All the creative works on this website were created by young people aged 16 to 25yrs and represents their response to the issues surrounding the issues of alcohol and other drugs. These works provide a strong narrative perspective of the issues that young people see as pertinent in relation to alcohol and other drugs – how, where and why it is consumed, and what some of the consequences of abuse may be. There is no right or wrong to these stories as they consist of personal accounts and different views and opinions on the issues.
The resource is therefore a package of creative messages produced by young people for young people that aim to trigger thought, discussion and a personal assessment of the role alcohol and other drugs plays in their lives, rather than attempting to provide the answers.
This resource can be viewed in a range of formal and informal settings. In many instances the resource will be viewed for entertainment in a private or public setting. However, it is also a valuable tool to incorporate as part of structured interventions or information sessions with young people, community members, families and colleagues. Below are some ideas on how the resource can be viewed and utilised.
Viewing The Finalists In A Structured Group Setting Or One On One
The finalist’s work are a useful accompaniment to alcohol and drug counselling, education or information sessions.
It is a good idea to view all the materials in the resource before using it as part of a discussion or intervention. This will allow you to choose the best approach. If you have an audience of more than six people and you want to encourage discussion, you may want to divide them into smaller groups.
There is no preferred way to view the material. You are the best judge. However below are some suggestions that may be helpful.
Suggestion 1: Viewing The Whole Resource As Part Of A Structured Session Set aside 60 to 90 minutes to view and discuss all the materials on the resource.
View each film / design / story one at a time, stopping in between each to allow for discussion or personal reflection. To help guide the discussion you could ask the viewers the following questions:
1.What do you think this film/design/story is about?
2.What did you like about the film/design/story?
3.What didn’t you like about the film/design/story?
4.Did the film/design/story convey a clear message?
5.Is the message meaningful to you? Can you relate to it?
6.Imagine you are the protagonist. How would you feel/respond to the situation? 7.What was your reaction to this film/story/image?
8.Has the film/design/story left a lasting impression on you?
9.Has it made you think differently about drugs and alcohol?
10. What are some other issues that are not mentioned in finalists that you think are worth discussing?
In a structured setting, viewers could be asked to write down their answers before engaging in a discussion. Or you may instead choose to some of the creative activities suggested on this resource to facilitate discussion and creative expression. Please follow the appropriate links to the suggested activities.
Suggestion 2: Viewing Selective Parts As Part Of A Structured Session Select specific films, stories or designs from the resource. These may be chosen according to what you deem to be appropriate for your audience or on their themes and messages.
If you select a range of pieces based on their appropriateness for your audience, you may want to view them in a similar way to Suggestion 1.
If you select them based on their themes and messages, it would be useful to pick contrasting materials. For example you may want to choose a film/design/story that deals with LSD and compare it with one or more other pieces that presents different messages and outcomes.
The idea here is to assist your audience to think about the many different situations in which alcohol and other drugs can play a part – both positive and negative.
Some questions you could ask your audience are:
1.What are these two (or more) pieces about?
2.What is similar about them?
3.How do they differ?
4.Which works best for you? Why?
5.Which do you think is more realistic?
6.Can you relate?
7.How did you react to each piece?
8.Imagine you are one of the characters. How would you feel? What would you do? 9.Have there works prompted new thoughts or ideas?
May wish to use the creative activities suggested in this resource to facilitate discussion, rather then ask direct questions.
Please follow the appropriate links to the suggested activities.
Other Suggestions: For Structured Or Un-Structured Settings This material will be of interest to many different people in many different settings from young people, community members, families, healthcare workers and educators.
Other approached to viewing this resource could include:
1.As part of a counselling session, giving a client the link to view the resource before their next session
2.View at community information nights
3.Include in the library links at Residential Rehabilitation Units and drug and alcohol treatment services.
