School Drug & Addiction Talks
Understanding the effects that the recreational use of addictive substances can have on people's lives is vital in today's world. More and more schools are seeking the help of independent experts to educate their pupils in this area and offer professional support to anyone suffering from the disease of addiction.
Simon Leigh is very skilled at providing interactive lectures to classes of all ages on the real dangers of addiction and the different types of addictive substances available. In addition to talking to the children, he very often conducts evening talks to the parents to keep them abreast of what their child is learning and to offer them the same guidance and advice.
Support is also available to any member of staff who may be suffering from the stresses of their work and who, increasingly commonly, find themselves becoming dependent on some form of addictive substance or behaviour.
Eating Disorder, Gambling and bespoke lectures are also available upon request.
Simon recently ran two workshops at the Headmasters & Headmistresses Conference (HMC) which was held in Liverpool in October 2009 in addition to being invited to speak to a group of Deputy Heads in North West London, hosted by Simon Stringer of Lyndhurst House.
"I would like to recommend Simon Leigh to schools or groups who are involved in educating young people about drugs. The session, run by Simon, that I attended was an extraordinary experience. As a presenter, he was engaging, informative and had the authenticity of someone who knew the dangers of drugs from first-hand experience. His message came across in vivid form that certainly caused the pupils to think carefully about the implication of ever taking drugs. A highly effective session." Martin Biltcliffe, Head of Drama.
"Simon's talk is hard hitting... He delivers important facts about a wide range of drugs without preaching." Anonymous teacher.
"I found Simon's talk authentic, touching, and informative. Starting from his own life experience, with excellent communication skills, Simon shares his vast professional and technical knowledge with his audience in a very approachable and effective way, making his talk very suited to engaging young minds and very useful for parents too. I strongly recommend it." Lorreta McGregor, Parent.
"The way in which you spoke had me hanging on every word...Your efforts to warn us of just a few of the things which could happen with drugs will undoubtedly be remembered and are firmly remaining in my head...You inspired a student at school on just another Thursday afternoon." Lower 6th Form Student
"I thought your speech was amazing. It really helped me learn more about drugs - I found I didn't know as much as I thought I did. You made it interesting & shocking...We needed someone to come in and tell us the harsh realities of drug taking and that's exactly what you did...I hope you come back to the college to do more lectures." Lower 6th Form Student
"Your lecture was informative, engaging and most importantly delivered with genuine passion and integrity...Information from someone who has actually 'been there and done that' has far more resonance than it would if delivered by someone from our staff." Dan Brown, Head of Year 13.
"I thought your talk was great...it was interesting and gave everyone the facts...I think you're really inspirational...if that doesn't make people think twice next time I'm not sure what will!" Student.
"The boys have almost universally found the content of the discussions and his approach to be beneficial and informative...It has proved to be very useful having somebody who is not a teacher or not closely connected to the school to talk to the children." Craig Watson, Deputy Head.
"There is no doubt that the power of his words will have had an effect on the way that those addressed perceive drug abuse...Feedback from pupils and parents was universally positive...I would be happy to recommend Simon to any school which is seeking to put on this kind of event" Helen Lawson, Head of RE and PSHE.
"The session lasted for 2 hours and the pace never dropped for a moment!" Simon Stringer, Deputy Head.
"Simon's energy and enthusiasm created an atmosphere in the room that maintained the interest of the 250 students. His mix of accurate scientific facts, humour and honest reality allowed students to really gain a handle on the difficult issues involved...The buzz and atmosphere leaving the hall amongst the students leads me to conclude that today will have an impact on the choices they make in the future." Andrew Barnard, Director of 16-19 Education.
"The talks were very well received by staff and students alike and we feel that your manner and approach were extremely well judged...you were consummately professional throughout...We look forward to the possibility of working with you again." Philip Rush, Deputy Headteacher.
"I think the boys, especially, gained from listening to you and we look forward to you coming in again during the next academic year" Vivian Thomas, Headmaster.
"Simon has given talks to Years 9, 10 and 12 and the feedback from all years was very positive. His talks were engaging and very informative with a comprehensive overview of the facts concerning a wide range of drugs and the consequences of addiction...the girls found his story compelling." Barbara Pomeroy, Deputy Head.
"The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive...As a school we would be more than willing to endorse you." Emma Duggan, Teacher.
"Simon's talk was much better than any previous drug education I got at school, it was much more memorable." Student.
"Effective, informative and credible." Student.
"Well pitched, I learnt new things." Student.
"Simon has visited North Bridge House Prep School on two occasions...The subject of the first talk was addiction and the second was drug taking. Both presentations were very well delivered and the boys learnt a lot, which led to many thought provoking questions...We would recommend him as he knows his subject matter well and pitches the talk at the children's level...We look forward to booking Simon again next year." Brodie Bibby, Headmaster.
"The students found the talk original in its approach and more effective than previous ones...They found the content relevant to their age group and they loved how frank you were... They appreciated being able to ask a lot of questions and never found you patronising." Lexi Spheris, Biology Teacher.
"That was the best assembly we've ever had. Can he come back?" NBH Senior School Pupil.
"Simon discussed the facts of drug abuse at the right level for the pupil audience without diminishing the serious message of the terrible impact a drug addiction can have on anyone's life. An essential lesson for all young people in today's society." Nicola Nicoll, Head of Science
"Simon shared a message that was factually raw and pastorally sensitive. The students were engaged and left reflective by the integrity and honesty that Simon brought." Adam Whitlock, Head of Religion, Philosophy & Ethics
"Simon gave a very informative and thought provoking talk to staff, parents and pupils at my school... He was able to give up to date information about the whole area of drug taking, the law and the effects of addiction... I can firmly recommend any school to book Simon as soon as they can." Edwin Brown, Headmaster, Quainton Hall Prep School
Awaiting testimonial.
"I was in the audience last night when you spoke to Year 7 and 8 parents and wanted to say a warm thank you for your very useful and frank talk. It clearly impressed my son, who is in Year 7, and gave us as parents a real boost in knowing that we need to prepare for some real conversations on the drugs issue, and some very helpful pointers on how to do so. I very much hope the Headmaster will bring you back next year to give the boys the follow-up talk." Anonymous Parent