In this blog, Collingwood’s Director and Chair Chris Simes shares the incredible journey of Smashed: from the pilot project for English schools back in 2009, to the global influence programme delivered in 38 countries around the world and reaching millions of young people today.

What inspired the creation of ‘Smashed’?

When we founded Collingwood Learning we wanted to tackle youth social issues using innovative approaches, such as the use of theatre as a learning tool. We had been running consultation workshops with young people on issues most prevalent to them and they identified alcohol as a cause of concern and dilemmas in their lives. This inspired us to work with them to explore the world of underage drinking, the causes, consequences and the social dynamics that surround youth choices around alcohol.

How does ‘Smashed’ approach alcohol education differently from other initiatives, what specific educational methods and tools does the ‘Smashed’ program employ?

Smashed Live uses live theatre in school to tell a powerful story of three young people’s interaction with alcohol and how it impacts their lives. It’s followed up with a workshop to help the students identify the risks associated with drinking and how they affected the characters. We also then ‘rewind’ the drama to critical moments where young people could have made safer decisions and work with the audience to identify strategies for decision making around alcohol. We have more recently developed Smashed Online, an e-learning version of the course (as a result of the pandemic) which uses the same techniques but through film and interactive digital techniques. We know from extensive evaluation that students find the approach incredibly engaging and memorable and feel empowered by the learning experience. Essentially, they are driving the learning outcomes, rather than being dictated to!

What age groups does the program target, and why is it important to engage with these demographics?

We chose very early on to target Key Stage 3 students, specifically Years 7&8 in England (although the programme is also international). We know that by the age of 15, the vast majority of young people are drinking or have drunk alcohol. So we want to reach them before that point and equip them with the knowledge, awareness and skills to be more prepared for the moment that it is offered to them. Understanding that they can make an informed choice, and having the ability to say ‘no’ whilst maintaining their peer relationships means they are more likely to make better choices. Of course, this varies around the world as student populations vary but our overall goal is to reach them ahead of time.

How does ‘Smashed’ address cultural differences and nuances in different countries around the world?

We’ve been on quite a journey, working with delivery partners all around the world. The project is now in 38 countries and so we work hard to help partners translate the content, not just linguistically but culturally. Whilst the storyline is a universal one that is relevant to all young people, there are lots of small variations that we need to make. For example, access to alcohol is very varied around the world, as well as the sorts of places where young people might hang out and drink underage. So listening to the realities of youth culture in the different countries Smashed is delivered in is very important.

What impact has the program had on participating communities and individuals so far?

We evaluate the project in every country, and over 80% of young people last year said they were less likely to drink as a result of experiencing Smashed. They also feel considerably better equipped to make the right choice around alcohol, and where to get help. 89% of young people think our approach is a great way to learn, and over 90% of teachers would have us back next time. I am also passionate about the broader impact Smashed is making – from young actor facilitators being role models in school, to exposing young people around the world to a creative experience they would otherwise not have had. Having travelled extensively to see the project being delivered, the community impact and value placed on the work by all manner of stakeholders is remarkable.

What are the future plans and aspirations for ‘Smashed’ in terms of expansion, outreach, and impact?

Now operating in 38 countries, our mission is to educate 10m young people by 2030. I think as the project has gone through such an extraordinary growth, our focus is very much on constantly refining the programme, keeping it contemporary, and sharing best practice from our brilliant partners around the world. Sustainability is really important when you do something in education – we want to be visiting schools every year to ensure the message is delivered consistently and embedded in the school. Of course, there are a few countries where we would love to deliver the project remaining, particularly China and the US, so watch this space!