Geraldton Year 12 Leavers and Beyond program by Local Drug Action Group informs students on harm minimisation

Minimising risky behaviour, including talking about the safe consumption of alcohol, was a hot topic of discussion at a forum for Year 12 students heading into leavers’ celebrations. The students sat through one of their last high school lectures on Monday on harm minimisation as they mark the end of their schooling life, as well as the opportunities and challenges they may face in their first year out of school. Geraldton students joined the Year 12 Leavers & Beyond program to learn of employment opportunities, further education options and awareness of risks associated with driving, drinking and drugs. Geraldton Local Drug Action Group volunteer Celeste Larkins said it prepared students for risks during leavers celebrations. “There were different services that provided information on general wellbeing, harm minimisation around leavers, alcohol and other drugs, driving, consent and sexual relationships. But there’s also services like employment, volunteer opportunities, TAFE and University,” she said. Year 12 leaver Cindy Verve, who turns 18 next year, said she was staying at a friend’s grandparents’ house in Dunsborough with a group of friends who had planned to consume alcohol, but she personally wouldn’t. “Just staying there, having fun. We haven’t talked too much about it,” she said. Year 12 leaver Sabine Angelatos, who is 18 years old, said she had planned to consume alcohol, but wouldn’t supply alcohol to underage friends. She said the leavers program was informative and made her aware of the associated risks of drinking. “(The program) gives us more information on what we don’t expect to see on leavers, especially drink spiking. I’ve heard it can be really bad so awareness on that is helpful. Even just going to pubs when you’re 18,” she said. Headspace community awareness and engagement officer Chad Simson said while it can be difficult to manage underage drinking at leavers, it was important to discuss harm minimisation with drug and alcohol use. “The latest evidence in science recommends no alcohol or drug use whilst a young person’s brain is still developing, but it is important to acknowledge that some young people may still choose otherwise,” he said. “So alongside providing information about the risks of consuming alcohol and drugs, it’s important to talk about what safe consumption looks like.”