Aims

• To teach young people from the age of three (nursery) upwards, both in and out of formal education settings - the skills needed to resist pressure to misuse drugs.
• To inform young people, parents and those who work with them about the risks and consequences of drug misuse.
• To provide drug education that is congruent with Dept of Education circular 4/95, The National Curriculum Key Stages, The Right Approach (SCODA) and other best practice policies, procedures and strategies that complement the governments 10-year strategy for tackling drug misuse 'Tackling Drugs To Build A Better Britain'.
• To provide culturally sensitive drug education and prevention initiatives to the community through schools, community centres and other organisations.
• To develop appropriate drug related information materials in English, Bengali and other appropriate languages.
• To deliver drug education training courses for young people.

The service

The service is primarily for organisations within The London Borough of Tower Hamlets (LBTH) and is provided free of charge. For organisations outside the LBTH a fee will usually be charged. Please call Nafas for further details.

Nafas provides sessions that are culturally appropriate to the target audience. The workers speak a variety of different languages include, Bengali, Gujarati, Urdu and English.

The following is a sample list of topics / themes that can be covered.

• Drugs and their effects
• Exploding the myths (of drugs)
• Attitudes and opinions
• Identity and difference
• 'Self'
• Islam and drugs
• Drugs and the law
• Looking at ways to resist peer pressure/temptation

…and many more. For further details please call Nafas.

Nafas deliver sessions in schools (primary and secondary), in Pupil Referral Units (PRU's), in colleges, youth centres, community centres and other educational establishments. With regards to young people in schools below is a summary of the 'key stages' that the government has set out and what the young people should be taught within these 'key stages'.
Key stage one (1) states that all 5-7 year olds should learn about the role of drugs as medicines.
Key stage two (2) states that all 7-11 year olds are to be taught alcohol, tobacco and other drugs can have harmful effects.
At Key stage three (3) 11-14 year olds should learn how the misuse of solvents, tobacco, alcohol and other drugs affect health.
At Key stage four (4) 14-16 year olds should learn about the effects of solvents, tobacco, alcohol and other drugs on body functions.
Nafas has planned sessions for each of these key stages.

Nafas drug education workers are currently preparing to gain a Certificate in Drug Education from the Roehampton Institute.Written agreements are made between Nafas and client organisations. Following needs assessments written programme and lesson plans are exchanged. A sample of workshops are also evaluated by participants, organisers and Nafas to ensure ongoing quality.

Workshops / training sessions are also delivered in English and Bengali at youth clubs, community centres, mosques, women's and parents groups etc. Facilitators use a wide range of interactive methods and resources in their workshops to enable maximum participation.

Nafas runs a drug education training course on drugs and drug related issues, i.e. drugs and their effects, mental health, identity, HIV & AIDS, and Hep A,B,C. The course is designed for young people wishing to increase their knowledge and gain experience in the drugs field. It also acts as a gateway for clients finishing the Nafas Day Programme to further training and employment opportunities. Contact Hashim Bhaijee or Samarun Nessa for further details 0207 729 0044.

Nafas has translated the ADFAM booklet 'Living with a drug user' into Bengali. Nafas has also produced culturally sensitive leaflets on different types of drugs and their effects as well as a drugs education video for parents in English and Bengali. For more information on the publications or to order them please contact us Nafas.