A PRODUCTION aimed at preventing substance abuse toured schools in Wiltshire this week, following a new creative collaboration between Wiltshire Council and a theatre company.

As part of NPS Awareness Week this week, Wiltshire Council and DHI (Developing Health and Independence) worked with The Natural Theatre Company to create an interactive and theatrical resource to tour schools and colleges in the area.

Cannabis and alcohol are still the main drugs of choice for young people but there are a small amount of young people experimenting with New Psychoactive Substances (Legal highs).

Experts worked with both young clients who have experience of taking NPS and professional actors to create a resource which will warn young people about the dangers of taking these drugs.

The Natural Theatre Company is the UK brand leader in comic interactive street theatre, whose trademark is immaculate and well-observed characters placed in surreal situations. Their work is accessible, fun and interactive.

It aims to address three key areas:

1. Legal doesn’t mean safe – Despite some NPS highs not being covered by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, it does not mean they are less dangerous. These substances have not been tested for human consumption.

2. You don’t know what you’re getting – NPS highs often come in colourful, branded packaging which in no way indicates what substances are contained within.

3. Motiv8 can help – Motiv8 is a free and confidential service that provides accurate advice and information about substances, and offers 1:1 support for anyone who is experiencing problematic drug use. For more information please contact 0800 1696136 or email info@dhimotiv8.org.uk.

The NPS productions took place across various schools from Monday to Thursday, while DHI is also holding a public performance at Trowbridge County Hall tomorrow at 11am, 1pm and 3pm in the atrium.