Successful Junior Trip Trap Day

A two-day workshop aimed at highlighting the dangers of drink and drugs has been hailed a success.

Organised by the Communities Against Substance Misuse Forum, year six pupils from various schools in the South Gwynedd area attended the junior Trip Trap day at Theatr y Ddraig in Barmouth.

North Wales Police, Gwynedd Council, Communities First and Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd all worked in partnership to organise the event which included a drama, workshops and activities – all in a bid to raise awareness and prevent young people from misusing alcohol and using illegal drugs.

Young people who attended the event were also given advice from a number of agencies in relation to their personal safety and wellbeing.

Trip Trap has been delivered to pupils aged between 12 and 15 for a number of years in the Meirionnydd area but it is only the second time that a ‘junior’ event has been organised for year six pupils.

“This year’s event was a huge success” said PC Geraint Jones of Dolgellau Police Station. “We had an interactive theatre and interesting workshops which were all aimed specifically at 10 and 11-year-olds.

He added: “We had over 25 schools in attendance and the feedback has been extremely positive. We are now looking forward to the 2010 event.”

The production was provided by Shimli Theatre Company and supported by Youth Justice Service, Gwynedd School Nurses and North Wales Police.

The two day forum was funded by SMAT, the High Sheriff’s Crimebeat charity, Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd, and Meirionydd Community Safety Forum.

Fred Breakell, Community Development Officer for Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd said: "Every year we try to improve the projects we organise and this years Junior Trip Trap event was better than ever.

“We were particularly pleased with the interactive theatre session because so many children took part and learnt such valuable lessons. We hope that we will continue to attract funding in the future and organise similar events again."