Promoting Safer Choices at Wilberforce Sixth Form College
At Wilberforce Sixth Form College, student safety and wellbeing are a top priority — which is why we’re proud to work with local organisations to provide meaningful, real-life learning experiences that go beyond the classroom. As part of our ongoing contextualised learning project with Renew, the aims are to inspire and educate our students. Recently our students took part in a dynamic harm reduction event, designed to promote informed, healthy choices around substance use.
The session was led by community trainer Mariana Suarez from ReNew, a strand of Refresh — a confidential support service for young people. Their work empowers young people to make safer decisions by providing practical advice, relatable stories, and trusted support.
The workshop was co-facilitated by Sami, Gary, and Naomi, whose approachable style and expert knowledge helped create a relaxed, open environment. They guided students through important topics such as understanding the risks of substance misuse and developing strategies for safer decision-making, all while encouraging honest conversations and provoking thoughtful discussion.
One of the event’s highlights was the dry bar — a fun, alcohol-free social space where students could enjoy mocktails and connect with others in a pressure-free setting. It was a hands-on way to show that socialising doesn’t have to involve alcohol, and that wellbeing and enjoyment can go hand in hand.
Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the experience as “eye-opening,” “relatable,” and “genuinely helpful.” The session gave students the tools, confidence, and knowledge to make positive choices — not only during their time at college, but in everyday life.
This event is just one example of how Wilberforce Sixth Form College is committed to preparing students for life beyond education. Through powerful partnerships and contextualised learning opportunities, we’re supporting young people to thrive – academically, socially, and personally.
