LAST week saw the official launch of a new short film resource for teenagers called “Up To You” at the Ardeer Youth and Community Centre, Stevenston.

The resource, which was created by the ‘Funky Films’ group, through funding received by Choices for Life, tackles the issues and consequences for young people surrounding drugs, alcohol and knife crime.

Choices for Life is a Police Scotland initiative aimed at raising awareness amongst young people aged 11-18, about the dangers of alcohol, drugs and smoking in addition to providing information on online safety and advice on how to deal with negative peer pressure.

Throughout the month of February, 25 young actors from across Ayrshire gave up their own time at nights and weekends to take part in the short film which focuses on the stories of characters Declan, Kayleigh and Ryan. The key message delivered throughout is that ‘choices are not always easy but they are always yours.’

The film and launch event has been the result of the involvement of various key partners including Police Scotland, North Ayrshire Council Youth Services, North Ayrshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership, No Knives Better Lives and the NHS.

At the event over 80 young people from secondary schools throughout North Ayrshire were shown the film and thereafter received educational inputs from partners. The inputs provided a clear preventative message around alcohol, drugs and knife crime while also encouraging positive decision making.

The event was the first of three with further events to take place over the coming weeks in both East and South Ayrshire.

Chief Inspector Brian Shaw, Area Commander for North Ayrshire, commented: “It has been great to welcome school pupils from across North Ayrshire to today’s event. The creation of this resource has been down to the hard work of the team at Funky Films, the young people who have given up their own time and the various partners that have been involved throughout the project. “Up to You” clearly shows the consequences and impact on young people when negative decisions are made.

“I look forward to seeing the use of this resource across North Ayrshire to ensure a clear preventative message on the topics of alcohol, drugs and knife crime.”