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Amplify!, Odyssey House Auckland’s highly successful schools-based programme designed for youth at risk of problems with alcohol and drugs,  received funding from alcohol-free fundraising initiative FebFast 2011.

Participants in FebFast 2011 went alcohol-free for the month of February to raise money which was then distributed to organisations that reduce the impact of alcohol and other drug problems among young people.

The Amplify! Programme is operating in four schools in the Waitemata DHB area, and four schools in Auckland City.

Amplify! dramatically reduced or eliminated alcohol and drug use amongst many at-risk students who  participated.  Participants are more likely to remain at school and less likely to engage in anti-social behaviour like drug dealing, violence, and bullying. They improve their relationships with their families and say they feel happier and calmer.

Early intervention and treatment in schools is a cost-efficient approach to drug abuse prevention in New Zealand. Odyssey's dream is that every school in the country will be able to offer this programme so we were delighted that Amplify! was chosen to receive funds from FebFast 2011.

Young people and school staff are universally positive about the service.  In fact, the main complaint was that there were not enough sessions available in schools.

The service has been developed in partnership between Odyssey House Auckland, school principals and governors, specialist drug and youth services, DHBs, local police and youth justice agencies, parents, and young people.

The programme enables young people to set and achieve their own goals, and empowers them to address problems across a wide spectrum, not just alcohol and drugs.  It is delivered by a team of Youth Practitioners who work as members of each school’s student support service, which makes it easier for young people to access.

For further information, please contact:

Philip Grady
CEO, Odyssey House Auckland
09 623 1447
philipg@odyssey.org.nz