Scotland: Young people urged to “Learn from my mistakes - don’t wait to learn from yours”

Minister for Drugs and Alcohol in Scotland, Christina McKelvie with students at Craigroyston High School, Edinburgh

A new drugs campaign by Fearless – the youth service of Crimestoppers - has been launched by Minister for Drugs and Alcohol, Christina McKelvie, at Craigroyston High School, Edinburgh. 

Centered around the lived experience of Peer Mentors from criminal justice services, Fearless have produced a video podcast that is being shown to young people across Scotland on Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok.

Reflecting on their own personal stories of recovery, the Mentors spoke of their own journeys and how they now help others through substance misuse and the criminal justice system.

“My rock bottom should have killed me. Don’t wait until you hit your rock bottom. You might not survive your rock bottom. Take action now.

“Learn from my mistakes - don’t wait to learn from yours.”
 
Kevin, a Peer Mentor at The VOW Project based in Edinburgh 

“It’s not about being a grass, it’s about you caring for somebody. 

“It’s coming from a compassionate place, not a bad place, which I think, if people realised, would get them to speak up more.”
 
Pat, a Peer Mentor at the Positive Outcomes Programme in Glasgow

In addition to the video podcast, Fearless will be running outreach events in cities across Scotland throughout March. 

We will also be publishing a series of substance misuse themed blogs on our Fearless website for adults who look after or work with young people from the Child and Young People’s Centre for Justice (CYCJ), The DSM Foundation and the Scottish Ambulance Service.

“You only have to talk to young people to quickly realise how much they value authentic voices of experience. That’s why it was so important for me to bring Pat, Eddie, Donald and Kevin together to discuss their incredible journeys to recovery.

“The video podcast covers really crucial themes such as the way society can often de-humanise substance users; the exploitation of young people and vulnerable adults by serious organised crime gangs; and a message of hope by highlighting that recovery is possible. I’m hugely grateful to the VOW Project and the Positive Outcomes Programme, not just for supporting our campaign, but for the vital work they do in our communities.

“If you know or suspect who is responsible for the sale or manufacturing of drugs or the exploitation of vulnerable young people or adults, you can speak up 100% anonymously at Fearless.org. We can’t track your IP address or any contact details, but as Donald said, it can be lifesaving.”
 
Lyndsay McDade, Crimestoppers Scotland National Youth Projects Coordinator 

“It was a pleasure to support the launch of the Fearless Drug Awareness Campaign at Craigroyston Community High School. Listening to people with lived experience is instrumental in reducing stigma and helps prevent young people from falling into the same destructive cycle.

“While there has been positive work to support the recent decline in drugs deaths in those aged 25 and under, many people who experience harms from using drugs started their substance use at an early age.

“Information provided 100% anonymously to Fearless can help break the cycle of drug-taking and criminal exploitation.”
 
Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Christina McKelvie 

 

Learn more about the Fearless drugs campaign.