Issue 45: May 2005 - Youth Work Ireland

empirical information which would detail the typesof substances most used by young people in the area.This research was conducted through the use offocus groups and also by dissemination of over 400questionnaires.The questionnaires were designed to yield informationthat would provide general information arounddrug use in Tipperary, the questions varied andincluded such questions as: who would have introducedthem to their first drug, how many drankbefore the age of 18 years old, how many felt peerpressure was an issue when it comes to substancemisuse…etc.With all of this information gathered, the MTDIcoordinator met with and discussed the idea withMr. Tom Needham, Addictions Counsellor with theSubstance Misuse Team, who was extremely energisedabout the idea and was enthusiastic to becomeinvolved with the project in terms of developing thescript and the general content. Tom informed thecontent of the film through a combination of extrapolatedexamples from general counselling work withyoung people and information gathered from youngpeople in the questionnaires.The objective of the project was to include youngpeople in every way possible, in terms of film makingskills along with general drug awareness education.All young people were involved in a meaningfulway, they had hands on input in all aspects of theproject, i.e. production stage, filming, editing…etc.To ensure they had the opportunity to use film makingequipment…etc, we worked with young peopleto develop a short film titled ‘Murder Mystery inyour Hometown’. This presented the opportunityfor young people to create their own film fromscratch, they scripted, acted in, filmed, edited andfinalised the entire piece and on the night of the officiallaunch of the Drugs Film, this short film wasalso shown on the big screen to showcase the workand skills gained by young people during the developmentof the project.Conclusionagencies not least of all, Janet Beck from GlasseyeProductions in Kilkenny, whose enthusiasm andpatience during the development of the film wereinspiring to all of us involved.Thanks most especially to all the young peopleinvolved, and in particular to Cormac English whoauditioned for the part of the main character in thefilm, Paul. Cormac delivered the script in a mostcredible performance, which is essentially theessence of the success of the project.Thanks also to Luke Moloney and Tony Black, whoplayed Paul’s friends. Thanks must also go to ourfunders, Tipperary Leader Group, who took achance in supporting the initiative and we hope theyfeel justified in their decision!!Thanks also to all our colleagues at the HealthService Executive, especially to Tom Needham,Johnny Casey, Substance Misuse Coordinator andSinead O’Mahony-Carey, Drug Education Officer.The training pack is now available for sale at theTipperary Regional Youth Services at E12.50, andall proceeds will be used to create and develop asimilar project dealing with further drug awarenessissues in the future with the MTDI. The pack is wellworth purchasing if you intend working with youngpeople, parents or the wider community in generalin terms of raising drugs awareness.For further information contact:Anne BradshawCoordinatorMid-Tipperary Drugs InitiativeTipperary Regional Youth Service17 Bank PlaceTipperary TownTel: 062 52604Fax: 062 33406Email: mtdi@eircom.netThe project was one of the most engaging worthwhileprojects conducted with the MTDI to date andis the result of over two years work in the background.Thanks are due to numerous people andIrish Youth Work Scene 7 Issue 45, May, 2005