The Humber Mouth
Hull Literature
Festival 2002

ATTITUDES
CREATING a Drugs Education CD Rom
using music and drama

Project funded by Hull Youth Service and supported by the City Arts Unit, Community Focus, Drugs Action Team and Stepwise.

The artists involved in the project are Northern Theatre and Big Hand Company.

For more information please contact
Ruth Drake,
Youth Arts Co-ordinator,
City Arts Unit,
Central Library,
Albion Street,
Hull, HU1 3TF.

Telephone: 616804.
Email: [email protected]

1) THE PROJECT STARTED WITH . . . .

a tour by Northern Theatre's "Talking to Lisa" to four youth centres during the Humber Mouth Literature Festival, 18th - 21st November. Full houses saw the performances at St Michael's Youth Centre (North Hull), Thornton Community Centre (West Hull/Riverside), Astra Youth Centre (Bransholme) and Greatfield Youth Centre (East Hull).

What was the play about?

"Talking to Lisa" by Barrie Wheatley

"Dad�what are you on about? You don't know anything about it" How many times have parents heard that when they've tried to give advice to their teenagers? And - "I know what's good for you. Do as I say!" How many times have teenagers heard that from a parent?

It's hard talking to each other. The reality of the situation is that neither teenagers nor parents have all the answers. Carl, Lisa's dad, says in the play: "Sex and Drugs?? Nobody told me about that sort of stuff. I found out for myself. Besides they learn all about it at school now, don't they?"

Well, do they? What do teenagers really know about sexual health and drug abuse? Do they know the facts? Or is what they've found out a lot of half truths and myths? It's not knowing for sure that leads to the problems and Lisa's boyfriend seems to know more about the issues than her!

"Talking to Lisa" doesn't try to give the answers. What it does is try to show an ordinary family and the problems that teenagers face as soon as they step outside their front door. As Lisa's dad would say - "Bloody sex and drugs, that's all you hear about these days."

Maybe its time for parents and kids to find out the facts about sexual health and drug abuse and to start talking.

What did the audience think about "Talking to Lisa"?

WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT THE PLAY?

Characters realistic
Actors like people we knew
Reflective
Good to have parents watch the play

WHAT DID YOU NOT LIKE ABOUT THE PLAY?

The way her Dad treat her
No-one likes the clapping
Ending did not put you off taking drugs - too subtle
Some people too immature for this play
Not learnt anything
The younger ones may think it acceptable to drink and smoke - needs following up
Not real life
Didn't tell us anything new
Didn't tell us about other drugs
Too basic
Didn't explain the drugs they were taking

WHAT DO YOU THINK THE CONSEQUENCES WILL BE OF LISA'S ACTIONS?

She will become a complete druggy and have lots of kids
Argue more with Dad and get kicked out
She may take more drugs, get pregnant, end up in hospital or catch an STI
Dad over protective - should have given Jamie a chance
Mum easy going
Could go on a motorbike and crash it under the influence
Social Services might get involved
Might start twagging
Might confide in her Mum
Might realise Jamie is no good and dump him
Might lose her friends
Disappoint parents
Jamie too old
Could stay together
Cancer
Friends think she is a slapper
Parents might split up
At the end could have been left holding the baby
Steal to get money to get drugs / prostitution

ANY THOUGHTS ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LISA AND HER PARENTS? DO YOU THINK THAT HER MUM AND DAD TREATED HER DIFFERENTLY?

She rebels against her Dad
Dad talks about her but not to her
He is sexist
Dad doesn't want her to grow up
Worried about her age compared to Jamie
Dad more protective because she is a girl
Mum more understanding
Lisa doesn't listen to her parents
Dad is drinking too much - setting bad example
Parents should back off
Mum want s to give Jamie a try but Dad doesn't
Dad sets the rules
Different rules for different people
Gives lectures - not helpful
Parents not aware of what might happen to children
Parents didn't see alcohol and smoking as a problem
More the parents try to tell - more the kids will rebel

ANY THOUGHTS ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LISA AND JAMIE?

Looks up to him - he pressurises her
Secretive about his past
He made her smoke
He was too old - and was getting her to do things she shouldn't
Told her not to talk to her mates but he talked to his
Respected her in some ways but not in others
She would not have had sex if she had not taken ecstasy
Lisa is not mature enough
Jamie could get in trouble with the Police
Lisa would have been upset if she didn't take drugs - would have thought that boyfriend would finish with her
Lisa wants Jamie's approval
Boys have more freedom traditionally - and get what they want

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE BARRIERS WHEN TALKING TO PARENTS/ADULTS?

Talk down to you
Parents get embarrassed by subjects
Often old-fashioned in their views
Embarrassing for both - some may be shy
Parents may not understand slang
Parents make judgements
Parents don't always listen
Think if you ask, parents might go mad
More inclined to talk to Mum
Ends in arguments - ageism, sexism, lack of respect either way, racism, judgeism
Image - people assume things from the way you look
Different cultures
Not flexible enough
Saying things for your own good
Judgemental on friends
Jump to conclusions
Don't understand
Lack of quality time
Parents not always informed about the facts

WHO DO YOU THINK SHOULD TELL YOU THE FACTS ABOUT DRUGS?

School
Warren
Drug users
Mum
Teachers
Youth workers
Doctors
Conifer House
Family
More serious cases - the Police
Best friend
Social worker
Family planning
School should tell you more
People who have been affected by drugs (not users)
Someone who you trust
Drug counsellors
Mum and Dad - as they trust us
Good friend
Boyfriend
Teachers are in a different world

WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES GOOD DRUGS EDUCATION?

Interviewing, talking
TV style documentary (e.g. Big Brother)
The play gets you to think about it more - better than a book
Booklets, internet, nurse, libraries, hospitals, videos
TV ads, TV shows (e.g. Jerry Springer)
Acting, plays, posters, websites, leaflets, radio
Show people who have died from it
Viking FM Roadshow
Learn more about long-term effects
Showing that drugs taking is not cool
Think about consequences and effects
Generally know what is in drink but don't know what drug you are getting
Youth Service has a big role
Parents should be talking, not letting you do it - they have main responsibility
Schools don't do enough
Often just get facts, need to hear from real people
Shock tactics
Drugs not always bad - don't always take over your life
Know some people who have died - good deterrent

DO YOU THINK THAT IT IS ACCEPTABLE TO DRINK AND SMOKE?

Smoking should be banned forever
Should be able to drink when 16
People smoke because friends do
Only smoke and drink when old enough because of the effects e.g. lung cancer, liver failure
Hangover
Problems of addiction
Expensive
Only drink on special occasions
People's choice
Risk - exciting
Drinks can be spiked
Alcohol can do a lot of damage as well as drugs
Smoking a good way of getting to know people
Generally know what is in drink but don't know what drugs you are getting
Drinking made Dad aggressive - but legal to do that
Slows you down
Make a fool of yourself

CANNABIS V ALCOHOL
Don't know not to smoke and drive Costs money - lots Stepping stone to other drugs Cause depression Criminal record Cough Lung cancer More likely to smoke cigs Medical reasons	Makes you violent Stepping stone to other drugs Medicine Enhances mood - good/bad Liver cancer Hangover Smelly breath Drink driving More available

WHAT MAKES A GOOD MATE?

Someone who looks out for you
Not encouraging you to smoke, drink or take drugs
Good personality
Be a laugh
Sticks up for you
Keeps secrets
Lends you clothes
Ask mates to ask girls out
Live near each other
Tell your problems
Fun
There when you need them
Reliable
Things in common
Discuss things

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT?

Not to bow down to people
Talk to people as an equal
You should take into consideration what your parents say
Don't get pressurised into things when you think you're in love
Make up your own mind - but ask for advice
Don't take drugs
Don't let your boyfriend force you into sex
Possible effects seeing it for real
Always use a condom
Treat girls with respect
Listen to family
Don't let boyfriend control you
It's your body - your decision
Not acceptable to drink or smoke
Easy to be pressurised
Talking about issues in groups helps
Using drugs can change your life completely
Leads you to do things you wouldn't usually do
No good role models in the media
Not to be pressurised by parents and boyfriend
Cannabis can lead you to harder drugs

2) WHAT'S NEXT?

Song Writing and Drugs Education Workshop
Wednesday 26th - Friday 28th February (Half Term)
10.00 am - 3.00pm, Albemarle Music Centre

CD Rom Design Workshop
Time, Date and Venue to be confirmed

Launch of CD Rom on Drugs Education featuring songs, quizzes and interviews by young people and youth workers - May