what is DPYK?

DPYK is a relaxed and informal six session course that is run throughout the country.   All the presenters have been specially trained and accredited by Care for the Family and will live in the local area.

Presenters are often concerned parents themselves - some may have had the experience of drug misuse in their own families - or those with a professional interest, eg community police, development or health workers.

Originally developed in Australia, where over 22,000 parents have attended the course, and also running in Canada and France, DPYK was introduced to the UK in 2003. The network of Presenters is building and already hundreds of parents have joined a course in their local community.

DPYK aims to help parents:

• become better informed about drugs (including alcohol, tobacco and prescription medications) - why and how they are used

• learn how to communicate effectively with their children about drugs

• develop plans to use at home to help their children make informed choices

• examine their own beliefs, attitudes, and behaviour about drug use

• benefit from the support of other parents and be encouraged by the fact that they are not alone

Because DPYK is primarily about prevention, it is ideal for parents and carers of children aged 8 and up.

The long-term effectiveness of DPYK is being monitored and evaluated in each country.  Although it is early days, feedback is very positive.

National drugs education charity, Hope UK, works in association with Care for the Family on DPYK. They provide expertise on drugs information and access to their network of volunteer educators, who support Accredited Presenters in their community.

Click here to check out the six DPYK sessions.