Last year Choices for Life successfully moved from the large scale concert style event delivered to Primary 7 children at venues around Scotland to an online environment delivering live webcasts to pupils in Primary 7 through to S6 on substance misuse issues and making positive lifestyle decisions. A key feature of the live webcasts was short TV-style dramas highlighting the difficult choices faced by young people and the possible consequences of substance misuse. Also included were interviews with bands, singers, athletes, Scotland football manager Craig Levein and an inspiring message from Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond. Interactive panel discussions were held as part of the webcast.

So that the messages of Choices for Life can reach a larger audience and get the information out in a way that people can access at a time and place and in an manner that suits them the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency (SCDEA) and Young Scot are developing a new Choices for Life website. It will be a one stop shop for young people, teachers, parents and carers and youth workers to gain relevant and credible information and advice on various topics including tobacco, alcohol, drugs and internet safety. In addition there will be a mobile site allowing people to check in while on the go. The materials for educators will be fully aligned with the Curriculum for Excellence.

A consultation with young people in the target audience has been undertaken by SCDEA and Young Scot. The purpose of this consultation was to find out what information and content young people would like and need on the Choices for Life website and how they would like it presented. Young people, teachers and youth workers have also participated in user experience testing, inputting their thoughts and ideas to the design and content of the website. A taste of what you can expect from the website can now be seen at www.choicesforlifeonline.org.

The website will be fully launched on the 12th September from the Glasgow Science Centre and will be broadcast live on GLOW and YouTube to give as many people as possible the opportunity to view it. There will be a mix of music, special guests and VIP’s. Keep checking out the webpage www.choicesforlifeonline.org for further updates and information.