Our work

Our approach

Our aim is to enable children and young people to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing, through the lens of risk-taking behaviours.

We identify and deliver work that is informed by the lived experience of young people.

This includes:

Projects that work directly with young people and those who support them

Partnering with local and national agencies

Providing upskilling and training in health-wellbeing related issues to those working or volunteering with young people

Supporting and promoting peer education through Peer Inspiration Projects Scotland (PIPS) on issues including alcohol use, gambling and substance use. Using a range of interactive and engaging activities including digital games and theatre in education to raise awareness of risk-taking behaviours with young people

We advocate a public health approach to preventing risk-taking behaviours - education is a key part of that drive.

We are committed to working with as many children and young people in formal and informal education settings, both state and private, empowering them to support each other.

Addressing risk-taking behaviours

Changes in teenagers’ brains make it hard for them to think about consequences or what might happen in the future.

They are also hugely influenced by peer approval which is why teenagers can so often make things worse by encouraging each other in risky situations.

Our early intervention and prevention approach enables us to inform children and young people’s decision making on a range of topics, which currently include;

Alcohol

Substances

Growing numbers of young people experience challenges due to substance use and are in need of support. However, societal attitudes connected to substance use and addiction, and lack of awareness of available services, or belief that there are no suitable services available, prevent many from seeking help.

As a result, young people are suffering in silence rather than reaching out for help. Fast Forward’s sessions encourage open discussion and a safe space to share information and support.

Tobacco and vaping

Many young people are not aware of the negative impact smoking, vaping and other nicotine and tobacco products can have on their mental health and wellbeing.

This is not necessarily included in tobacco / vaping prevention education and there is a lack of accessible information on the topic.

Fast Forward raises awareness amongst young people of the positive impact that living nicotine free can have on their mental health and wellbeing.

Drink spiking

Gambling

Peer pressure and informed decision making