> Qdos hits schools to tackle teenage pregnancy
Press
Qdos hits schools to tackle teenage pregnancy
photo: Mick Mitchell
The latest Qdos Dance Theatre production, Under The Influence, starts a brand-new tour of Barnsley secondary schools and youth centres this week (Wednesday, March 4).
Commissioned by Barnsley Primary Care Trust and Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council’s Community Safety Service, it deals with a very topical issue – teenage pregnancy.
First performed in 2005, the production has been updated to stress the link between young people, alcohol and teenage pregnancy. The aim is to encourage young people – both boys and girls - to think about the consequences of their attitudes and behaviour.
The subject is very timely, considering the case of 13-year-old father Alfie Patten which has dominated the headlines in recent weeks, and the recent government figures, which show that conception rates amongst under-16s have risen for the first time since 2002.
Helen Chambers, Neighbourhood Specialist for NHS Barnsley, said: “Under the Influence takes a look at binge drinking and risk-taking in a way that a leaflet or poster could never do. It’s not about finger-wagging or judging. Qdos make the play lively, energetic and hopefully it is something that will have an impact on our local young people.”
Each production will include a performance, which lasts approximately one hour, followed by a workshop attended by pupils, plus teachers, school nurses, family planning experts and police officers who work with young people. The workshop is designed to allow young people to ask questions and to explore the issues of binge drinking and unplanned pregnancy.
Sarah Mainwaring, Partnership Director, Barnsley Safer Communities Partnership, said: "As usual I am extremely pleased with the performance from Qdos. Their in-depth research into this complex issue comes through the performance and I am certain it will engage the young people who see it. I am confident it will make a significant impact on reduction in under-age binge drinking and the links to sexual assault and teenage pregnancy are clearly highlighted."
Allen Dickens, Children’s and Young Persons’ Officer, South Yorkshire Police, added: “I haven’t seen anything like this before. I am very impressed with the performance. It has great validity, and is pertinent – right up there with young people’s way of thinking.”
Under the Influence features four Qdos performers: Julia McGhee, Katy Marsh, Paul Bateson and Kim Ruddock, who use movement, words and music to explore what happens when risk-taking behaviour leads to an unplanned baby.
Anjie Taylor, Artistic Director, Qdos, commented: “We are delighted that the production has been re-commissioned and the success of the last tour has been recognised. We hope that the young people will enjoy the live performance and as a result will be more informed about the dangers and consequences of alcohol.”
The tour starts at Cudworth Youth Centre, Snydale Road, Cudworth, Barnsley, S72 8LH, at 7pm on Wednesday, March 4, and ends at Holgate School on Thursday, April 23.