Blaenau Gwent film will focus on dangers of mephedrone (From South Wales Argus)
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Blaenau Gwent film will focus on dangers of mephedrone
4:10pm Friday 15th February 2013 in Gwent news
A FORMER Blaenau Gwent deputy head teacher has been spurred into action to help combat the rise in use of a former legal high – mephedrone.
Jeff O’Reilly, now an education consultant, has conducted research with Blaenau Gwent youngsters – with the findings to form the basis of a 30-minute public information film drama about the risks of the substance.
The film, called The Good Drug Dealer and commissioned by the Blaenau Gwent-based multi-agency group Pace, starts filming later this month, with the launch planned for Easter.
Findings found that youngsters could name at least ten dealers within their town, while students could identify at least 25 regular users in their year group.
“The research was undertaken to understand the impact of the drug among our young people and will be used to increase authenticity within the storyline of the film,” said Mr O’Reilly.
Blaenau Gwent AM and Pace member Alun Davies said: “This is not a problem unique to Blaenau Gwent but seen across Wales and the UK, with growing evidence suggesting that the stimulant, which is cheap and easily obtained, is being used by younger people as it becomes increasingly prevalent on our streets.”
