Forward Leeds offered visitors to Leeds Pride tips on “How to Party Properly” last Sunday.
It was all part of the Forward Leeds “Wasted this Summer?” campaign, designed to help people make safer choices around alcohol and drugs. The team spoke to over 200 people in the Pride Market Place throughout the course of the day.
Early Intervention and Prevention Manager Bill Owen said: ”The diversity of Leeds Pride provides an excellent opportunity for Forward Leeds to reach out to different communities and discuss their drinking and drug taking habits. From the event a number of people identified that they should refer in to us or recognised that some of their drinking or drug use could become problematic.
Bill continued: “There was an interactive element with a “Beer Goggle Challenge” used to highlight the risks of alcohol on sexual behaviour and sweet and sour sweets to demonstrate the pot luck of street drugs, which helped engage the crowds.
“Whilst there was a steady footfall through the day, after the parade ended the stall was three deep with people wanting to speak to people and get involved, making it one of the most successful and colourful events of the summer.”