Key Points
- The School Service of the North Wales Police held an event concerning the negative impacts of drug abuse.
- This event was held in October 2026 at Ysgol Sir Huw Owen.
- Specialist organizations and health experts attended this event.
- It included messages regarding the risks associated with substance abuse.
- They also informed about the support services that are available for teenagers and their families.
- This event was a component of preventive activities conducted in North Wales.
Wales (Wales Times) October 2026 – Young people at Ysgol Syr Huw Owen have taken part in a multi-agency event organised by the North uk/police/">Wales Police School Service to discuss the risks and harms associated with drug misuse.
As reported by North Wales Police, the event brought together specialist agencies and health professionals to provide evidence-based information about substance misuse. The force said the aim was to help young people understand the dangers of drugs and to make them aware of the support available to them and their families.
What did the event involve?
The event was hosted by Ysgol Syr Huw Owen and organised by the North Wales Police School Service. According to North Wales Police, it brought together a range of specialist agencies and health professionals.
The participating organisations delivered messaging based on evidence about the dangers of substance misuse. The force said the sessions also explained the support services available to young people and their families.
North Wales Police did not publish the full list of agencies involved, the number of pupils attending, or details of individual presentations in the material available for this report.
Why was the event held?
The event was designed to give young people direct access to information from professionals working in health, safeguarding and community safety. North Wales Police said the focus was on prevention, awareness and support rather than simply warning pupils about the consequences of drug use.
The School Service regularly works with schools across North Wales on educational programmes covering safety, wellbeing and crime prevention. This event formed part of that wider approach by combining police engagement with specialist health and agency input.
What messages were shared?
As stated by North Wales Police, the event delivered “evidence-based messaging about the dangers of substance misuse and the support available to young people and their families”.
The force did not specify which substances were discussed. However, the stated purpose was to ensure pupils received accurate information about the risks of drug misuse and knew where to seek help.
How does this fit wider prevention work?
The event follows other North Wales initiatives aimed at reducing drug-related harm among young people. In March 2026, health professionals joined North Wales Police and partner agencies at a “Be smart, don’t start” educational event at Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi, which focused on the physical and psychological risks of ketamine misuse, according to Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.
That earlier session involved professionals from stoma care, dental services, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and paediatrics, and was attended by around 250 young people aged between 13 and 16.
In July 2026, North Wales Police, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Public Health Wales, Adferiad and other regional partners launched the “I Wish Someone Had Told Me” campaign on the dangers of ketamine misuse among young people. As reported by Yahoo News, the campaign used personal accounts to encourage early conversations and intervention.
Background of the development
North Wales Police’s School Service works with schools to deliver educational sessions on issues affecting children and young people, including personal safety, wellbeing and the risks linked to crime and substance misuse. The force describes multi-agency working as a way of bringing specialist knowledge into schools rather than relying on a single organisation.
The latest event at Ysgol Syr Huw Owen reflects that model. By involving health professionals and specialist agencies alongside police, organisers sought to present pupils with practical, evidence-based information and signpost support for those who may need it.
Prediction: how may this affect young people and families?
For pupils, the event may improve awareness of the risks linked to drug misuse and make it clearer where confidential help can be found. For parents and carers, it may encourage earlier conversations at home about substances, peer pressure and wellbeing.
For schools and local services, the development may strengthen referrals and early intervention if young people feel more able to raise concerns. The overall effect will depend on follow-up support, continued engagement between schools, families and specialist services, and whether pupils apply the information in real-life situations.
