07 Oct Innocence Lost: Stories of Youth Addiction on PEI

A Youth Engagement Project

In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in youth visiting who are struggling with prescription drug abuse or addiction. There has been much discussion about how we, as a province, can address this and better serve and keep our youth safe and we have been working on youth-driven solutions at the club.

Youth who were accessing the supports of our Survival Centre felt empowered when they shared their stories, hoping that they could help make a difference and change the stories of other youth for the better. They brought to us the idea of creating a video in which they could share their stories with a larger audience.

We applied for a grant to complete a youth engagement project from Health PEI and were successful. The video below is the result of the ideas of youth, vision of our staff and the artistic style of the team at Lowell Productions.

The video is currently being used as an education tool at youth correction centres, local high schools, residential treatment centres, social services support groups and more. We encourage community members to use and distribute it and can also lend DVD copies to groups if needed. The video tells real stories, some of which are disturbing and highly emotional. We encourage adults to watch it and use their own discretion in whether or not it is appropriate for the population they wish to share it with.

We believe generating awareness and understanding is a key part of finding the right solutions to this serious issue and we are happy to present our 26 minute film. Are you using this video? Do you have questions, concerns, or comments? We’d love to hear from you. Email krista@bgcharlottetown.com or contact her at (902) 892-1817.