School and college talks
Chris West-Russell
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School and College Speaker and Educator
Following the guidelines of the World Health Organisation's definition of
the disease of addiction:
“Addiction is a recognised mental illness and must be seen as any other mental illness”.
The talks are designed to educate students on the truth about the disease of addiction.
Understand most of us are not immune to the disease of addiction.
How to recognise our symptoms of behavioural changes.
Recognising when habits are becoming more than a habit
and becoming a need that we can no longer control.
All the presentations show ways to deal with addiction, how to recognise it and how to get help.
The presentations are interactive, educational, fun, and life-changing.
There are three presentations, one for the students, another for their parents and one for educators/teachers.
“The Sleeping Tiger” - The student presentation
“The Tiger in the Room” - The parent presentation
“Who Let the Tiger Out” - The school/college staff presentation
Addiction Talks
The Sleeping Tiger
for students.
This talk is designed to help children and young adults understand addiction.
By using the visual of a tiger to depict the word addiction allows a clearer understanding of the dangers and reality of addiction and what it brings.
Gaming and social media addiction has now been recognised by the World Health Organisation and categorised accordingly under the desease of addiction.
The Tiger in the room
For parents, teachers, families and friends of an addict
When someone you are close to is struggling with addiction.
This talk is given in the context of living with an addict, using or recovering, family member or friend, how it is affecting your day to day life directly and how to get help and support.
Chris talks about how gaming and social media can trigger active addiction, and how to balance and control screen time
Gaming addiction is now registered by the World Health Organisation.
Who let the Tiger out
for educators and parents
The talk for teachers and parents to understand how we can unintentionally activate the disease of addiction.
There has been a massive increase in children being prescribed education enhancing drugs.
Whilst there is, in certain cases, a genuine need for the prescription of such drugs, Chris seeks to give insight into how easily such drugs are legally and illegally attained, and its effects.
References:
It’s been Chris’s passion to help others caught in the grip of addiction.
I would definitely recommend more schools and churches attend this presentation and discussion. Since it’s through honest conversation and awareness that we can make positive changes in our lives and the lives of others.
Bishop Gary Rivas
Chris also addressed our parents and teachers. His talks are adapted to suit the different groups.
The objective of the Addiction Talk is to make us all aware of how close we are to the disease of addiction particularly in terms of how easy it is to cross ‘the line’, whether it be with computer games, the internet, etc.
I would certainly recommend Chris's talk to any school.
Brian Armitage - Deputy Headmaster
“The epidemic we are facing, particularly our teenagers with regards to addiction is frightening. Chris focussed on gaming and gave the boys information and points to recognise addiction and discussed as he puts it ‘waking the tiger within themselves’. This analogy really resonated with the boys. The truth about the disease addiction was clearly and factually stated. Chris’ own journey, years of research and his depth of understanding of addiction meant that this talk really hit home for the boys, staff and parents”
Catherine Steernhoff - Headmistress
Chris spoke to a combined group of Grade 6 and 7 boys and girls on the subject of “Addiction.
Chris has an excellent storytelling manner but is also a person of presence and the children were enthralled, not only with his story but with his advice and answers during the Q&A session. In the talk, he covered “addiction” in its broader sense, including gambling, gaming and eating disorders. Chris is also a valuable source of counsel for parents and has strong views on the correct use of behaviour-control drugs.
Rob Macaulay - Headmaster
Chris's message could not have been better received. He was engaging, entertaining, and poignant and the content of his talk tapped into a need that is so tangible amongst our teenagers and their parents. Chris has an easy rapport with young people, and this was completely in evidence during his generously- afforded time given to small group chats after his presentation. Pupils lined up to meet with him and to share their stories and Chris even delayed his lunch to create this much-needed time.
In every way, we have been thoroughly impressed with Chris. He is professional and thorough and his attention to detail has been meticulous.
Simon Crane - Deputy Headmaster
If you have the opportunity, I strongly recommend you invite Chris to talk at your school. His insight from personal experience, as well as his evident love for young people, culminates in an effective workshop that teaches kids the dangers of addiction. Chris has created a programme that is geared towards 21st-century teenagers. He focuses on what addiction looks like as a means of prevention. He veers away from the controversial scare tactics and speaks to the learners with empathy, but also honesty.
Ms Michelle Beukes - Grade 10 Head
RAND PARK RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL
Our children were very affected by the talk and needed to hear the talk and facts at this very vulnerable age in their lives where they are faced with so many possible risky choices and decisions.
Chris is approachable and had many learners ask real and concerning questions that may have never come up should he not have shared his story.
Ms Vicky Lesser - Head of Department Life Orientation.
By sharing his personal experiences and journey, he moved quite a few learners and they specifically commented on this in discussions after the talk. They commented that it made the talk authentic and they appreciated his honesty.
I believe that the message to not “let the tiger out of the cage” hit home and that by ending with the questions to self, he managed to let quite a few learners leave the hall thinking deeply.
Sylvia Steyn - Principal
We had the privilege of welcoming well-known addiction expert and registered addiction counsellor, Chris West-Russell, to Michaelhouse as one of our guest speakers this year (2022). Chris was asked to do three different talks on addiction, each one with a unique theme ranging from gaming and vaping to identifying symptoms, reaching out for help, and offering support. These talks included our Grade 9s and 10s as well as the entire academic staff. We were blown away by the overwhelmingly positive response from both the boys and the staff. Chris’ visit was enriching to our community, and we hope to welcome him back again in the future.
Herman Visagie - HOD Life Orientation
