NHS Tayside perform play in Perthshire schools

Mar 2 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

ISSUES faced by youngsters in Perth and Kinross are to be brought to life in a play.

Aimed at third year pupils and entitled ‘Its Funny How Things Turn Out’, the stage drama explores a host of issues – such as relationships, sexual health, drugs, bullying, alcohol misuse, smoking and peer pressure.

Having already paid a visit to Perth Academy and Perth High School, the production will also stop off at eight other secondary schools across the Big County and beyond.

The month-long tour, which is set to finish at Morrison’s Academy on March 26, has been organised by NHS Tayside’s Felicity Snowsill, in partnership with Perth and Kinross Council and Dundee College’s theatre arts team.

Felicity Snowsill said: “The schools team within NHS Tayside has a long history of working successfully in partnership with Dundee College and, specifically, working with them to explore a range of health issues with young people.

“It’s hoped that the pupils will benefit from the opportunity to consider the issues and, also, the importance of beginning to take responsibility for their own health.

“They will learn who their local contacts are and will be encouraged to make use of local health facilities – rather than finding themselves in a position where their health is being compromised,” she said.

The pupils also take part in workshops and a question and answer session with NHS staff.