For the second year running, Extend Learning Academies Network (ELAN) have just welcomed Dave Parvin from DrugSense UK to the trust.

Vaping is currently high on the news agenda with single-use vapes becoming illegal this year and as we prepare our Year 6’s to move on to secondary school it is recognised that when these children move on to secondary school they will be exposed to a whole range of potential unsafe situations; including vaping.

Over 100 ELAN staff attended an initial workshop and event before over 400 children attended Dave's workshops in which he educated children on the potential dangers of drugs and vaping and helped to build their confidence in exit strategies and being able to say no.

Following the recent visit, Dave wrote

 

“I have just spent two fantastic days working with Year 6 students (not something I have targeted before in respect of Drugs Education) but I was invited along to speak to Year 6 students from nine primary schools who are ELAN (Extend Learning Academies Network – North Somerset). We had a fantastic couple of days focussing on just vaping. It is often difficult to decide on what would be practical topics for this year group but I have to say they were very much on board with the culture around vaping and asked lots of practical questions relating to this.

 

Year 6 (or sometimes older) are what I would class a ‘priority group’ in so much as they are moving up to secondary school or the ‘big school’ as they like to call it. And as such will inevitably come into contact with older students that vape and potential take other things. So it does make sense to give them an insight into the culture surrounding vaping and the addiction and health issues they pose. It also offers the opportunity to discuss Exit Strategies they can employ if they are in situations in which vapes are being offered or used.”

 

Teachers comments:

“Learning about the different types of vapes that are available now, seeing the impact of vaping, especially on young people. Just a general refresher on what is on the market at the moment, how easy it is to get hold of and how it is impacting health.”

“The images as this really helped pupils to understand the different types of vapes and products that could be available to them. The photographic images of burns as this further helps to support all pupils understanding of more of the dangers.”

“Explanation of the different types of vapes and what can be mixed with them which causes all the dangers. Also, the new legislation that is coming in.”

Children's comments 

"The workshop was very helpful about why you should not vape"

"Knowing the difference between different vapes is really helpful"

"It was interesting to learn about different types of vapes and why they have been designed"

"I was surprised that vapes were designed as if they were for kids"

“I'm going to try and convince my parents to give up vaping.”

“I can't believe that is inside a vape.”

“They are never aimed at adults, look at how they look”.

“I learned that vapes can be made to look like toys and can be aimed at young people like the highlighter and milkshake. Vaping can really hurt you and your lungs. If you start vaping, it might be really hard to stop as it is addictive.”

“I found it really interesting - you know how scary and dangerous it is out there"

It was helpful because lots of people in the assembly didn't know vapes could be that dangerous"

"It was life changing because know we know what vapes can do to you”

 

A huge thank you to all who took part in workshops and supported this opportunity to hear from an expert and help educate many children and adults.