What is Choices for Life?

“Choices for Life” has been running successfully for a number of years. In 2008 more than 45000 primary seven children attended events across Scotland. The programme has been created by the Scottish Police Service with local authorities and has been developed with the help of teachers, police officers and other community professionals and will be delivered across Scotland in May 2009. It is supported by the Scottish Government.

Choices for Life is a 2 hour programme which has been designed to help children make positive “life decisions”. These events help children resist peer pressure and show them the benefits of opting for a healthy lifestyle, free of tobacco, alcohol and other harmful substances (i.e. drugs).

At each event positive messages are communicated to children through music, drama and interactive activities and often feature well known pop artists and celebrities. Both the energy and enthusiasm of all that take part makes a real and positive impact on young people.

Choices for Life is designed to allow schools to use it as a vehicle for learning and discussion in the class room. It is also hoped that parents and carers will take this opportunity to discuss some of the issues with their children at home providing children with a better understanding to help them deal with these inevitable issues, allowing them to take positive steps to a brighter future.

Choices for Life also provides ways for parents or carers, to access further information, giving help and support in dealing with these issues with the onset of  teenage years.  Research shows that with strong support at home children are less likely to engage in risky behaviour, such as taking alcohol or other harmful drugs. 

For more information and links to relevant websites for reliable and credible information around these issues then please visit www.choicesforlife.com.