Havering Council is working with local schools in a bid to raise awareness of the risks of taking alcohol and drugs.
It is part of a five-year action plan to help young people between the ages of 12 and 24 to understand the implications of taking drugs and alcohol and the impact it can have on their lives, friends and families.
As part of the campaign, the Daniel Spargo Mabbs Foundation is visiting local schools to perform “I Love You, Mum”, a hard-hitting play based on the life of 16-year-old Daniel, who died after taking Ecstasy at a rave.
The ethos of the DSM Foundation is to educate young people about substances to reduce the harm to themselves and those around them.
Councillors Oscar Ford, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People and Councillor Gillian Ford, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, went along to Hornchurch High School, one of a number of schools hosting the performance, where they watched the play alongside pupils.
Nearly 300 Year 10 and Year 11 pupils watched the performance.
It was followed by a workshop with the cast, which gave the young people a chance to learn more about how to keep themselves safe, how to deal with peer pressure and to how to look out for their friends.
Pupils heard that the number of young people who take drugs and alcohol was low, at 6 percent.
Havering’s BeeWell Survey (2025) found that 1.8 percent of aged young people reported drinking alcohol a few times per week and 21 percent had at least one drink containing alcohol during the last six months.
While 1.4 percent of pupils reported taking drugs a few times every week and 3.5 percent had consumed drugs at least once in the past six months.
The councillors also got involved in a short questions and answers session with pupils.
Councillor Gillian Ford said:
“The performance was very impactful and offered a great insight into some of the pressures young people face.
The sessions help young people to learn about the different substances and the situations they may face, as well as opened up discussions.
“We ultimately hope that by raising awareness it will reduce the number of people wanting to use drugs, but also where there is use, a first-class treatment and recovery programme will help young people to overcome the situation.”
Councillor Oscar Ford said:
“Havering doesn’t have a massive problem with young people using illegal drugs and alcohol but this is about awareness and providing knowledge to prevent young people falling into situations that could potentially and tragically affect their lives.”
Headteacher Serena Madhvani said:
“The sessions were powerful and have no doubt made an impact on pupils.
This is something we will carry over into our classrooms where students can continue to learn and feel free to ask questions about drugs and alcohol.”
She also thanked Havering Council for making the workshop possible.