Thanks to the support from the CAP Innovation Fund, our team, Wallasey Detached Youth Work Team, has been able to deliver a vibrant and impactful series of events aimed at raising awareness around substance use and promoting healthier alternatives for young people in our community.

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Preparation began with eye-catching posters displayed across Liscard and New Brighton, sparking curiosity and anticipation for the upcoming activities. A week before the event, we set up a community stall at Liscard Asda, engaging directly with members of the public. These conversations helped spread the word about the CAP project, our goals, and the importance of collaborative community partnerships.

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Over three energetic days in Central Park, our Detached Team connected with 30 young people, delivering interactive sessions focused on substance use awareness, particularly around alcohol. Through creative and engaging activities, we encouraged young people to explore emotional and physical sensations that promote a “natural high”—a concept designed to foster self-awareness, resilience, and a deeper connection to themselves and their community.

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One member of the public shared, “This is fantastic, they should have more things like this set up in every park in the summer.” Inspired by the experience, they returned the next day with their child to take part.

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Beyond Central Park, we’ve continued to explore these themes during detached sessions in Liscard, with a focus on the town centre and park areas. We also brought our resources to the New Horizons LGBTQ+ support group at Liscard Youth Space, engaging 15 members in substance misuse education.

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Our team designed sessions that were both fun and educational. The “drug ball” was a hit—young people eagerly caught it and answered questions, sparking meaningful discussions and busting myths about substances. We also incorporated condom demonstrations using beer goggles to highlight risky behaviours under the influence, covering topics like STIs, accidents, and emergency response, including how to place someone in the recovery position.

Alcohol awareness was another key focus. Using visual cards depicting various drinks and their alcohol content, young people were challenged to rank them by strength—often with surprising results!

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The natural high activities were a standout success. Circus skills equipment, especially the diablo, captured the interest of many. One young person attended two out of three days and showed such dedication that we gifted him a diablo to continue practicing at home.

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Relaxation tools like roller massagers and head massagers were also popular. One participant shared, “I’ve never been so relaxed.” Young people enjoyed experimenting with different aromas and reflecting on how each made them feel.

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Due to the nature of detached youth work the team have been able to take education and activities to young people where they are. Ensuring young people who may not engage in other services are receiving the correct information and have access to activities that provide an alternative to using substances. The Kontactabus (mobile youth provision) can be used in a range of settings and provides, not only a safe space for young people, but also enables youth workers to develop relationships that will continue to support them through their adolescence.

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We’re excited to continue the natural high theme with a bushcraft activity in partnership with Grow Wellbeing, scheduled for 6th December at Bidston Hill. More activities are being planned in collaboration with young people over the coming months.

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As some of the young people put it:

“Are all these activities free, nothing is ever free for us, this is amazing” Male, 14

“Can I come and volunteer here” Female, 14

“I didn’t realise you don’t get pain in your liver” Male, 15

“Why don’t we learn things like this in school” Male, 13

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