 to 18 from socially excluded backgrounds participate in the activities and are included in the administration of the project.

Level of success:

The project has been successful in helping youth people develop the skills necessary to ignore the pressures of drug use. Through social skill training and resistance training, these young people have developed ways of resisting the temptation to use drugs. The group believes that creating an interactive computer game is a unique and creative way to promote drug prevention among youth.

Organisations and Partnerships: ‘ELPIDA’ Drug-Abuse Prevention Centre

Goals and Objectives:

§  Expand the philosophy of drug prevention

§  Enhance protective factors which contribute in protecting young people from drug abuse

§  Inform about addictive behaviours

Means of reaching participants: computer games; Internet

Future expansion and development:

• Expand the computer game to include more information, characters and situations
• Incorporate RESIST as part of a training programme against drug use in all primary and high schools in the East area of Thessaloniki
• Expand the computer game to other European countries as part of training programmes
• Publish the computer game online so that others can access it

BATTLE OF THE WEST                                                                      THE NETHERLANDS*

Battle of the West targets youth involved in the party scene in the Netherlands in the hope of combating drug misuse. The group brings together young people, both drug users and non-drug users, to help promote a drug-free party scene. Through alcohol- and drug-free events such as a competitive dance tournament, young people are able to enjoy themselves in a substance-free environment. The dance competition promotes a healthy lifestyle for young people and sends the message that nightlife can be just as enjoyable without drugs and alcohol. The competition is organised by young people and for young people as part of the campaign to reduce binge drinking and drug use among young people in the Netherlands.

Keywords: music; dance competition; drug free nightlife; popular culture; healthy lifestyle

Youth involvement and participation:

1. Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

• 20 youth volunteers
• 30 volunteers during the event which consisted of former drug addicts and young people to help sell tickets, food and drinks, help with sound & lights, first aid, etc.

The youth volunteers directly helped in organising the dance event. Following the dance party, they organised a photo/video presentation showing the dance party’s success. Since holding its first dance party and dance battle, the group has organised a number of other dance battles, attracting new youth as well as returners.

2. Youth participation and beneficiaries of the programme or project

• 250 youth participants in the dance party

The project centres on a healthy nightlife but includes all the popular elements of the party scene in the Netherlands making the project’s events popular among young people.

3. Adult participation as staff and administrators

• Number of adult volunteers is not noted

No information on the specific responsibilities and involvement of adult volunteers is noted.

Type of drug prevention: Universal and Indicated

The project’s connection to youth culture through music, art and dance is important for reaching its goal of preventing drug use and promoting a drug free nightlife in the Netherlands. Utilising a creative mean to reach the youth, Battle of the West has been successful in reaching at-risk youth and encouraging them to party and have fun without the temptation to use drugs.

Level of success:

The programme relied on written evaluations of the event from participants as well as volunteers to plan how to improve the event in the future. The organisation reports that they received good feedback from all dance attendees and have since planned other dance events.

Organisations and Partnerships: Winnersway

Goals and Objectives:

§  Social inclusion of young ‘party animals’ and former drug addicts

§  Promote a drug free party scene

§  Make youth aware of partying without the influence of drugs or alcohol

Means of reaching beneficiaries: dance party event; Web site;

Future expansion and development:

• Offer preventive lessons at public schools by combining dance workshops and discussing prevention material
• Organise a larger dance party/battle for 1,000 participants
• Make a professional DVD with footage of dance battles and interviews with young former drug addicts

DRUGS-FREE FUTURE                                                                    RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Drugs-Free Future is a project in the Chelyabinsk region of Russia that organises a number of lessons, talks, seminars, games, contests and projects aimed at teaching young people aged 14 to 21 about the harm drugs can cause. The programme relies primarily on brochures that the group has created that inform youth about the physical and mental harm that drugs can cause. The programme also offers medical resources and online consultation with doctors to youth suffering from drug addiction who do not have access to these services otherwise.

Keywords: peer-to-peer support, drug prevention, drug facts, inform and educate, hands-on programming, access to medical care, lectures, seminars, games

Youth involvement and participation:

1. Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

• 30 young volunteers aged 14 to 21

Young people work as volunteers in the programme. They plan and organise events and seminars, implement projects and evaluate results. In the planning process, the youth staff does research on the Internet to find information and videos that could be included in the seminars and lessons. They directly participate in the planning of the project and influence the decisions of the adults. The youth are also directly involved in the delivery of activities as they are responsible for inviting speakers and specialists to the seminars as well as make display boards and posters.

2. Youth participation and beneficiaries of the programme or project

• 300 participants aged 14 to 21

The project’s main aim is to inform young people of the dangers and consequences associated with drug use. The youth are educated through a series of talks and seminars including a variety of informative and educational games, contests and exercises. The project also includes events for young people who suffer from drug addiction and have plans to involve these youth in future project planning.

3. Adult participation as staff and administrators

• 75 paid staff
• 25 adult volunteers

The adult volunteers and paid staff work closely with the youth volunteers to plan and organise the project. Adults head the project.

Type of drug prevention: Selective

The project is open to all, regardless of nationality, religion etc. Special programmes exist for hard-to-reach youngsters. Hard-to-reach youngsters are also involved in the planning and organisation of the project. The organisers are planning to increase the involvement of disabled children (e.g. a series of special sports events). Some young people do not have access to medical care/specialists, for various reasons (money, fear, etc.). With this project, they will get an opportunity to receive treatment. They can talk to doctors online, on the phone, on screen with microphones.

Level of success:

Many governmental, non governmental, private and educational organisations are engaged in the development of the project. There exists significant cooperation between various organisations and youth unions, as well as with individuals. Locally, the project has an excellent reputation.

Organisations and Partnerships: Russian Scout Organisation (RSO)

Goals and Objectives:

• Promote healthy lifestyles among youth
• Inform youth about consequences of drug use

Means of reaching beneficiaries: Brochures; newspaper articles; seminars; video; online consultations

Future expansion and development:

• Cooperation between and among other youth organisations and youth unions to reduce drug abuse and promote healthy living
• Involve people who suffer from drug addiction in the management of the project and event planning
• Include disabled children in the programme and make a series of events especially for them

BOULE DE NEIGE (SNOWBALL)                                                                              FRANCE

Boule de Neige offers support and mentoring to young drug users. A steering committee made up of education authorities, the juvenile judicial protection services, the prison integration and probation services, a youth club, the local employment agency and the Association Drogues et Société oversee the project and involvement of the youth. Working with a group of 20 young people aged 14 to 16, the group worked to produce a 20-minute film about a young man who witnesses a drug deal. The youth were involved in scriptwriting, acting, shooting, editing and musical illustration. Putting together the final product required the students to conduct interviews, research and plan how information would be relayed in the video.

Keywords: drug-abuse support, hands-on programming, creative methods, film making, inter institutional cooperation

Youth involvement and participation:

1. Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

• 20 youth volunteers aged 14-16 in a 2^nd-year “SEGPA” (adapted general and vocation education) class, regarded as a vulnerable group with at-risk behaviour

These 20 at-risk young people participate as members of a steering committee. These young people assisted in the production of a short 20-minute film entitled “Arlo, l’Enfant de l’Eau” in scriptwriting, acting, shooting, editing and musical illustration. The project is managed from start to finish by young people. Aside from the creation of the video, the youth volunteers conducted preliminary research and interviews with a probation officer, director of an emergency shelter, local employment agency advisor, principal educational advisor, street educator and a local elected representative. In addition, the youth volunteers also created a “making of” slideshow and an opinion survey on the film’s success as a drug prevention tool.

2. Youth participation and beneficiaries of the programme or project

• Several schools participate in the project by showing the video during drug prevention sessions
• 20 youth volunteers as beneficiaries

The 20 youth volunteers who assisted in the creation of the video also benefited from the project, gaining information about drugs and addictive behaviours while conducting research for the video project. The organisation attests that through this process, the youth gained confidence, enabling them to address drug problems and become players in prevention in their own schools and neighbourhoods. No information is given on how the video was presented in the participating schools or what other programming or presentations were included.

3. Adult participation as staff and administrators

• No information given

Type of drug prevention: Universal and Indicated

This project targets at-risk individuals by involving them in the production of a short film about drug use.

Level of success:

The final product, a 20-minute video, has been successful as a prevention tool at prevention sessions held at a number of elementary schools in the area. With access to this information about drugs, the programme believes its video has been successful in reaching out to young people, boosting their confidence and subsequently giving them the tools necessary to address drug problems they may encounter both at school and outside. At the same time, those who take part in the video production have experienced a progression as they readjust to working in a social setting with fellow peers.

Organisations and Partnerships: Association Drogues et Société

Goals and Objectives:

• Prevent the exclusion of young substance abusers
• Raise awareness of drug use risks
• Encourage involvement of professionals working with young people in addressing addiction issues

Means of reaching beneficiaries: video; website

Future expansion and development

• Show the video in more schools around the country
• Create another video (in 2007 an older group of young people aged 17 to 25 created a second video. A third video aimed at young people and professionals was planned in 2008)

STOP BEFORE YOU START                             "THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC

                                                                                               OF MACEDONIA" AND NORWAY

Stop before you Start produced a short documentary movie called “Warning from some who have survived” that presents the stories of drug addicts, individuals who have lost their children or friends to drugs or those who have contracted HIV from drug use. The movie, in addition to a short discussion about the different kinds of drugs and the harm they can do and a question and answer session, has been presented in more than 160 high schools and youth centres in "The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia". The goal of the presentation Stop before you Start is to explain to young people that it is better never to start experimenting with drugs rather than begin and then look for help afterwards.

Keywords: rehabilitation programmes, documentary films, popular media, testimonials, in-school drug education, awareness raising

Youth involvement and participation:

1. Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

• Number not indicated

The youth were involved in the first step of the brainstorming process, coming up with ideas and suggestions for the Executive Board. Young people also served as representatives in the process of creation and implementation of the project.

2. Youth participation and beneficiaries of the programme or project

• 165 participating high schools and youth centres in the "The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia"
• 23,3000 high school student participants
• 800,000 students have been exposed to the project’s programme for drug and HIV prevention

Stop before you Start has reached a large number of participants through a short documentary movie called “Warning from some who have survived.” Participants are invited to ask questions at the end of the presentation. The project has also reached a number of youth and other beneficiaries through its website.

3. Adult participation as staff and administrators

• 12 volunteers at the Marita foundation
• Voluntary office of Children’s parliament

Adult volunteers and staff head the Executive Board of the Foundation and direct the planning of projects and programmes.

Type of drug prevention: Selective

Level of success:

Quantitative evidence supporting the programme’s success or influence is not noted. However, the project has been successful in reaching a large number of students across "The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia". Furthermore, the website created by the programme has been visited by 22,571 visitors in just 3 months. The programme’s founding organisation “Marita” is well respected in Norway and is supported by the Norwegian Government as well as a number of other organisations.

Organisations and Partnerships: Marita, Marita MK, Children’s Parliament of "The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia"- Veles, Youth and Sport Agency of Macedonia

Goals and Objectives:

• Share the message from ex drug-addicts and those who have been affected by drugs to educate the youth about not trying drugs
• Discourage young people from experimenting with drugs
• Encourage drug addicts to go for rehabilitation
• Provide counselling for young people who already use drugs or are in at-risk groups

Means of reaching beneficiaries: newspaper articles; brochures; website

Future expansion and development:

• Create National Anti Drug Strategy in  "The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia"
• Create Local Strategy and Local Action Plan for cooperation with NGOs in  "The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia"
• Create  a rehab centre, organisation of a humanitarian concert, produce educational documentaries similar to “Warning from some who have survived”

SEX/DRUGS                                                                                                                SLOVAKIA

Sex/Drugs seeks to provide honest, non-judgmental information and resources to young people about drugs and sex and the risks and dangers that drug use and sexual behaviour pose with the goal of preventing drug use and reducing harms directly associated with drug use. At three open air festivals in Slovakia, Sex/Drugs has set up an information tent to provide group and individual counselling as well as informational brochures and materials on the risk of drug use. The programme has developed 7 leaflets that explain the affects of a number of different drugs as well as describe the impact that different combinations of drugs can have on the body. They also provided a needle exchange programme on site at the festivals and offered referrals to services regarding drug use or unsafe sexual behaviour to participants.

Keywords: peer-to-peer support, mentoring, educational resources, popular media, inform and educate

Youth involvement and participation:

1. Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

• Number not indicated

The entire team of volunteers is made up of young people who have developed and created the brochures and leaflets and who work at the festivals. They are the ones who speak with the youth who come visit the tent. Everything is done in consultation with and designed by young people. However, the specific responsibilities or role of young people as volunteers or decision-makers in the project is not explicitly mentioned. 

2. Youth participation and beneficiaries of the programme or project

• 3 festivals in Slovakia, where the programme has set up a tent and offered information and services
• 4,397 visitors/participants at the festivals
• 7,601 pieces of distributed materials on drugs in 2006
• Approximately 500 participants have received in-depth counselling about drugs

Sex/Drugs has reached a large number of youth through its information tents at several open-air festivals, providing honest and accurate information to youth attendees in the hope of discouraging drug use.

3. Adult participation as staff and administrators

§   Number of adult volunteers is not noted

No information on the specific responsibilities and involvement of adult volunteers is noted.

Type of drug prevention: Universal

Level of success:

Sex/Drugs cites the high number of people who have visited their tents at the festivals as evidence of their success. They have distributed a large number of brochures and have received positive feedback from festival attendants. 

Organisations and Partnerships: OZ Odyseus

Goals and Objectives:

• Provide honest, unbiased information on the risks of drug use and dangerous sexual behaviour
• Prevent risks and reduce harms related to drug use and sexual behaviour among young people

Means of reaching beneficiaries: Leaflets; information tent; Web page

Future expansion and development:

• Standardise a Sex/Drugs programme across Europe in all Member States
• Design and print new leaflets

THE ART OF PEER-TO-PEER PARTICIPATION                                               BULGARIA

The Art of peer-to-peer pARTicipation educates deaf and hearing impaired young people about the dangers of drug abuse. The project has five main programmes. A group of 4 young people take part in the planning and implementation of the project, which consists of educational materials, workshops and lectures about drug use for deaf and hearing impaired individuals aged 13 to 25. The programme also provides information and resources to the deaf and hearing impaired community on where they can find support for drug addiction. Using a method of peer education to reach those at risk, the programme relies on the Internet to educate youth on the dangers of drug abuse and addiction. Parents of the participating deaf people attend 2-hour long classes twice a week over a three-month period. Twice a month, parents and their children go to classes together.

Keywords: peer-to-peer education; marginalised and at-risk groups; parental education, lectures, psychological support

Youth involvement and participation

1. Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

• 4 youth volunteer coordinators

The 4 youth volunteer coordinators took the lead in forming the steering committee to develop the education programme as well as created the drugs education materials and lectures

2. Youth participation and beneficiaries of the programme or project

• 40 deaf or hearing impaired young people
• 30 parents of deaf or hearing impaired youth people

The deaf and hearing impaired young people as well as their parents are both provided with educational information and seminars and lectures on drug use.

3. Adult participation as staff and administrators

• Number not indicated

Adult staff includes the people working at the Foundation Centre for Professional development and Educational Innovations (practioners, lecturers at Sofia University, teachers). No information on the specific responsibilities and involvement of adult volunteers is noted.

Type of drug prevention: Indicated

Some people in the deaf community often feel excluded and isolated from society and thus resort to drugs. This programme seeks to reach these individuals and provide an option to them by offering drug education which otherwise would not exist.

Level of success: No indications

Organisations and Partnerships: Foundation Centre for Professional Development and Educational Innovations

Goals and Objectives:

• Provide information on drug use to deaf/hearing impaired individuals who otherwise have no way of obtaining information and resources
• Increase youth’s knowledge and understanding of the risks and impact of drugs
• Develop youth’s personal and social skills to make informed decisions and keep themselves safe and healthy

Means of reaching beneficiaries: brochures; lectures

Future expansion and development:

• Development of a website to serve as a resource with information on drugs and community forum

YOU MUST KNOW IF YOU ARE GOING OUT!                                                            SPAIN

You must know if you are going out! operates at the state level in 10 different communities in Spain and provides educational and awareness raising programmes in the schools for young people aged 14 to 18. The group organised various activities to inform and educate young people about the dangers of drug use, promote healthy lifestyles and develop social skills. The programme’s 137 youth centres operate on Saturdays. The project has created a raising awareness campaign on recreational drug use among youth. It attempts to offer alternative activities to prevent teens from taking recreational drugs.

Keywords: educational programme, in-school drug education, network of schools/associations, skills training

Youth involvement and participation:

1. Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

• 100 young mediators

The young people are directly involved in the planning and management of the activities and events offered in the schools and youth centres. They coordinate information campaigns and decide on the games offered at the youth centres. The youth are trained as mediators in drug prevention and are responsible for developing and leading activities at the centres.

2. Youth participation and beneficiaries of the programme or project

• 150 schools and youth organisations

Young people in schools and youth centres all across Spain participate in the activities offered by the Confederación to discourage recreational drug use among young people.

3. Adult participation as staff and administrators

• 6 workers of the Confederación
• 3500 total volunteers
• 140 professionals

The adult volunteers and professionals support the young volunteers. Young volunteers have a final say in all decisions regarding the programme and activities.

Type of drug prevention: Selective

Level of success:

The programme’s success is substantiated by its presence in 137 Youth Centres across the country. The group believes that they have succeeded in changing the drug consumption among its youth participants.

Organisations and Partnerships: Confederación de Centros Juveniles don Bosco de España

Goals and Objectives:

• Inform youth about the risks and consequences of drug use and raise awareness about dangers related to drug use
• Provide access to information about risks and consequences of drug use to the youth

Means of beneficiaries: in-school programming; interactive games; website; articles; magazines

Future expansion and development:

• Expanding the network of youth centres across Spain
• Create an interactive game that can be used in the project’s preventive campaign

EUROPEAN DRUG PREVENTION PRIZE 2006

421 PEER DRUGS EDUCATION PROGRAMME                                                   IRELAND

The Peer Drugs Education Programme trains a group of 15 year old students to be peer drug educators. These youth develop their teaching skills and gain information about drugs and drug related available services in eight weekly training sessions. Then, the students (known as Leaders) develop their own six-week peer education programme, which they deliver to a group of 13 year old students. The programme continues with a new set of students each year. The aim is to create an effective peer education drug programme. The eight week training sessions, which train the 4^th year students, discuss substance abuse, drug facts, signs and symptoms, peer education skills and how to plan a programme. They receive training in presenting, public speaking and session design. Upon completing the training programme, the students are required to make a presentation on their training experience.

Keywords: peer-to-peer mentoring, in-school drug education, peer pressure, youth culture, skills training

Youth involvement and user participation:

1. Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

• Varies by school. Previously completed by 12 boys in Kilkenny city and 36 girls at another school

Upon completing an 8-week training programme that prepares the students to be peer drug educators, the 4^th year students plan and deliver their own six week peer drugs education programme to 1^st year students. The 4^th year students are the main managers and planners in designing the sessions.

2. Youth participation and beneficiaries of the programme or project

• Varies by school. Previously completed by 120 students in one school and 360 students in another school.

1^st year students take part in a 6-week long drugs education programme led by the 4^th year students. Upon completing their drugs education programme, these students go on to receive training in their 4^th year to deliver a new peer drugs education training to the new 1^st year students.

3. Adult participation as staff and administrators

• 2 drug workers from the local youth service and the Substance Misuse Team of the Healthy Service Executive
• Unknown number of teachers and staff members in each participating school

The adult volunteers serve two roles in this project. First, the two drug workers design and lead the training programme of the 4^th year students. This was first done over an 8-week period but has since been changed to an intensive three day training programme. Adult staff members and volunteers also serve as a resource during the school year when the 4^th year students plan their own peer drugs education programme for the new 1^st year students. Their role is to assist 4^th year students (e.g. providing classrooms to use and getting equipment for their weekly sessions).

Type of drug prevention and level of success: Selective

Level of success:

According to the organisation, the evaluations of the programme showed it to be a success in the first year. The second year, the programme continued in two more schools. The programme has expanded to other schools throughout the County since its establishment. The expansion of the project since its first year is evidence of its success.

Organisations and Partnerships: Ossory Youth and Health Service Executive S.E. Region

Goals and Objectives:

• Train young people to be able to give drugs education to peers and younger students
• Introduce peer education into schools as an effective education programme against drug use

Means of reaching participants: educational programming

Future expansion and development: Expand the programme to more schools in the county

RUSFRI DIIL                                                                                                                  NORWAY

Rusfri Diil is a nation-wide project that aims at postponing alcohol and drug use. To do so, it reinforces the negative attitudes towards these substances by providing social, emotional and cognitive support. The project is directed at young people between 13 and 18 years of age who are also involved in the organisational and implementation aspects of the project. The project’s main component is the promise that young people make to the organisation and to each other: they promise to abstain from using drugs and alcohol. The project also uses School Diaries, which are very popular in Norway, to promote self confidence in young people. Aspects of youth culture are used to promote drug prevention and abstinence from drug use and to help maintain an interest in the programme. The project also makes use of other media outlets such as magazines, SMS messaging, websites and radio broadcasts to educate young people. The primary channel for information distribution is peer-to-peer communication which is used in all parts of the project.

Keywords: social and emotional support, self confidence, popular media, youth culture, peer-to-peer communication and mentoring programmes, making a promise,

Number of participants:

1. Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

• 12,000 members

Young people are involved in all aspects of the project including the publication of the magazine, upkeep of the website, radio broadcasts, organisation of local events and presentations. They actively participate in the decision making process concerning the strategy, structures and systems of the project. All activities and processes are youth-driven and managed by youth. Some young people also serve on the administrative board of Juvente, the NGO behind Rusfri Diil.

2. Youth participation and beneficiaries of the programme or project

• 12,000 members

Participants aged 13 to 18 promise not to use drugs or alcohol for a year. The deal is renewed each year until the individual turns 18. Youth participants receive school diaries to track their progression and participate in activities in class.

3. Adult participation as staff and administrators

• Number not indicated

Adult staff members serve as managers overseeing the implementation of all aspects of the programme. Adult volunteers and permanent staff members also oversee the organisation and implementation of local activities when they are coordinated by smaller local groups.

Type of prevention and level of success: Universal

Rusfri Diil is a prevention programme and as such cannot do much for people who are already users. However, the project’s approach has made it easy for hard to reach group to participate (e.g. youngsters with ethnic/minority backgrounds)

Level of success:

The diary produced for the project is now the second largest school diary on the market in Norway. The project also includes a successful cartoon series, has weekly video features through its partnership with one of Norway’s major radio stations, publishes its own youth magazine and produces its own branded products. Additionally, the programme has many local partner organisations.

Organisations and Partnerships: Juvente, Blå Kors Ungdom and MA-Ungdom

Goals and Objectives:

• Postpone the alcohol debut amongst Norwegian youth (increase the average age of the first use of alcohol/drugs)
• Strengthen social norms towards a drug-free lifestyle
• Positively confirm young people’s choice not to use drugs or alcohol
• Create loyalty towards a drug and alcohol free identity
• Give youth knowledge about alcohol and drugs and their effects

Means of reaching participants:magazine (Magazin Big Diil); website (www.diil.no); SMS and MMS; radio

Future expansion and development:

• Update leaflets and brochures
• Develop other innovative ways to reach young people via the internet and technology
• Expand programme to other European countries

MODERN PREVENTION TECHNIQUES FOR ADOLESCENTS                        GREECE

Modern Prevention Technique for Adolescents is a project that aims at promoting drug prevention and the prevention of the transmission of HIV by having young people volunteer at the “Centre of Life” organisation to support HIV positive people. The young people, mostly university students, run the drop-in centre, give presentations to the public on HIV issues and publish a periodical explaining the work of the Centre. The project is unique as it has blended drug prevention with education and prevention of sexually transmittable diseases. The Centre of Life also developed a training programme which provides information on issues related to drugs to the youth participants to better prepare them to work with patients at the Centre. During the group meetings, a number of small group activities are organised. The participants also develop stories, artwork and other activities to be shared and used at local schools.

Keywords: peer-to-peer mentoring, educational outreach, HIV prevention, drug education training programmes, games, art, discussion groups

Youth involvement and participation: 16 participants, 3 supervisors

1. Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

• 16 youth volunteers

The youth volunteers are responsible for various tasks and responsibilities at the Centre of Life. In addition, they have participated in the Modern Prevention Techniques for Adolescents training programme in which the youth volunteers meet in two discussion groups once a week for 3 hours, allowing participants to discuss issues related to drugs, gain valid information on drugs and other health issues, develop personal and social skills and discuss personal issues and problems.

2. Youth participation and beneficiaries of the programme or project

• 16 youth volunteers are also beneficiaries of the programme

By working as volunteers at the Centre of Life and by participating in the Modern Prevention Techniques for Adolescents forum, the youth develop their own strategies for combating drugs through the social skills and confidence they have developed.

3. Adult participation as staff and administrators

• Number not indicated

The permanent staff members at the Centre of Life were responsible for the development and implementation of the Modern Prevention Techniques for Adolescents training programme for the youth volunteers.

Type of drug prevention: Selective and Indicated

Level of success:

Youth participants in the Modern Prevention Techniques for Adolescents programme have given positive feedback, stating that the programme educated them and enabled them to develop their interpersonal skills and confidence in dealing with HIV patients at the Centre of Life. In relation to prevention, the organisation believes that the programme encourages participants to abstain from using drugs themselves and to choose healthy behaviours. Due to the positive feedback and success of the 2004 group of volunteers, the project has continued and expanded in recent years.

Organisations and Partnerships: Prevention Centre of Addiction and Health Education “Athina Pronaia”

Goals and Objectives:

• Promote drug prevention as it relates to HIV/AIDS
• Support HIV positive people
• Improve the communicative and social skills of drug users

Means of reaching participants: Drop-in centre; educational programming

Future expansion and development: Expansion of programmes

FINDUS—A PEER CONSULTING PROJECT                                                     GERMANY

Findus girls is a group of 15 girls aged 15 to 20 who learn communication and mentoring skills from professionals during a weekend retreat and throughout the year. They work in the schools and provide weekly counselling and consultations to other teenagers to help them develop their self-esteem and confidence. By organising a series of events, lectures and group presentations, the Findus girls group seeks to empower their peers and give them the tools they need to stand up to bullies in school.

Keywords: peer-to-peer mentoring, educational outreach, in-school education, self-esteem, peer support, skills training,

Youth involvement and participation:

1. Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

• 15 girls aged 15 to 20

After completing their training, the 15 Findus girls serve as mentors holding one consultation hour a week for other students in the school

2. Youth participation and beneficiaries of the programme or project

• Number not indicated

Other youth at the school are able to come to the Findus girls for advice and counselling regarding bullying, self-esteem and drugs.

3. Adult participation as staff and administrators

• 1 supervising teacher

The teacher oversees the consultation work of the girls and serves as a supervisor and resource if the girls need advice or help in dealing with any specific issues or problems with fellow students.

Type of drug prevention: Universal

Level of success:

The project has been highly successful as a resource for students in the school who have issues with bullying or peer pressure, though the direct link to drug prevention is not as clear. However, the group does plan to expand to include more topics in the future specifically related to drugs.

Organisations and Partnerships: Jugend-und Drogenberatung Prisma (youth and drug helpline) and Liebfrauenschule Bensheim (grammar school for girls)

Goals and Objectives:

• Help develop the self-esteem and life-skills of teenagers
• Empower youth so that they can say no to drugs

Means of reaching participants: Workshops; lectures;

Future expansion and development:

• Include more girls as peer mentors
• Extend consultation beyond just one hour a week

CANNABIS INTELLIGENCE AMSTERDAM (CIA)                           THE NETHERLANDS

CIA is a peer drug education programme that aims at improving cannabis related knowledge, communication and listening skills. The group targets youngsters aged 12 to 20 who are recreational, regular or excessive cannabis users. CIA attended various schools, youth education centres, youth detention centres, special education centres for drop outs and outdoor concerts and festivals to offer information and facts on drug use. Youth participants were selected to take part in an intensive training to become peer educators. They learned about cannabis and other drugs as well as developed their communication and listening skills. They then developed their own multifaceted education programme targeting youngsters aged 12 to 20 who are users of cannabis. 

Keywords: peer-to-peer mentoring, peer support, cannabis education, skills training

Youth involvement and participation:

1. Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

• 12 peer educators (overall average age of 20)

After completing their training, the group of peer educators developed a drugs education campaign. The preparation of this campaign included the review of existing information booklets/folders, the development of risk reduction information materials, the creation of an information flyer, a ‘Cannabis paper,’ a website and a ‘Cannabis show.’ Youngsters advertised in a number of secondary schools, youth centres, special education centres for drop outs, youth detention centres and outdoor festivals as a way to educate youth about the dangers and effects of cannabis use.

2. Youth participation and beneficiaries of the programme or project

• 1430 youth reached in 2004
• 1179 youth reached in 2005

Youth are reached both at school and through youth organisations where the peer educators give presentations to the youth and involve them in group work and face-to-face conversations. The CIA website also helps to reach more youngsters.

3. Adult participation as staff and administrators

• 1 manager, 1 coordinator, 2 coaches
• 16 trained adult volunteers

CIA is run by a manager who works 4 hours a week, a coordinator working 24 hours a week and two coaches each working 8 hours a week. Each of the 16 trained volunteers is assigned to the project for one year. They meet monthly with the peer educators to discuss the progress of the project.

Type of drug prevention and level of success: Selective

Level of success:

Results of an evaluation of the CIA project:

1. Increased knowledge and efficacy of the peer educators

2. The target group itself and the professional contacts within the network are very satisfied with the peer educators and their interventions

3. Increased self esteem of the peer educators and the target group

4. The norm of a more responsible use of cannabis is accepted by the target group

5. A shift to more openness on the taboo subject of drug use among the target group

The large number of youth reached through the presentations and information distributed by the peer mentors, as well as the positive feedback received regarding the programme, serve as evidence of CIA’ssuccess as a drug prevention campaign.

Organisations and Partnerships: Jellinek

Goals and Objectives:

• Increase the feeling of responsibility, the capacity for decision making and the empowerment of volunteers and target group
• Improve the accessibility of information about drugs
• Improve knowledge about the risks of drug use
• Stimulate a safer use of cannabis
• Support the development of skills useful for risk and harm reduction
• Evaluate and improve the intervention

Means of reaching participants:Events, website (www.cia-info.nl); flyers;

Future expansion and development:

• Recruit new members to expand the programme throughout the Netherlands
• Reach at least 1750 young people with drug information, advice and provision of written material
• Attend at least 10 urban parties/festivals
• Execute at least 50x the drug education for the groups in youth work, secondary schools, youth care, special education drop outs and youth detention

UNITY                                                                                                        THE NETHERLANDS

Unity was started in 1996 as a response to the large number of young people using drugs at parties, raves and clubs. Working with the clubbers, Jellinek developed a relevant and credible drug information intervention project to reach the target group of teens who attend these types of events and are using drugs. A peer-led intervention project was started and established in three cities in the Netherlands. The youth volunteers participated in face-to-face conversations with party attendees, providing advice on alcohol and drugs and offering informational brochures.

Keywords: peer support; peer-to-peer education; party drugs, inform and educate, awareness raising

Number of participants:

1. Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

• 55 peer educators (average as is 25)

The peer educators came up with the name of the project, invented a series of slogans for the campaign, designed the logo, discussed how to target their peers, developed the content of the risk reduction message and created their own flyers and website.

2. Youth participation and beneficiaries of the programme or project

• 4507 youngsters and young adults aged 16 to 35

These 4500 participants are recreational, regular or excessive users of alcohol and party drugs.

3. Adult participation as staff and administrators

• 55 trained volunteers
• 1 manager, 1 coordinator, 6 coaches

Unity is run by a manager who works 16 hours a week, a coordinator who works 20 hours a week and 6 coaches who each work 4 hours a week. Each of the 55 trained volunteers is assigned to the project for one year. They all meet monthly with the peer educators to discuss the progress of the project. There are also 4 task forces, including Public Relations, Politicians & Policy makers, Science and Internet.

Type of prevention: Universal

Level of success:

Unity has expanded its presence to nearly 40 festivals and dance events each year. The project has been featured in a 2003 “Do-It-Yourself-Guide” and a 2005 Manual which highlights best prevention practices throughout the Netherlands. In 2007 it became part of the national campaign of the Trimbos on alcohol and other drugs. Unity reports that their website has had 20000 visitors, which is evidence of the programme’s influence on party attendees. Also, a survey distributed to participants found that 90% of all clients believed the information and advice of Unity to be very credible. 85% thought the information provided to them was very relevant. There is no data to explain whether or not party attendants’ drug behaviour was changed because of Unity’s efforts.

Organisations and Partnerships: Jellinek

Goals and Objectives:

• Increase the feeling of responsibility, the capacity for decision making and the empowerment of volunteers and target group
• To improve the accessibility of information on alcohol and other party drugs
• To improve the knowledge about the risks of combined drug use
• To encourage a safer use of alcohol and drugs
• To support the development of skills useful for risk and harm reduction
• To improve early detection
• To refer youngsters to minimal interventions whenever necessary

Means of reaching participants:Website (www.untydrugs.nl); brochures/flyers

Future expansion and development:

• Provide 2x comprehensive drug information and skills-based training to peers
• Execute at least 40x drug education at dance events
• Reach at least 9000 partygoers with drug information, advice and provision of written materials

EUROPEAN DRUG PREVENTION PRIZE 2004

**Note: No ranking system or feedback from the 2004 judges is available, which is why only the three Prize Winners for 2004, not other shortlisted entries, are included in this summary.

BE AWARE                                                                                                                  SLOVENIA

This project is a youth organisation which provides various group activities centred on drug education and prevention to youngsters as an alternative drug free way of having fun. The activities are targeted at young people aged 14-24. The main activities of the group include the Dance Smart Action, the Fanzine Xpress, and the website and communication board. These activities incorporate popular youth culture elements, including the themes of music, fashion, relationships, along with issues like drugs, gay matters and safe sex practices. Young people are part of the evaluation and developmental process and are fully involved in the preparation and implementation of all activities. All aspects of the group incorporate young people who are or were previously involved in the nightlife and drug scene. This peer networking and support allows for Be Aware to better target young people who are using drugs as part of their daily life or party scene. Through education and social activities, the group encourages young people to be aware and make responsible decisions about their bodies and their lives.

Keywords: youth culture; nightlife; safer sex; peer networking, peer-to-peer, inform and educate, activities, games, dance

Number of participants:

1. Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

• 50

The youth volunteers were core members in the development of the strategy of the project and the director implementers of the project. They were directly involved in the management of the project and led the evaluation afterward. They developed the website and fanzine as well as wrote articles.

2. Youth participation and beneficiaries of the programme or project

• 3000

This number is based on the estimated number of young people that Be Aware reaches through its various programmes and activities.

3. Adult participation as staff and administrators

• Number not indicated

No information on the activities and responsibilities of the adult volunteers is given.

Type of prevention: Universal

Level of success:

The programme has established itself in Slovenia as a reliable and effective programme. Indeed, it has existed for 5 years. The programme’s website, which offers information about different drugs, has an average of 1500 visits per day. The communication board and online forum also has 400 active users participating in debates and 1500 registered users.

Organisations and Partnerships: --

Goals and Objectives:

• Offer the young people alternatives to drugs and creative ways of spending their leisure time
• Diminish the number of young people who use drugs by encouraging active participation in various fields of interest

Means of reaching participants:magazine (Fanzine Xpress); dance event; website (www.drogart.org)

Future expansion and development:

• Update and expand website
• Attend more dances and rave events to distribute information

VOILÀ                                                                                                                   SWITZERLAND

Voilà is a nation-wide project coordinating summer and autumn camps designed for and planned by young people. Young people are involved throughout the process; they act as camp leaders as well as campers. The camps address health promotion and drug prevention by focusing on four main pillars: sensitisation, life skills, social skills and body awareness skills. The camps provide a good place for young people to learn skills of conflict resolution, tolerance and team building, while at the same time helping young people to form their own identity in a positive environment through confidence building, personal desire recognition and improved communication skills. These themes, as well as health promotion and drug prevention measures, are taught through child friendly modules, camp activities and games and provide young people with the right skills to handle drug-related issues.

Keywords: health promotion; drug prevention; team building; life skills; identity; confidence building, summer/autumn camps, peer-to-peer, awareness raising, social skills, skills training

Number of participants:

1. Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

• 7 members of national steering group
• 150 cantonal collaborators
• Camp leaders

Youth volunteers are involved at every level of the programme, including strategy, content, education and management. The seven members of the national steering group are all aged between 22 and 32 and coordinate the activities of the cantonal programmes, quality assurance, education of the cantonal collaborators, networking, fundraising and public relations. The 150 cantonal collaborators are ages 18 to 26 and deal mostly with the education of the camp leaders and tutors. They are involved in the brainstorming and planning of the camp activities. The camp leaders are responsible for carrying out the specific modules or activities at the camps through games, role play, group projects, etc.

2. Youth participation and beneficiaries of the programme or project

• 20,000 children and teenagers participating annually

Children and teens take part in a number of activities at one of the 16 programmes operating in 20 cantons in Switzerland. The activities aim at making children aware of their own unhealthy behaviours as well as show them alternative lifestyles. By taking part in different games and hands-on activities, participants learn and discuss how to make healthy choices and avoid drugs.

3. Adult participation as staff and administrators

• 7 members of national steering group
• 150 cantonal collaborators

As the ages of the members of the national steering group and cantonal collaborators varies from 18 to 32. Many adults are actively involved in these groups alongside young people.

Type of prevention and level of success: Universal

Level of success:

Voilà has been in existence for more than 15 years and has established itself as an effective and reliable drug prevention programme for youth. Voilà also has a strong evaluation system in place to track the progress and impact of the programme on the youth participants, with feedback from the leaders as well as participants

Organisations and Partnerships: --

Goals and Objectives:

• Promote healthy lifestyles and abstinence from drugs
• Develop life skills, capacity for living together, social skills and body awareness among young people

Means of reaching participants:summer camps; hands-on activities

Future expansion and development:

• Open camps in more cantons throughout Switzerland

YOUNG LEADERS IN THE COMMUNITY                                             UNITED KINGDOM

This project contributed to community development through outreach programmes and positive engagement of young people. The group promotes drug prevention through social activities and education targeted at young people aged between 11 and 19 years. Individual, group and family support is offered through mentoring, therapy, anger management, stress management, self-esteem work and peer networks. The programme allows young people to get in touch with other young people in similar personal, family or social situations. The skills gained help young people to make positive life choices and encourage a better quality of life for young people through active youth participation, youth empowerment, community development, and education and employment opportunities.

Keywords: individual and family support; mentoring; peer networks; stress management; youth participation and empowerment; education and employment opportunities, therapy, self esteem, social skills, skills training,

Number of participants:

1. Youth involvement as managers, planners and facilitators

• 30

Young people are involved in 5 different local drugs education projects. 10 young people are members of the “Manor Young People’s Health Project” starring group and the “Steel Inn Young People’s Resource project.” Their role is to identify key issues to be addressed in programmes of social education and appropriate styles of delivery. The young people involved in the local drugs education projects create drug education materials for 11 to 19 year olds, produce postcards, posters and mouse mats, serve as peer mentors to work with “at risk” children. Two other programmes are designed to serve families who have relatives involved in drug misuse. The youth volunteers offer support and create pamphlets addressing self esteem, understanding drug usage, anger management and alternative therapies and stress management. All youth volunteers attend monthly community forums to discuss progress and resourcing requirements.

2. Youth participation and beneficiaries of the programme or project

• Number not indicated

Participants benefit from the mentoring and support provided by the youth volunteers and the educational materials distributed by the programme.

3. Adult participation as staff and administrators

• Number not indicated

No information on the specific responsibilities and involvement of adult volunteers is noted.

Type of prevention and level of success: Selective

The projects of Young Leaders in the Community target at-risk, alienated or socially excluded young people.

Level of success:

All projects headed by Young Leaders in the Community are evaluated for their positive impact and influence and ability to meet the different learning abilities of participants. Many of the projects and individual youth participants have been honoured and recognised for their achievements.

Organisations and Partnerships: --

Goals and Objectives:

• Actively engage young people in designing and delivering creative programmes of drug prevention which can be used to raise awareness of drug usage as peer drugs education materials
• Develop ‘intergenerational’ work to reduce the fear of drug related crime in the community and to challenge misinformation that all young people are engaged in drugs misuse and related crime

Means of reaching participants:brochures; books; peer mentoring programmes

Future expansion and development:

• Expand programme and projects to other areas beyond Manor/Woodthorpe estates