FORCE PREPARES TO HELP P7 PUPILS MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES FOR LIFE

28th May 2007

OVER two thousand primary 7 pupils from schools across the Highlands, Islands and Moray will attend the multi-media theme show Choices for Life over the coming week.

Choices for Life is aimed specifically at Primary 7 pupils across Scotland to provide them with information about the dangers of drugs alcohol and smoking. Other subjects that are tackled are bullying and peer pressure.

The event is delivered through drama and music - performances by youth theatre group PACE and well-known pop acts.

Fortrose Academy pupils will perform the "Choices," theme song prior to each of this year's Highland region shows which take place at Inverness Leisure Centre on 30 & 31 May and June 1.

The islands will also have their own shows (Orkney [AT] the Pickaquoy Centre in Kirkwall on 28 May and Western Isles at Stornoway Leisure Centre on 5 June).

The Highlands and Islands became involved in the event for the first time in 2005 with Eden Court Theatre the venue for the well-received Highland leg of the show.

The hugely popular, multi-media themed event, co-ordinated by the SDEA (Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency) on behalf of ACPOS, began life in Strathclyde six years ago, but 2005 was the first time it was rolled out in the North.

Inspector Bob Pollock, who is co-ordinating Northern Constabulary's involvement in the nationwide event, said: "The main focus of Choices for Life is to give youngsters the information they need to make informed choices and to resist peer pressure at a time when they are making the crucial leap from primary to secondary school."

He added: "The whole point of Choices is to get a serious message across, but in a fun and entertaining way and since the event started in the Highlands and Islands it has been very well received by pupils and teachers alike."
Graeme Pearson, Director General of the Scottish Crime and Drugs Enforcement Agency (SCDEA), said: "Young people must be given the information necessary to make the right choices for their future. Choices for Life is one such opportunity. We need families to engage with its message to help young people avoid the misery that is drug abuse."

The key messages are delivered through music, drama and film. A gritty stage performance by PACE Theatre Group is coupled with a film called Stacey's Choice, which both offer powerful messages in relation to drugs, alcohol and peer pressure.

Amongst the bands playing at this year's Highlands and Islands events are Lil' Chris, Bel's Boys, Liz McClarnon (ex-Atomic Kitten) and Pacific Avenue.

The fun/education mix is underlined with the quiz, which is based on TV favourite Family Fortunes.