Risky behaviours such as substance misuse have immediate, short term impacts on a young person’s outcomes. However there are wider societal impacts also. Addressing misuse of alcohol costs NI an estimated £900 million each year; and diseases where smoking could be a contributory factor – another £164 million. Substance misuse is also strongly associated with poor mental health, with earlier use associated with a high risk of serious health problems.
All Stars is a schoolbased, early intervention and prevention programme for young people aged 8 to 14 years. It was developed in the US by Dr Bill Hansen and is based on almost 30 years of prevention research and practice. All Stars has two key aims:
- Preventing risky behaviours (e.g. drug use and anti-social behaviour)
- Helping young people build bright futures
However All Stars does more than prevent risky behaviour. By working on the two primary aims in tandem, the programme helps young people realise their potential by also promoting positive personal characteristics. This report reviews the findings from our delivery of the All Stars Programme in schools in Northern Ireland.