Theatr y Ddraig in Barmouth is set to open its doors to over 300 youngsters this month as dangers of drugs and alcohol misuse will be highlighted to them in an innovative way.
For only the second time, year 6 pupils from various schools in the South Gwynedd area will attend a junior Trip Trap’ day – organised by Communities Against Substance Misuse Forum’ when it gets underway at the location this week (Thursday and Friday, October 15 and 16).
North Wales Police, Gwynedd Council, Communities First and Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd have all worked in partnership to organise the event which includes 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 attend the event are 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 6 pupils.
“It was a real success last year, and we hope that the youngsters will gain as much from the day this time around” said PC Geraint Jones of Dolgellau Police Station. “We have an interactive theatre and interesting workshops which have all been aimed specifically at 10 and 11-year-olds.”
The production is being provided by Shimli Theatre Company and is supported by Youth Justice Service, Gwynedd School Nurses and North Wales Police.
The two day forum has been funded by SMAT, the High Sheriff’s Crimebeat charity, Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd, and Meirionydd Community Safety Forum.
PC Jones added: “Everyone involved in organising the forum hopes that the youngsters will gain a great deal from the day spent with us at the theatre.”
