save-a-mate is a peer-education based workshop, designed to teach alcohol and other drug knowledge and first aid in relation to alcohol and other drug emergencies.
The programme is based on the International Red Cross and Red Crescent approach of harm minimisation in relation to alcohol and other drugs. It is designed to teach people how to respond to any adverse alcohol and other drugs incidents that they experience.
The save-a-mate (SAM) programme is a four-hour workshop. It involves presentations, activities and group work. The first part of the workshop looks at how alcohol and other drugs affect the body, drug classification and the effects of alcohol and other drugs (what you see...).
The second part of the workshop looks at harm minimisation when using alcohol and other drugs and applying first aid when things go wrong (what to do!).
The programme targets youth aged 14 - 25 years and those who work with them.
The purpose of SAM is to strengthen the health and wellbeing of young people by providing education on current and emerging health issues related to alcohol and other drug use. Based on a peer education model, it develops the capacity of young people to provide support to peers on issues to do with alcohol and other drugs by building resilience, increasing support networks and preventing uptake of harmful behaviour.
New Zealand Red Cross started SAM in direct response to a clear need in New Zealand - for simple, relevant and believable information about the use of alcohol and other drugs and safety for youth.
SAM is delivered through existing organisations (such as community groups, youth groups, residential facilities or treatment and support programmes). If you would like to enquire about having a SAM workshop at your organisation please contact us.
why is Red Cross engaged in this issue?
Responding to alcohol and other drug use and the immense personal and social costs it creates is a challenge for all of society. It is complicated by the fact that use of alcohol and other drugs is complex problem with multiple causes and no one, simple solution.
Red Cross' SAM programme is one response to the challenge of alcohol and other drug use among youth.
SAM offers education in regards to the potential harm that can be caused by alcohol and other drugs and, critically, vital and potentially life-saving knowledge in how to assist someone who is suffering from the effects of alcohol and other drug use.
Red Cross firmly believes that by supporting our young people with practical, honest, implementable information and tools about how to reduce harm and assist those suffering from the effects of alcohol and other drugs.
This supports our mission by both ‘improving the lives of vulnerable people' by offering education and practical tools to our youth and ‘enhancing community resilience' by educating youth in important and practical first aid skills.
Site by Face