The Buzz

The Buzz was launched in Aberdeen on January 23rd 2001.

The Buzz was launched in Aberdeen on January 23^rd 2001. It is a "drugs education package written by young people for young people", and is dedicated to the memory of Tony Crombie (a pupil at Torry Academy) who tragically died of a Heroin overdose at the age of 17. With the support of sponsorship, the package aimed at 13 years and upwards, was produced by both pupils and teachers of Torry Academy and Grampian Police. Unique because of the significant contribution from the young people, it is at the very coalface of drug awareness. It is a hard hitting attack on drug misuse and the effect it has on those involved.

Taking the form of a video, CD and work activities pack, The Buzz so named because of the perceived short-term effect from drug misuse, is intended to complement and extend schools normal drugs education programme. The various work activities including formulation of group ideas, perceptions and needs, culminate in a group discussion asking how Tony Crombie’s life could have been saved. Ultimately the group can read and listen to poems written by Tony and his Mum, both of whom turned to the lifeline of poetry to express their torment and suffering in Tony’s last year.

The Buzz is an informative and excellent drug awareness package. It comes from the heart and is developed from the core of unfortunate experience. As a parent of secondary school children I would urge schools to take up this package.

TONY’S POEM

Sometimes I just do not want to live,

I am only seventeen, but I feel like I am two,

I have seen more shit than a grown man,

I have a big Heroin problem.

If it was not for my mum I would have done it a long

Time ago.

I have never been one for writing,

So I am not going to go on speaking bullshit.

Gone to be with loved ones.

Miss you lots.

PS

Sorry mum

Further details from:

Grampian Police Education Liaison Unit
55 Ellon Road Bridge of Don Aberdeen AB23 8ET
Tel: 01224 709970

Email: edliase@oifb.co.uk
Website: www.thebuzz.ukgo.com