They described a culture of drinking to get
drunk as normal and where ending up in
A&E after an evening of binge drinking could
be viewed as a badge of honour. Dialogue
enabled very honest discussions about
teenage attitudes and behaviours. It allowed
people to start expressing feelings and
thoughts about drinking usually not voiced,
even in the friendship groups. Attitudes
began to shift.”
Emma continued: “At sessions, people
really opened up. Some individuals admitted
that they didn’t think that their friends who
get very drunk, are sick and pass out are
actually funny. Although they’d never said
it before, they admitted to viewing these
people as annoying attention seekers.
“Being able to share
credible, honest
opinions like this in a
safe environment is very
empowering for young
people – that’s why they
like dialogue and why it
works.”
They express real views, are listened to and
learn from each other. It’s very different from
their normal conversations which focus on
teenagers posturing about how great it is
to get drunk, with others keeping quiet if
they disagree.”
The research team created diverse groups
to become AlcoLOLs in their own schools.
Emma explained: “By encouraging peers
to talk about things in a different way, the
AlcoLOLs are able to help young people
question certain behaviours and develop a
confidence to deal with issues. The process
of dialogue encourages them to reflect on
their own behaviour and thoughts, and to
almost step outside themselves. The impact
of doing this is astonishing.”
One pupil who took part in an AlcoLOLs
session said: “It never occurred to me that
I could choose not to drink. I would get
drunk, act up and be the centre of attention.
I thought I needed to entertain. But now I
know I don’t have to do that.”
Some participants said they felt awkward
socially and so alcohol was used to give
them confidence to mix with others. Through
dialogue, they learned that alcohol shouldn’t
be the central component used to make
friends. The project shows them how they
can use dialogue to talk to people and make
new friends without needing to drink first.
Dr Magda Pieczka led the project with
Emma Wood. Magda said: “We have worked
in six high schools in Edinburgh for three
years. It became clear that young people
embraced this opportunity to take control of
their understanding of the issue of alcohol
with great enthusiasm and maturity. Many of
our AlcoLOLs felt changed by their dialogic
journey and that motivates them to help
others. There was a strong feeling of altruism
and responsibility to their peers.”
By harnessing the collective power of
young people, the AlcoLOLs project
has reached over 2000 pupils across six
Edinburgh schools. The project continued
to develop with the technique being used
to great effect with students during the first
week of Freshers at University, another stage
of transition normally associated with high
levels of alcohol consumption.
Professor Alan Gilloran, Deputy Principal
of QMU, said: “17.5% of all deaths in the 16
– 24 age group in Scotland are estimated to
be caused by attributable alcohol conditions.
Our alcohol culture is a major issue for our
health, safety, economy and our country’s
reputation. With the correct funding in place,
the AlcoLOLs project has the potential to
be rolled out to other areas of Scotland
to help tackle Scotland’s drinking culture
and improve health outcomes for future
generations.” ❒
An evaluation
of the project,
funded by The
Robertson Trust,
will be available in
Spring 2016. The
team is looking for
ways to expand
the project so that
young people all
over Scotland can
benefit.
QMYOU / Creativity and Culture
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