Generation Hope are a group of young peopled (aged between 11-25) who are passionate about supporting each other and teaching/spreading awareness about drugs to their friends and peers - be it in or out of school, university, college or the workplace. Hope UK is a charity that wants to help young people grow confidently and make wise decisions in their lives, especially about drugs and alcohol. Ge
neration Hope is a project that equips young people with the skills to confidently live a Christian lifestyle that can inspire, develop and empower those around them. Members choose drug-free lifestyles and are offered opportunities to help lead Generation Hope activities and events, as well as make new friends and have lots of fun along the way. Members are all taught information about drugs and alcohol that they can use to teach their friends (and families) who may not know much about drugs. For example, one of our older members is doing a Sports Course at college and has noticed that his course mates regularly drink, smoke and take drugs. Through being a part of Generation Hope and having been given information and knowledge about drugs and alcohol he has used this as an opportunity to ‘explain my reasons ‘why’ [I do not drink/take drugs]. I’m known in the team so I feel like to have that knowledge would be key for me to help’. Generation Hope members also get invited to take part in exciting weekends away where they learn new skills that can help them grow in their normal everyday lives. Recently at our 11-14 year olds weekend away we looked at ways to develop confidence and a 16 year old Generation Hope member led a session on how to cope with bullying. As well as fun weekends and learning information those involved with Generation Hope are given opportunities to help lead and educate others in more formal settings about drugs and alcohol. Last year we had several young people attend the Houses of Parliament to talk to MP’s and this year some of the younger members have taken part in drug and alcohol street work.