The DSM Foundation Launches Successful Drug Education Pilot Programme in Scottish Schools
Tuesday, July 16th, 2024
The 2023-24 academic year has been marked by the implementation of a comprehensive drugs education programme in several schools across the Grampian region of Scotland. Led by the DSM Foundation, this pilot initiative has yielded overwhelmingly positive results and feedback, as confirmed by an interim report released by the University of Aberdeen, which is conducting an evaluation of the programme. The full report is set to be published in the autumn.
Fiona Spargo-Mabbs OBE, Director and Founder of the DSM Foundation, expressed her delight at the impact of the pilot programme on students, staff, and families. She also highlighted the positive outcomes outlined in the University of Aberdeen’s evaluation. Spargo-Mabbs also emphasized the importance of listening to the feedback from young people and teachers during the pilot, and making necessary adjustments to ensure the effectiveness of the programme in different schools across the Grampian region. She added, “We are excited about the next stage of this initiative, as we aim to expand and embed our provision in the region and beyond. We look forward to working with others to support young people in Scotland in making safer choices about drugs.”
The DSM Foundation was established in 2014 by the family of 16-year-old Daniel Spargo-Mabbs, who tragically passed away due to an accidental overdose of ecstasy. The family realized that there was a significant gap in the resources and support available to schools, and thus set up the charity to prevent other families from experiencing the same loss.
The primary objective of the DSM Foundation is to provide young people with relevant, age-appropriate, and evidence-based information about drugs, enabling them to make informed decisions to keep themselves and their friends safe. The charity conducts various workshops in schools, colleges, and community organizations, and also offers training for parents, caregivers, and school staff. According to NHS survey data, these are the two main sources of information sought out by 11-15 year olds about drugs and alcohol. Another essential resource provided by the DSM Foundation is the verbatim play “I Love You Mum, I Promise I Won’t Die,” written by Mark Wheeller and commissioned by the charity to share Dan’s story through the words of his family and friends. Schools and colleges can access this play through performances or by studying the work itself. Additionally, educational settings can also download free, age-appropriate, and evidence-based drugs education resources from the DSM Foundation website for delivery through PSHE/PSE provision.
For more information about the DSM Foundation and its work, visit https://www.dsmfoundation.org.uk/.
Media inquiries related to this press release or the work of the DSM Foundation can be directed to media@dsmfoundation.org.uk.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.