Launch of innovative project to help children cope with parental alcohol misuse

12/01/2009

Around 1500 West Lothian primary school children are set to take part in an innovative pilot project, developed by Alcohol Focus Scotland, aimed at addressing the harm caused to children as a result of parental alcohol misuse.

Fiona Hyslop Lothians MSP, today (12th January 2009), launched the "Rory Learning Resource" at Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School, Blackburn.

Nine primary schools in West Lothian have received a 'Rory' pack as part of the Community Action - Blackburn (Changing Attitudes to Alcohol) Project. The pack uniquely includes MP4 players - along with a storybook, puppet, games and worksheets. The resource is based on Rory, a fictional dog who can't understand why his owner neglects him, until it's explained that it's because his owner drinks too much.

The approach, combining the latest technology and traditional story-telling to help children understand the impact of alcohol abuse, is a first for Scotland and the project has already attracted global interest from as far afield as Canada and Belgium, where education specialists also plan to pilot the Rory Learning Resource.

Teachers will be able to use the pack in different ways to help pupils understand feelings they might experience when living with someone who has an alcohol problem and encourage children to speak to a trusted adult. Adults reading the book will also gain a better understanding of the impact of parental alcohol misuse from a child's perspective.

Staff at Pinewood School, Blackburn have adapted the Rory story for use with children who have additional support needs. The pack is also suitable for use with a child on a one-to-one basis, for example, by a social worker or counsellor.

It is estimated that over 65,000 children in Scotland are affected by parents who drink too much. Children who have to cope with their parents' unpredictable behaviour, rows, neglect, or domestic violence, can feel ashamed and often under-achieve at school.

This new approach has been made possible by combining the knowledge and insight of Alcohol Focus Scotland and NHS Health Scotland, the technological imagination of Fife-based Do Be Ltd, which develops fun and interactive learning tools, and the financial support of drinks business Diageo, working alongside the Scottish Government's Alcohol Industry Partnership.

On the day, Lothians MSP, Fiona Hyslop commented:

"I am delighted to be able to launch the Rory project and I believe that its message can support children who do unfortunately experience the unpredictable and often violent repercussions of living with alcohol abuse. The Rory learning pack is a remarkable resource which will allow staff and pupils a new approach to combating the serious problems that over 65,000 children in Scotland have to endure every day."

Jack Law, chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland said:

"We are pleased to be working with schools and organisations in West Lothian to pilot this important resource pack. Too many children's lives are blighted by a parent or carer's alcohol problems so if we can help just one child to understand that they are not alone and there are people they can talk to about their feelings, then the project will have been a success."

Lorraine Martin, Diageo's Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, said:

"We are delighted to be supporting this exciting project which forms part of Diageo's ongoing commitment to encouraging people to embrace a responsible attitude towards alcohol consumption. Supporting educational programmes which help improve awareness in young people is a key part of our activity to promote responsible drinking."