Our Psychology Department offers Drug Prevention Workshop to high school students in collaboration with the Municipality of Thessaloniki

The Psychology Department of CITY College, University of York Europe Campus in collaboration with the Municipality of Thessaloniki organised a Drug Prevention Workshop for students from all the high schools of the municipality. The event was led by Dr Aristea Ladas and took place successfully on Wednesday 5th February 2025 at the Thessaloniki City Hall.

Dr Aristea Ladas, Dr Stella Karapa and Dr Kalliopi Megari

The workshop featured presentations by Dr. Aristea Ladas, Assistant Professor, and Dr. Kalliopi Megari, Academic Director of MSc in Clinical Psychology, from the Psychology Department of CITY College, as well as from an external scientific collaborator Dr. Stella Karapa, Psychologist-Child Psychologist. A group of dedicated psychology students volunteered their time and skills to assist in facilitating the workshop's activities.

The event aimed at increasing students’ awareness of the dangers and consequences of drug abuse and providing accurate information about different types of drugs, and their effects, as well as helping students develop critical thinking and decision-making skills  and empowering them to make informed, responsible choices regarding drug use.

Participating students engaged in experiential learning activities designed to educate them about both legal and illegal psychoactive substances that are commonly misused. A key aspect of the workshop involved co-creating behavioural protocols, to aid the student ambassadors in managing several drug-related scenarios that they may face in their life. The workshop was designed in the context of "training the trainers", with the aim of equipping participants with the appropriate tools to train themselves and the next ambassadors, ensuring the programme’s sustainability. The accompanying teachers also enhanced the collaborative atmosphere of the workshops, as they contributed their valuable insights.

Participants showed keen enthusiasm throughout all the activities and regarded the workshop as exceptionally informative and impactful.