In recent weeks young people from Hallgarth Young Persons Organisation (HYPO) have been looking at safe and responsible driving

After securing some funding from Frieda Scott, youth workers have been able to spend some time with informally educating young people around safe and responsible driving – and the effects alcohol can have on this.

Young people have been playing the classic Nintendo Wii racing game ‘Mario Kart’, wearing beer goggles – which give the wearer the illusion of ‘drunk vision’ – helping them to realise that their vision would be distorted when they drink, which leads to loss of coordination and the inability to drive.

As a practical experiment, youth workers, supported by Cheryl from Cumbria Youth Alliance,  looked at two chicken livers, soaking one in alcohol and leaving both for a week (see picture below for end result). This gave young people a chance to see the effects of alcohol on a person liver.

Other activities have included going to Kendal Fire Station (RAT) to see a car being cut up after an accident and going go-karting as a driving experience.

The work is currently ongoing, but once finished, all young people taking part will have their work accredited through an ASDAN Award.

 Hallgarth Young Persons Organisation (HYPO) meets at Hallgarth Community Centre, Kendal on a Wednesday night (6.30pm-9pm).

If you would like more information please contact: Emma Banks on 07955 053902