Sharon Torpey – The Drug Education Project

Personal Development, Well Within

One life lost due to alcohol or drug misuse is one too many….

The reality is all young people need drug and alcohol education, whether they indulge or not, as everyone can be affected by the choices of those who do. Our aim is to reduce the adverse health, social, cultural and economic consequences of alcohol and other drug use by minimising the harm for both the community and the individual.

The Drug Education Project is facilitated by a Health Teacher and a Paramedic.

Our sessions are practical and engaging, discussing the very real issues facing students today.

• We promote positive social norms and teach strategies to recognise and reduce harm.
• We believe given accurate information and practical strategies, our youth are better equipped to make “good” decisions.
• We will empower students to recognise harm, act quickly and appropriately, to reduce drug and alcohol related harm in their communities and perhaps even save a life!
• An important part of our message to both parents and students is “SAFETY”. We have developed an action plan that we believe will help our young audience to identify an alcohol or drug emergency and guide them to act. Students currently receive a business size card to place in their wallet that reminds them of the steps of this action plan.

The objective is to teach young people about the harmful effects of alcohol and other drug use, as a key preventative measure in the ongoing effort to address drug related harm. The sessions are interactive and we encourage questions! The aim is to get the students thinking, talking and involved in the process, and actively developing their own strategies to keep safe.

Sharon Torpey

As the Founder and Director of Drug Education Australia, Sharon Torpey has established herself as a leader in providing high-quality, factual drug education to school communities, sporting groups and at music festivals. Throughout her 25 years as a qualified Physical Education and Health Teacher, Sharon has connected with young people and their parents and caregivers in both primary and secondary settings. Her 15 year involvement with Vic Roads, where she facilitates their learner driver education program and the “Look after our Mates” interactive drink/drug driving program, showcases her commitment to promoting responsible driving and fostering a sense of community responsibility. Sharon’s dedication to drug education and her extensive experience make her a valuable figure in promoting awareness and informed decision making among young people.

One of Sharon’s key strengths is her ability to successfully engage with both students and the wider school community, making her highly sought after in her field. Her natural connection with young people is evident through her ongoing work in secondary education and “The Drug Education Project”. Sharon’s passion lies in ensuring that individual choices around drugs and alcohol are well-informed by the latest research. She emphasizes the importance of delivering information in a non-threatening, accessible, and age-appropriate manner. 

Sharon’s voluntary work with Dancewize (peer-based alcohol and other drugs harm reduction program) aligns with her overarching goal of empowering young people with the latest research on drug and alcohol use. By extending her reach to events and festivals, she contributes to a comprehensive strategy that addresses the diverse situations where young individuals may encounter substances.  Her involvement showcases a holistic approach to harm reduction, ensuring that individuals not only receive factual information but also practical guidance to make safer choices.

Her approach is not one-size-fits-all; instead, she adapts her strategies to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment. By fostering an atmosphere of open dialogue and understanding, Sharon encourages individuals to ask questions, and actively participate in their own learning journey.  By providing engaging and interactive education on alcohol and other drugs,  Sharon can help build young people’s capacity to make safer and healthier decisions as they navigate the challenges of growing independence.

 

Testimonials