More than 1,500 Shropshire kids try 'beer goggles' as bereaved mum teaches them about the dangers of alcohol
Former Shrewsbury mayor tells kids the story of her late daughter at huge safety event
More than 1,500 Shropshire kids wore “beer goggles” as they learned about the dangers of alcohol, inspired by the story of a mayor’s late daughter.
The powerful awareness workshop, created by Jane Mackenzie, was held at the Crucial Crew event in Shrewsbury - a huge annual get-together where primary school leavers learn safety lessons before going off to secondary school.
The workshop, called Amy’s Story, uses the real-life story of young Shrewsbury woman Amy Jane Liebich, who died in 2019 aged 37 after a long struggle with alcohol addiction.
Amy’s mum and former Shrewsbury mayor Jane created it to help young people understand the risks associated with alcohol and make informed decisions as they grow up. She also founded and is chair of the charity Share Shrewsbury to raise awareness about addiction.
The workshop combines facts about alcohol with Amy’s personal story. Children learn how alcohol can affect the brain and body, how peer pressure can influence decisions, and where to seek help if they are worried about themselves, a friend or a family member.
Jane said: “Amy was bright, creative, charismatic and deeply loved. Like many young people, she began experimenting with alcohol as a teenager.
“What started as something that seemed harmless gradually developed into an addiction that dominated her life and ultimately contributed to her death at just 37 years old.
“I cannot change what happened to Amy, but I can share her story in the hope that it helps other young people stay safe. If one child is protected from future harm because of these conversations, then Amy’s legacy is making a difference.”
Crucial Crew is one of the largest safety education events in Shropshire, bringing together emergency services, local authorities and charities to help children understand the challenges and risks they may face as they move towards secondary school.
This year, Amy’s Story became one of the most talked-about workshops. Through interactive activities, discussion and personal testimony, pupils were encouraged to think about the choices they make and the impact those choices can have on their future health and wellbeing.
One of the most popular activities involved ‘beer goggles’, which simulate the effects alcohol can have on coordination and judgement. The challenge often produces laughter, but it also leaves children with a memorable lesson about how alcohol can impair decision-making and increase risk.
While many people think of alcohol as a normal part of growing up, health experts say that delaying drinking for as long as possible is one of the most important ways parents can protect their children.
The UK’s Chief Medical Officers advise that an alcohol-free childhood is the healthiest and safest option.
Research consistently shows that young people who begin drinking at an early age are more likely to experience alcohol-related problems later in life.
Studies have also found that parents who provide alcohol to children in the belief that it will teach them to drink responsibly may unintentionally increase the risk of later alcohol harm.
Jane said: “Parents are not powerless. In fact, they are the single most important influence in their child’s life. By setting clear boundaries, delaying drinking for as long as possible and keeping conversations open and honest, parents can make a real difference.
“Amy’s story is not about frightening children. It is about giving young people knowledge, confidence and the ability to make informed choices. It is also about giving parents the information they need to help keep their children safe.”
Share Shrewsbury is now expanding its schools programme across the county and has trained additional workshop leaders so that more schools can benefit from Amy’s story
“We have been fortunate in finding six talented and committed leaders who have become our Team Amy, and who are keen to deliver workshops in local schools and community settings.”
The charity is also developing resources and support for parents, recognising that alcohol awareness does not begin and end in the classroom.
For more information about Amy’s Story and Share Shrewsbury’s schools programme, visit Share Shrewsbury online at shareshrewsbury.org.uk or follow the charity on social media.
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