An award-winning programme to educate teens about the dangers of underage drinking is coming to schools in Reading and Theale.
Smashed, which combines theatre with interactive workshops, is set to visit nine Berkshire schools during the week of March 17.
The schools include Oakbank, Maiden Erlegh, Langtree, and Theale Green.
Now in its 20th year, Smashed has reached more than 580,000 students in Great Britain and 5.5 million students globally.
(Image: Smashed)
It is an initiative by Collingwood Learning, supported by Diageo, aimed at making secondary school children aware of the facts, causes, and consequences of underage drinking.
Smashed’s Managing Director, Chris Simes, said: “We are excited to return to Berkshire with Smashed Live in Spring 2025.
“Despite the progress made in reducing underage drinking across Great Britain, it remains crucial to continue reinforcing our message.
“Our team is eager to engage young people across Berkshire about the ongoing health and social risks of drinking underage.”
The programme’s combination of live theatre, workshops, and digital experiences has proven effective.
(Image: Smashed)
In the 2023-2024 school year, 73 percent of students in Great Britain stated they were less likely to drink underage after attending a Smashed performance.
The project works closely with Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAPs), an organisation dedicated to reducing alcohol-related harm among the youth by engaging councils, police, retailers, schools, health providers, and community groups across the UK.
Nuno Teles, Managing Director at Diageo GB, said: “I am so proud that Smashed has reached its twentieth year in Great Britain.
“This really is a testament to the incredible impact of the programme worldwide, consistently delivering a fantastic learning experience for young people with a proven significant increase in understanding of the dangers of underage drinking.
“At Diageo, we are deeply committed to tackling underage drinking and we hope that the students we are visiting across Berkshire will not only gain valuable insights from the performances, but also leave better informed and prepared to make responsible choices about alcohol.”
Of those attending a Smashed session, 87 percent of students said they would know where to get help if they or someone they knew had alcohol problems.
This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by promoting health and well-being among adolescents, a key demographic for fostering lifelong healthy habits.
Ultimately, Smashed aims to educate 10 million young people by 2030.
The programme has expanded with Smashed Online, offering filmed clips, interactive tools, and assessments that can be completed at school or at home.