Whole school approach: Ōtepoti Dunedin Whānau Hui

In early November, Tūturu Project Lead Kim Gotlieb hosted an event for whānau of students at six Tūturu-affiliated schools in Dunedin. 

The evening focused on providing parents and caregivers with data and information about young people's alcohol and other drug use.

Moving away from the “War on Drugs” mentality that has been prominent in Aoteraoa until recently, the presentation instead focused on a harm minimisation approach to alcohol and other drugs, 

Kim presented data which showed alcohol caused the most harm to rangatahi of any substance in Aotearoa.

“We really value the opportunity to expand our Tūturu mahi to include whānau, and intend on making these evenings a regular part of our Tūturu schedule," says Kim.

Following the presentation there was a Q&A session with a panel consisting of Dunedin Policeman and head of alcohol harm prevention, Sergent Steve Jones, Mirror HQ clinician Scott Turnbull and Tūturu lead Kim Gotlieb.

The questions were diverse and interesting, providing parents and caregivers answers from the varying perspectives of the expert panel. 

Kim says: "We know that Tūturu is having an impact in schools, now we also want to provide our communities with the information, resources and tools to best support them in what can be a difficult area with our young people.”

Sgt Steve Jones, Scott Turnbull, Kim Gotlieb