Young boxers learn about risks and long term effects of drugs and alcohol

Young people at Hamer Amateur Boxing Club learn about risks and long term effects of drugs and alcohol

Hamer Amateur Boxing Club and Community Fitness Centre joined forces with Jamie Dunn of Early Break, Young persons Drug and Alcohol Service, to deliver a drug and acohol awareness session for over 20 young people.

The presentation was about the risks, effects and long term effects of substance use and misuse and the impact it would have on families and communities.

The group spoke about the different types of drugs that are available on the streets of Rochdale and they worked as a team to determine which types of drugs would go in which categories by grouping them by the different effects that would come from substance misuse.

They discussed the negative impact it would have on young people, families and the community while also discussing the different side effects each drug gives off and the laws and penalties for possession and dealing drugs.

Mr Dunn spoke about the affects of alcohol misuse and produced a pair of goggles for the youngsters to wear so that they would get a feel of the way people would react when drunk.

He had them try to punch the punch-pads with the glasses on, which brought laughter from the group when the participants failed to hit them.

Adam Earnshaw, 12, said: "The beer goggles where great and fun, nobody could hit the pads."

Suleman Abzal, 17, said: "I see people dealing on our streets and I often wonder what it is people are buying. I didn't know that there were that many different drugs available and the side effects they give."

Hamer coach Alan Bacon said: "It was great to see the young people interacting with each other and discussing the misuse of alcohol and drugs. Now that they have learned about the side-effects of misuse we hope that the knowledge they have gained will keep them safe and will help them in their life choices."