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Health Improvement - Alcohol and Drugs

Our team work plan priorities are identified using both national and local policies, guidelines, strategic priorities, alcohol and drug trends and related issues.

We use the findings and recommendations from national and local research to inform our priorities.

Initiatives included in the team work plan are formulated and monitored using the GGC Alcohol and Drug Prevention Framework and related documents.

Our team produces and circulates a monthly Alcohol and Drug Snapshot that provides a range of information including resources, research articles, reports, events, learning and funding opportunities.

If you would like to sign up to receive our Snapshot, please contact ggc.mhead@ggc.scot.nhs.uk*.

*Please note that this is a generic admin inbox and not monitored immediately. If you, or someone you know are in distress and need an immediate response call the emergency services on 999 or NHS24 on 111.

In addition to our core work plan, members of our team provide supplementary support functions including

  • representation on local and Board wide dedicated alcohol and drug structures and allied topic structures, funding and recruitment panels,
  • strategic policy development,
  • workforce development and networking opportunities,
  • resource development and training development, delivery and evaluation,
  • consultation, advice and report writing,
  • research, monitoring and evaluation,
  • commissioning and contract management,
  • budget and project management,
  • staff recruitment panels, staff induction and on going support
  • Trevor Lakey, Health Improvement and Inequalities Manager – Mental Health, Alcohol and Drugs
  • Jo McManus, Health Improvement Lead, Drug Prevention and Harm Reduction
  • Maureen O’Neill Craig, Health Improvement Lead, Alcohol
  • Graeme Mathew, Health Improvement Senior, Alcohol Brief Intervention
  • Claire Marie Blair, Health Improvement Senior – Drugs
  • Admin, Owen Breen & Donald Boyle
  • Please note that these inboxes are not monitored immediately. If you, or someone you know are in distress and need an immediate response call the emergency services on 999 or NHS24 on 111.

The website content is under review in line with the refinement of the prevention framework and will be updated in due course.

GGC Alcohol and Drug Health Improvement Team

Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership Headquarters

Commonwealth House, 32 Albion Street, Glasgow, G1 1LH

Jenny and the Bear

Topic: Tobacco

Description: The “Jenny and the Bear” story book and Name the Teddy competition, are part of a co-ordinated programme which aims to increase awareness of the effects of secondhand smoke on children and what parents/carers can do to ensure their children are not exposed to its harmful effects.

The programme consists of a story being read to pupils by their class teacher, followed by a classroom activity to agree a name for the bear in the story.  The teddy bear names are then entered into a competition and the winners will be awarded a teddy mascot for their class (1 class from each local authority area in GG&C).  Letters are sent out to all primary schools in GG&C at the start of the school year with information on how to register for the programme.

The story of the little girl and her teddy offers the opportunity to explore the themes of secondhand smoke, a favourite toy, rewarding positive behaviours and consideration for others. In addition, all children who take part in the programme will be given a booklet version of the story to take home. It is hoped that this will support parents/carers reading to their children and raising awareness of the issues of secondhand smoke within the wider family.

Type: Lesson Plan, Online Resource, Film, Book

Target group: Early

IT/practical requirements: A video version of this story is available as a YouTube link for live streaming

Implications for staff: None

Cost attached: No

Resource link: NHSGGC: Jenny and the Bear / Name the Teddy

QA Tool: Jenny and the Bear QA Tool

Choices for Life: Liam’s Story (Tobacco)

Topic: Tobacco and Peer Pressure

Description: Togther with PACE Theatre, Choices for Life have produced a series of dramas “Someday” which are all interlinked. They tell the story of Liam, Sophie and Scott as they experience peer pressure, smoking, drugs and alcohol for the first time.

Liam’s story is about a young boy and his school ates who try to persuade him to smoke to fit in with the crowd and the consequences that follow (smoking, peer pressure, fitting in).  The film lasts approximately 15 minutes and can either be watched on its own or as part of the someday series covering other substance misuse topics.  

Type: Online resource, Film

Target group: Second Level

IT/practical requirements: Access to the internet required 

Implications for staff: None

Cost attached: No

Resource link: 

QA Tool: Liam’s Story QA Tool

Smokefree 4 Me

Topic: Tobacco

Description: The Smokefree 4 Me programme is a health education initiative which aims to prevent smoking uptake and encourage young people to make an informed choice to stay smoke free.  The Programme is open to all S1 and S2 classes across Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Classes can take part in the programme in different ways depending on the interests and needs of the pupils as well as the amount of time available in class to undertake activities.  The programme is split into five themes:

  • Theme 1:  Health Effects of Smoking
  • Theme 2:  Peer Influence and Decision Making
  • Theme 3:  Smoking and the Law
  • Theme 4:  The Tobacco Industry, Advertising and Promotion
  • Theme 5:  Tobacco, Poverty and the Environment

Each theme has an accompanying lesson plan with background information on the topic, suggested ideas for lesson development and a topical newsletter.

Type: Lesson Plans, Online Resource, Pack

Target group: Third

IT/practical requirements: All secondary schools in Greater Glasgow and Clyde have previously received a hard copy of the pack but please follow the link below for the most recent version with up to date statistics. Some lessons may require IT access in class depending on activities chosen.

Implications for staff: No training required but CPD sessions may be available in each local authority area via your local CPD calendar.

Cost attached: No.

Resource link: Please note: this resource is currently unavailable. Smokefree 4 Me is under review by NHS GGC. A revised version will be linked here once available.

QA Tool: Please note: this resource is currently unavailable. Smokefree 4 Me is under review by NHS GGC. A revised version will be linked here once available.

Trade Winds

Topic: Tobacco

Description: Trade Winds: Learning about Tobacco is an interdisciplinary resource for primary schools and is targeted at P5-P7 pupils (second level).  

The pack covers all curriculum areas and is designed to enable children to extend their learning beyond the health impacts of tobacco to a consideration of broader tobacco issues.

 The pack is split into 7 topic areas:

  • Topic A – Setting the Scene
  • Topic B – History of Tobacco
  • Topic C – Health Effects of Smoking
  • Topic D – Secondhand Smoke
  • Topic E – Cost of Tobacco (Global and Local)
  • Topic F – Influences on Smoking (Media and Peer Pressure)
  • Topic G – Extending Children’s Learning Through the Arts

Type: Lesson Plans, Online Resource, Pack

Target group: Second

IT/practical requirements: All primary schools in Greater Glasgow and Clyde have previously received a hard copy of the pack but please follow the link below for the most recent version with up to date statistics. Some lessons may require IT access in class depending on activities chosen.

Implications for staff:  No training required but CPD sessions may be available in each local authority area via your local CPD calendar.

Cost attached: No

Resource link: Please note: this resource is currently unavailable. Trade Winds is under review by NHS GGC. A revised version will be linked here once available.

QA  Tool: Please note: this resource is currently unavailable. Trade Winds is under review by NHS GGC. A revised version will be linked here once available.

Tobacco-free Secondary Schools

Topic: Tobacco

Description:

By aspiring to be a smoke-free school, schools can support young people to make confident, responsible, effective decisions about their health and wellbeing. There are many different factors that lead young people to smoke and the extent to which smoking is prominent and accepted in the environment around them plays a crucial part. Consistency between what is experienced in the school environment and reinforcing smoke-free messages in the classroom is key.

The pack includes a range of practical tools and resources and is arranged into 2 parts that can be used independently or together:

Part 1 – Guide to becoming a Tobacco-free School

This guide document is intended to support a school through the steps required in order to become a tobacco free school. It explains the background, why it is important and key issues.   This guide replaces the previous “Tobacco-free Schools – Helping You Achieve It” guide by Smokefree Services and Ash Scotland.

The guide breaks down the process into 10 steps – and these are laid out in a very practical way that is easy to follow. There is a suite of templates available to guide the schools through the process – these can be found in Appendix 1 and are fully editable Microsoft Word documents. 

Part 2 – Tobacco-free Schools Teaching Pack

Secondary pack aligned to Curriculum for Excellence 3rd and 4th level (S1-S3) although reference is also made in the pack to the importance of continuing activity through Senior Phase, for which this material would be suitable.

There are 23 different activities over 10 topic areas.   It is not necessary for all activities or topics to be used – teachers are free to “pick and mix”.

Topics covered include:

  • introducing tobacco
  • benefits of being smokefree
  • smoking and health
  • dealing with peer pressure and building confidence
  • e-cigarettes and vaping
  • smoking and mental health
  • smoking and physical activity
  • money money money
  • towards a Smokefree Scotland
  • cigarettes, plastic and the environment

Type: Lesson Plan(s), Online Resource

Target group: Third, Fourth, Senior phase

IT/practical requirements:

Quit Your Way Smokefree Schools have 1 printed copy of the resource for every secondary school in Greater Glasgow & Clyde.  To request your free copy please email: Quityourway.smokefreeschools@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

The pack is also available online:

  1. Visit https://www.ashscotlandmoodle.org.uk/
  2. Select the ‘tobacco-free secondary schools’ course
  3. Create a new account to get started.

If there are any issues accessing the electronic version please contact eLearning@ashscotland.org.uk

Implications for staff: none

Cost attached: none

Resource link: Tobacco-free Secondary Schools

QA Tool: Tobacco-free Secondary Schools QA Tool

Substance Misuse PSE Curriculum Pack

Topic: Substance Misuse: drugs (including NPS), alcohol and tobacco

Description: 

Provides teachers with suggested lessons and resources to support delivery of substance misuse lessons as part of the PSE curriculum in Secondary Schools.  Learners will develop their understanding of the use and misuse of a variety of substances including over the counter and prescribed medicines, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, solvents and new psycho active substances.  They will explore and develop their understanding of the impact of risk taking behaviour on their life choices.  Learners are enabled to make informed personal choices with the aim of promoting healthy lifestyles.

S1 Module

  • Lesson 1 – What is a drug
  • Lesson 2 – Sophie’s Story (Alcohol)
  • Lesson 3 – Peer Pressure
  • Lesson 4 – Understanding the school’s policy on drugs

S2 Module

  • Lesson 1 – Drug names and effects
  • Lesson 2 – Drugs and the law
  • Lesson 3 – So what do you think you know about alcohol?
  • Lesson 4 – Why do people use drugs?

S3 Module

  • Lesson 1 – What’s in a unit?
  • Lesson 2 – Helping other people
  • Lesson 3 – Smoking: attitudes, myths and facts
  • Lesson 4 – Choices (NPS)

S4 Module

  • Lesson 1 – Cannabis: the facts
  • Lesson 2 – Risky situations
  • Lesson 3 – Keeping safe – emergency action
  • Lesson 4 – Social implications of substance misuse

S5 Module

  • Lesson 1 – Alcohol and advertising
  • Lesson 2 – Trouble in town
  • Lesson 3 – Alcohol & Drugs, what do you think?
  • Lesson 4 – Scott’s Story (cannabis)

Type: Lesson Plan(s), Online Resource, Film

Target group: Third; Fourth; Senior phase.

IT/practical requirements: None

Implications for staff: None

Resource link: Substance Misuse PSE Curriculum Pack (zip files)

Cost attached: No

QA Tool: PSE Curriculum Pack QA Tool

Alternative resource links (no zip files):

Substance Misuse Primary Education Lesson Plans

Topic: Alcohol Drugs & Tobacco.

Description: The Substance Misuse Education Working Group have created new lesson plans (Early, First and Second Level) which are based on the Substance Misuse Education Resource Pack developed by Educational Services and NHS staff from West Dunbartonshire. A range of activities are provided which include interactive quizzes, paired working and individual learning. Some lesson plans have follow-up activities to further develop children’s learning on the topic. Home activity exercises have been included in some lessons to reinforce learning and promote discussion between parents/carers and their children. Additional lessons will continue to be developed by the Substance Misuse Education Working group in order to create a framework for substance misuse education.

 Early levelP1 lesson 1 – People who help meP1 lesson 2 – Unsafe situations and emergenciesFirst levelP2 lesson 2 – Decision makingP3 lesson 2 – RisksP3 lesson 3 – Decisions, Decisions!P4 lesson 1 – ConsequencesP4 lesson 2 – Peer pressureP4 lesson 3 – MedicinesP4 lesson 4 – What to do in an emergencySecond levelP5 lesson 1 – What are substances part 1: alcohol and tobaccoP5 lesson 2 – What are substances part 2: drugs and solventsP5 lesson 3 – Consequences – Risks and effectsP5 lesson 4 – Doing the right thingP6 lesson 1 – What are drugs part 1: legal drugsP6 lesson 2 – What are drugs part 2: illegal drugsP6 lesson 3 – RisksP7 lesson 1 – Consequences: drugs and the lawP7 lesson 2 – ResponsibilitiesP7 lesson 3 – Antisocial behaviour and substance misuse

Type: Lesson plans, online resource

Target group: Early; First; Second. 

IT/practical requirements: Access to PC and internet required for some lessons.

Implications for staff: None.

Cost attached: No.

Resource link: Substance Misuse Primary Education Lesson Plans (zip files)

QA Tool: Primary Education Lesson Plans QA Tool

As it is

Topic: Alcohol; Drugs.

Description: The AS IT IS DVD is a resource that tackles the issues of gang fighting, territorialism, offending behaviour and substance misuse. The DVD was produced by a partnership of statutory and voluntary agencies based in Glasgow. Accompanying pack was developed by Glasgow Council on Alcohol.  DVD includes interviews with real people and graphic imagery which some people may find disturbing. The resource challenges entrenched thinking by showing how choices made by gang members have impacted in their own and other people’s lives.  Police Scotland advise that the resource is an early intervention toolkit and can be used with P7, S1 & S2 pupils.  This resource will generate discussion and provoke different thinking with all age groups.  It is recommended that parental consent should be obtained if this resource is to be used with persons under the age of 16. It is strongly recommended that staff view the films and teaching aids prior to use.  If additional hard copies are required please contact Inspector Stevie Kinvig, Police Scotland.

Type: Pack.

Target group: Second; Third; Fourth.

IT/practical requirements: Access to DVD Player/PC & Projector to allow DVD to be played.

Implications for staff: The nature of this resource means that staff should review prior to use, young people may have experienced gang fighting & consequences & as a result may require support during and after use of the resource. DVD contains graphic scenes of violence.

Cost attached: No.

Resource link: TBC

QA Tool:

Buzzin

Topic: Drugs.

Description:  Buzzin explores the impact of solvent abuse on the lives of young people living in the fictional town of Duncastle through the use of  a DVD and lesson plans. The resource aims to raise awareness of dangers and effects of volatile substance abuse.

Type: Online resource.

Target group: Third. 

IT/practical requirements: Internet required to download pack and film.

Implications for staff: Pack has a teachers guide included.

Cost attached: No.

Resource link:  http://www.re-solv.org/education-prevention/

QA Tool: Buzzin QA Tool

Drugs Awareness

Topic: Alcohol; Drugs.

Description:  Drug Awareness is an interactive intervention to introduce the risks and effects of legal and illegal drugs with an alcohol and drugs harm reduction focus. The aim is to raise knowledge and awareness of different legal and illegal drugs and highlight the physical, social and emotional effects of drug use/misuse at a secondary school level and ensure pupils have an understanding of the negative consequences of taking drugs. This intervention uses methods that are interactive, current, and engaging for the young people enabling them to discover information and guidance on drugs.

Type: Lesson plan.

Target group: Third.

IT/practical requirements: List of resources required indicated in facilitator’s notes.

Implications for staff: This resource is normally delivered by GCA in schools.

Cost attached: No.

Resource link: Drugs Awareness (zip)   email@glasgowcouncilonalcohol.org

QA Tool:

Choices For Life: Choices (NPS)

The Choices resource was produced prior to the 2016 Psychoactive Substances Act and shows a young person buying NPS from a shop.  This, however, may be a useful discussion point to demystify any beliefs still held that you can legally purchase NPS from a shop or on-line. This does not detract from the wider learning in the film in relation to risky behaviours and substance misuse in general.

Topic: Drugs (New Psychoactive Substances)

Description: The film focuses on Ben as he is faced with a variety of choices around the topic of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS). This is an interactive video drama where learners get to make the choices for Ben and see the consequences. There are a variety of choices that can be selected.  

Type: Online resource, Lesson Plan, Film

Target group: Fourth level, Senior Phase

IT/practical requirements: Access to the internet required 

Implications for staff: None

Cost attached: None

Resource link: 

QA Tool: Choices QA Tool

Sun, sea and safety

Topic: Alcohol; Drugs

Description:  *Resource linked to Fourth Level E’s and O’s, however use is recommended with Senior Phase students* Sun, Sea and Safety is an interactive intervention to increase knowledge of the impact of alcohol on safety whilst abroad taking a harm reduction focus. The aim is to reduce the negative impact of alcohol use/ misuse while abroad and raise awareness of different risky situations and consequences. This intervention uses methods that are interactive, current, age appropriate and engaging for the young people enabling them to discover information and guidance on alcohol.

Type: Lesson plan.

Target group: Senior phase.

IT/practical requirements: List of resources required indicated in facilitator’s notes.

Implications for staff: This resource is normally delivered by GCA in schools.

Resource download link: Sun Sea Safety (zip)   http://www.glasgowcouncilonalcohol.org/contact/

Cost attached: No.

QA Tool: 

Take a Drink

Topic: Alcohol; Drugs

Description: Drama performed by PACE Theatre Company highlighting the dangers of risk taking behaviour to young people, for example, the consequences/situations facing young people under the influence of alcohol and or drugs. The drama follows three characters who attend a party and all have very different experiences due to their excessive alcohol consumption. Follow up workshops are delivered by Glasgow Council on Alcohol to allow discussion about issues raised in the play.  This play is commissioned by NHS GG&C for all Glasgow Secondary Schools at present.  If you are interested in running a similiar project outwith the Glasgow area please contact PACE Theatre Company directly.  Take A Drink 2012 Evaluation Report available on request.

Type: Performance/Drama

Target group: Third; Fourth; Senior phase. 

IT/practical requirements:  Stage area required or large hall depending on audience size. Drama company provide all required equipment including sound equipment.

Implications for staff:  None.

Resource link: http://www.pacetheatre.com

Cost attached: No.

QA Tool:

The Drugs Wheel

Topic: Drugs

Description:  Drugs wheel resource contains up to date names and categories for illegal drugs, new psychoactive substances (drugs formally known as legal highs), solvents and prescription drugs used recreationally.  Can be used to raise awareness during class discussion and the Drugs Wheel game supports young people to work as a group to categorise the drugs.  Could complement a lesson on the effects of drugs. 

Type: Online resource.

Target group: Third; Fourth; Senior phase

IT/practical requirements:  All resources are available for download via the website.  Powerpoint version also available for use on Smart Board.

Implications for staff: None.

Cost attached: No.

Resource link: The Drugs Wheel

QA Tool: QA Tool Drugs – The Drugs Wheel

Young Booze Busters Website

Topic: Alcohol; Drugs; Tobacco.

Description:  Interactive, incentive based information on alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.  This online resource contains information for young people and parents/carers as well as video clips, games, competitions and a link to Becky Booze Buster. Provides information on alcohol.  Additonal information on drugs and tobacco has recently been added.

Type: Online interactive resource.

Target group: Third; Fourth.

IT/practical requirements:  Computer with internet access.  You Tube access required to watch videos.  Link to Becky Booze Busters is via Facebook or email.

Implications for staff: None.

Cost attached: No.

Resource link: http://www.geaap.org     Young Booze Busters

QA Tool: 

Choices For Life Film: Scott’s Story (Drugs-Cannabis)

Topic: Drugs (Cannabis)

Description:  Together with PACE Theatre, Choices for Life have produced a series of dramas “Someday” which are all interlinked. They tell the story of Liam, Sophie and Scott are they experience peer pressure, smoking, drugs and alcohol for the first time and must face the consequences that lead from it. 

Scott’s story is about a young adult who decides to use cannabis to help him cope with stress. The film shows how this choice impacts his life. Explores many of the consequences of cannabis: its effects on relationships, motivation, school work, reliability and drug driving.  The film lasts approximately 15 minutes and can either be watched on its own or as part of the Someday series covering related themes. 

Type: Online resource, Film

Target group: Third Level, Fourth Level, Senior Phase

IT/practical requirements: Access to the internet required 

Implications for staff: None

Cost attached: None

Resource link: 

QA Tool: Scott’s Story QA Tool

Substance Misuse Toolkit Working Group

For information or advice regarding the content of this toolkit, quality assurance process or amendments to resources please contact the SMT working group at: 

substancemisuse.toolkit@ggc.scot.nhs.uk     

Education Establishments

Advice and Support 

If you are concerned that a young person requires support with alcohol or substance issues, please follow your organisation’s own policies and procedures and discuss with senior management.

There may be additional local support services available within your area. Please contact substance misuse working group for more information if you are unaware of these.

substancemisuse.toolkit@ggc.scot.nhs.uk     

Youth Organisations

Advice and Support

If you are concerned that a young person requires support with alcohol or substance issues, you should direct them towards an appropriate service.

It is better to contact services now to clarify their referral criteria and procedures, rather than waiting until a young person urgently needs their help!

The Greater Glasgow and Clyde Substance Misuse Education Working Group consists of NHS and Education staff who have worked together to create the ‘Substance Misuse Toolkit’. This online resource contains quality assured substance misuse education resources to support staff working with young people in both education and community settings. Resources include lesson plans, resource packs and relevant websites.

The Substance Misuse Toolkit aims to reduce harm caused by substance misuse by:

  • Equipping staff with the knowledge and confidence they require to teach pupils about the effects, risks and consequences of substance use by providing them with a range of materials and methodologies.
  • Encouraging learners to make informed choices about alcohol, drugs and tobacco.
  • Supporting an age appropriate and inclusive approach to education in relation to substances within the context of a Curriculum for Excellence.
  • Identifying evidence based resources and approaches and share good practice with staff across the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area.
  • Ensuring that resources are up to date and fit for purpose.
  • Ensuring ongoing quality assurance processes are in place to monitor and further develop the site.

Quality Assurance

The Greater Glasgow and Clyde Substance Misuse Education Working Group meets regularly to ensure that resources included within the Substance Misuse Toolkit are evidence based, up to date and of a high standard. The group consults with key stakeholders regarding the accessibility, content, usefulness and areas for improvement.

The Greater Glasgow and Clyde Substance Misuse Education Working Group has developed a quality assurance tool to assess the content of resources against agreed indicators. The tool is consistent with the principles and values of local and national policy including Curriculum for Excellence, GIRFEC and the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Alcohol and Drug Prevention and Education Model. Resources which meet the standards set by this review process are then incorporated into the Substance Misuse Toolkit.

The Quality Assurance Tool Template can be accessed here.

Policy Context

The need to support children and young people to make positive choices about alcohol, drugs and tobacco has been highlighted by a number of national and local policy documents. Substance Misuse Education is a priority within the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Alcohol and Drug Prevention & Education Model and is a Health & Wellbeing organiser within Curriculum for Excellence. Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) ensures that wellbeing is central to all of our work in meeting children and young people’s needs.

Further information on the policy context can be found here.