Thousands of Caerphilly school children attend anti-drugs play

Year Six pupils from across Caerphilly have attended the Blackwood Miner’s Institute to learn about the dangers of drugs through the play Wings to Fly.

The play, which was performed by the Caerphilly Youth Theatre, has been performed to year six pupils for the last 23 years.

It tells the story of a young girl who is introduced to drugs and alcohol by her friends, and explores issues around substance misuse.

It was commissioned by the Blackwood and Risca Crime Prevention Panel and funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent.

Brian Wilkins, chair of the panel, said: “The play was originally commissioned 25 years ago by Tony Curtis MBE, who was chair at the time, when his 11 year old daughter came home from the local comprehensive talking about drug paraphernalia. It has been played for year six pupils ever since.

“This is a critical year for them as they are moving on to comprehensive school and will be exposed to many new things. We hope that this play will give them a greater understanding of the dangers of substance misuse, and also where they can go for support if they need it.”

Jeff Cuthbert, Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, said: “This is a fantastic play and I would like to congratulate everyone involved for doing such a great job.

“It gives children a powerful message about the dangers of substance misuse and I hope that they will carry this message with them as they start a new chapter of their lives in secondary school.”