Reality Check is a project run by St Martins to educate secondary school children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Real people, who have been homeless in Norwich and supported through St Martins, tell their own stories in their own words. It is a chance for young people to hear the plain truth about drugs and alcohol – not from a teacher or counsellor, but from people who have experienced it for real and are in recovery.
In September 2012, a new group (Building Better Habits) began at Bishopbridge House to support residents wanting to build their confidence and make changes to their lifestyles.
The group agreed that they would like to use their knowledge of drugs and alcohol to give a presentation to young people and inform them of the associated dangers, they wanted to use their own life experiences to show the real side of addiction.
Importantly, the group wanted this to be hard hitting with a view that if they could persuade just one young person to either seek help for their misuse or prevent them going down the same path then they would have made a difference. The group also wanted to ensure that young people were aware of help available for friends and family.
Each member of the group has used their own experience and although some of the actual slides and talks may be hard hitting and uncomfortable, each member has been happy to be truthful and honest.
The Reality Check Presentation is now being presented to schools.