This section contains useful information and resources for schools and other organisations working with young people. There is an introduction to VSA Education and resources available from Re-Solv. In the right hand 'Downloads' column there are factsheets, worksheets and PowerPoint presentations to download that compliment each pack.

• VSA Education
• 'Toxic Agents' (9-10 year olds)
• The 'Hazard Crew' - (11-14 year olds)
• A 'Loaded Gun' - (Key Stages 3 & 4)

Approaching solvent abuse
Solvent abuse is a difficult and hidden issue, often overshadowed by the abuse of illegal drugs and other issues such as underage smoking. However, when we take into account the availability of solvent based products and the reported numbers of deaths from this activity, solvent and volatile substance abuse is an issue schools cannot afford to ignore.  

In 2006, the last year for which there are official figures, there were 49 deaths resulting from the deliberate inhalation of volatile chemicals.

VSA kills more young people than any controlled drug. In the period 2000-2006 VSA caused 32 deaths in the 10-14 age group in England and Wales, compared with 8 deaths related to drug misuse. (St George's University of London.)

Teachers, parents and carers are at the forefront in giving young people the skills and information to make healthy and responsible decisions. 

"At the bottom of Agent J and Agent K's garden is an ordinary looking tree house. Their parents think they chill out there listening to music and watching films... But they are so wrong! Inside the tree house is a High-Tec Lab. Here the Agents carry out research and experiments in their mission to save the world from Noxious and his toxic vapours. Join Agent J and Agent K in their mission and become Toxic Agents too!"

The 'Toxic Agents' is Re-Solv's resource aimed at 9-10 year olds. Designed by Helen Javes (of Shaun the Sheep), it took three years of research and consultation to develop. With the youngest recorded death from VSA being just seven years old, Re-Solv believes that it is vital to teach children about using these products properly as soon as possible. For more information, please view this PowerPoint presentation.

The pack includes: A teachers activities booklet, including DVD 2 Posters 30 Leaflets 30 Postcards 30 Stickers

It can be ordered from the Online Shop and costs £35.

Visit the 'Toxic Agents' website at www.re-solvtoxicagent.org

Photo Detectives
Below are the images used in the Photo Detectives activity. Click on the link and they will appear in a new browser window, then right click on the image and choose 'Save Picture As...'

Close-up 1 Close-up 2 Close-up 3 Close-up 4 Close-up 5 Close-up 6

Full image 1 Full image 2 Full image 3 Full image 4 Full image 5 Full image 6

Body Bingo
Body Bingo Blank
Certificate Agent J
Certificate Agent K
Wordsearch
Noxious Maze
Get The Facts

The 'Hazard Crew' are very successful resources aimed at 11-14 year olds.

Designed with the support of Aardman Animations, creators of Wallace and Gromit, and in consultation with young people who said that they wanted "...a resource that was cartoon, fun and contained humour," the pack comes with a 32 page information booklet to compliment the resources. It contains information about VSA, the risks involved, why educating young people is so important and extra activities.

The pack contains: Information booklet 2 Posters 30 Leaflets 30 Trump Cards 30 Rulers

It can be ordered from the Online Shop and costs £30.

Visit the 'Hazard Crew' website at www.sniffing.org.uk

The Damage
The Dangers
The Reality
First Aid
Dangerous Pursuits

Colour in 'The Crew'
B*Rad
Gashead Garry
Toxic Tina
Sticky Steve
Ed
Vapour Viv
Flammable Phil

This pack includes a DVD and workbook for teachers that links the DVD into a lesson plan and range of additional activities. It also includes background information about VSA policy and other reference sources. It is appropriate for key stages 3 and 4.

It can be ordered from the Online Shop and costs £20.

Blank Newspaper
Newspaper with photo