NEW PAGE - NEW FUTURE

In Bergen, like in many other cities, a growth of experimental drug use among juveniles have occurred in recent years. The department for Reach-out-work spotted these trends in the early 90's, and was able to quickly establish contact with the innovators in the new so-called "techno" subcultures.

Along with some well known DJ's the department started an information campaign "Stop the drug, not the dance", later renamed as "Future". The main task for "Future" is to initiate contact with juvenile groups as well as single individuals. The intention is to break down resistance against drug information, create an arena for reflection about drug use and be a guide for those who are willing to, or in need for help to establish a drug free life. One important aspect in this work is to educate juveniles for voluntary work for "Future" as the young people are best qualified to communicate with young people. Those voluntary workers are called "Dozerne". They go to techno/ trance/ hiphop parties to spread information about drugs and drug use. "Dozerne" also work at Futures "Open house" where juveniles can come to better their skills in DJ'ing, breakdance or just having fun.

Another important task is information meetings in schools both with pupils and their parents. They have already achieved one important goal: it is now legitimate among juveniles in the risk zone to openly say no to drugs!

Another new project in Bergen is New Page. This project is designed to prevent criminal and violent behaviour among a group of juveniles. The project is based on a cooperation with the highest rated basketball club in Norway, Ulriken Eagles. Social workers are responsible for documentation of the juveniles personal background, upbringing and current situation, and for establishing contacts between the youngsters. The juveniles are connected with a high profiled basketball player who do the daily follow-up work.

That means that the basketball players visit the juveniles in school to motivate them, due to their status as idols. Another important task in this project is to keep the juveniles active in a positive way. The basket player do a lot of follow-up work in the juveniles leisure time, taking them to bowling, cinema, etc. The juveniles are also given the responsibility to function as guards at Ulriken Eagles home games in cooperation with professional guards. To map the juveniles skills, and get them to use their talents in a positive and constructive way are the projects main goals.