On the initiative of the Regional Working Group for Addiction Prevention (RAK), 14 educational professionals, addiction prevention teachers, school social workers and those involved in open youth work were recently trained as Tom & Lisa moderators in Idar-Oberstein as part of a full-day training course. The training event, which is divided into three modules, was conducted by Sebastian Herzig and Sabine Moser from the Idar-Oberstein municipal youth welfare office, Harald Pillny from the addiction counseling department at Caritasverband Rhein-Hunsrück-Nahe e.V. and Thomas Reichert from the addiction counseling department at Diakonisches Werk.
The "Tom & Lisa" prevention workshop is aimed at young people from all types of secondary schools, primarily between the ages of 14 and 15, i.e. grades 7 and 8, in their respective class groups. The aim of the future "Tom & Lisa" moderators is to teach risk competence and not abstinence. "Tom & Lisa" starts in the critical phase of adolescence, parallel to the start of alcohol consumption and the development of drinking patterns. Between the two two-hour modules, parents are also involved by conducting a short interview with them at home. This encourages them to discuss the topic with their families.
When young people start experimenting with alcohol, it can be dangerous. They are often unable to assess how alcohol affects them and where their personal limits lie. Consequences such as accidents, violence or serious alcohol poisoning therefore pose immediate dangers for young people. In the interactive Tom & Lisa workshop, the pupils plan such a fictitious party themselves, which also involves considering how to deal with alcohol. The young people gain an insight into the Youth Protection Act, are informed about the risks and dangers of dealing with alcohol and work out the advantages and disadvantages of a party without alcohol in teams. With the help of simulation goggles, they can simulate impairments such as misjudging distances or double vision caused by alcohol intoxication. In this workshop, the pupils also learn about the correct behavior in an emergency situation and practice first aid measures.
This facilitator training course enables all participants to run the "Tom & Lisa" class workshop independently, gives them access to the necessary materials and makes them part of Villa Schöpflin's Germany-wide Tom & Lisa network. Participation was certified and everyone received a certificate. Method boxes from the Villa Schöpflin addiction prevention center were needed to carry out the "Tom and Lisa Workshop". The organizers are pleased that the required materials were financed by the Roland Foundation from Veitsrodt and would like to express their sincere thanks.