DSM Foundation Calls on New Labour Government to Prioritize Drugs Education for Young People
On Tuesday, July 9th, 2024, the DSM Foundation, a drug education charity, welcomed the newly elected Labour government and expressed their hopes of working together to support young people in making safer choices about drugs. The election results on Thursday, July 4th, 2024 saw the Labour party win, with many voters swayed by the party’s message of change, including their commitment to investing in the wellbeing of young people and building resilience against risk.
Fiona Spargo-Mabbs OBE, Director and Founder of the DSM Foundation, stressed the importance of drugs education in reducing the demand for drugs and mitigating the resulting harm. She stated, “There’s a lot to be done when it comes to young people, drugs, and decisions. We would urge the new government to maintain, strengthen, and extend the current drug strategy’s focus on reducing the demand for drugs through evidence-based prevention measures, including drug education for all young people.”
The DSM Foundation was established in 2014 after the tragic death of 16-year-old Daniel Spargo-Mabbs from an accidental overdose of ecstasy. The Spargo-Mabbs family realized that there was a significant gap in resources and support available to schools and decided to set up the charity to prevent other families from experiencing the same tragedy.
The foundation’s aim is to provide young people with relevant, age-appropriate, up-to-date, and evidence-based information about drugs so they can make informed decisions and keep themselves and their friends safe. The charity conducts workshops in schools, colleges, and community organizations, as well as providing training for school and college staff. They also offer workshops for parents and caregivers, as these groups are the most likely sources of information about drugs and alcohol sought out by 11-15 year olds, according to NHS survey data.
In addition, the DSM Foundation also offers educational resources for schools and colleges, including a verbatim play called “I Love You Mum, I Promise I Won’t Die” that tells Dan’s story in the words of his family and friends. Schools and colleges can also access age-appropriate, evidence-based drugs education resources for free on the foundation’s website.
For more information about the DSM Foundation and their work, please visit https://www.dsmfoundation.org.uk/. Media inquiries can be sent to media@dsmfoundation.org.uk.
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