Hard-hitting talk on gangs, knife crime, and drugs

PUPILS at Frome College were recently given a shocking and informative talk by renowned speaker, Paul Hannaford, who delivers workshops to teach young people about the dangers of addiction, drugs, and alcohol, as well as involvement in gangs, knife crime and county lines.

Paul talked through his own experiences as a former addict and held a session for parents to ask questions in the evening.

Principal Emma Reynolds said, “Paul Hannaford’s presentation is an integral part of our curriculum designed to help young people make healthy and safe decisions.  Having invited Paul to deliver workshops at college previously, I know young people understand the honest and hard-hitting message he shares about drugs, knife crime and anti- social behaviour.

“I hope that families who came to the talk in the evening found it informative; even if parents think their child will never take such risks, it is important to recognise the decisions young people may have to take in the face of peer pressure and hear the first-hand consequences of dangerous decisions and how situations can escalate very quickly.”

Paul added, “The reaction by some of the pupils was shocking – especially when I showed them photos of the open wounds I sustained from injecting heroin and crack for 20 years as they have never properly healed. I’m happy to say that I’m 14 years sober now.

“Hopefully I have given the students the opportunity to make the correct life choices. Addiction does not discriminate, and gangs and county lines will sell drugs to anyone and everywhere.”

To read Paul’s story in full visit his website: www.paulhannaford.com/life-story