Royal Adelaide Hospital PARTY program provides vital lessons

This is one party that might just change your life.

A group of students, in Years 10 and 11, has visited the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) for the Prevent Alcohol & Risk-related Trauma in Youth (PARTY) Program.

PARTY is described as “an innovative program that draws on the experiences of trauma professionals and trauma survivors to educate young people, by showing them what can happen when they make a risky decision”.

“This one-day event seeks to effect a change in young people, and ultimately reduce the incidence of preventable traumatic injury resulting from risk-related behaviour.”

According to recent statistics, 80% of young males between the ages of 15 and 19 who present to the RAH’s emergency department record a blood-alcohol level over the legal limit of 0.05. Trauma is responsible for 40% of deaths in young people.

The boys heard about the often-unexpected consequences of risk-taking and trauma, including first-hand accounts of injury and rehabilitation. They also heard from first responders and were shown the reality of the emergency department and ICU.

“From a personal point of view, Blackfriars is proud to have a continued relationship with the RAH and their PARTY program,” Director of Wellbeing Anthea Osborne said.

“This is one of the best holistic educational opportunities provided for our students to receive first-hand, practical information about trauma and the far-reaching impacts that it has on individuals, family and friends and local communities. 

“The experience of attending, even as an adult, was at times confronting and emotional. It prompted me to carefully consider my responsibilities as a driver and the support I have provided to my own children as young people interacting socially.

“We offer the opportunity to attend this program each year to Year 10 and 11 students.  I wholeheartedly encourage you to consider this for your sons when it is offered again in 2024.”

The parent of one student who was part of the PARTY program described it as a “unique opportunity”.

“I personally think the government should roll it out as compulsory for all teens to attend,” she said.

Another said her son has described the program as “excellent”.

“(My son) spoke about it over dinner and said he was so happy he went,” she said. “Thank you to the school for arranging and giving the boys this opportunity.”