Laurelhill students amongst first to take part in ‘Smashed Live Tour’

Northern Ireland will be the first region to host the virtual tour with the two-week programme launched on 12 April set to reach over 4,500 children aged between 11yrs and 14yrs

Year 8 students at Laurelhill Community College experienced one of the world’s very first performances aimed at helping them to make the right choices around alcohol.

The programme, which has been running for five years in Northern Ireland, has traditionally been delivered through live performances, however, in 2021, Smashed has been updated to replicate the interactive excitement of a live theatrical performance and workshop in a format that allows engagement ‘in school’ in a covid-safe way.

Led by Collingwood Learning and sponsored by Diageo Northern Ireland, Smashed is a theatre based programme to educate young people on the dangers of underage drinking in a way that is creative, engaging and hard-hitting.

The performances which are being live streamed from a purpose built studio space, seek to empower young people by equipping them with the information, awareness and confidence to make responsible choices around alcohol.

Education Minister Peter Weir said: “I fully support the ‘Smashed’ programme which to date has been delivered to 50,000 students across Northern Ireland.

“This important programme, which is aimed at the prevention of underage drinking, educates our young people about the dangers associated with alcohol misuse and providing them with information, awareness, and confidence to make responsible choices around alcohol.

“The Executive places huge importance on tackling the issue of alcohol misuse and programmes such as ‘Smashed’ have a very positive impact not only on our young people’s lives but also on our local communities and wider society throughout Northern Ireland.”