Responding Well: AOD Awareness & First Response Training for Schools

Led by NotEvenOnce® Projects (Teen Challenge Tasmania)

About the Program

Responding Well is a professional learning program designed to equip school staff with the knowledge, confidence and practical tools to identify, respond to and support students affected by alcohol and other drugs (AOD).

Led by NotEvenOnce® Projects, this training brings together neuroscience, prevention science and trauma-aware practice to help educators recognise risk, respond calmly and create school environments that protect and empower young people.

To ensure regional relevance, local Teen Challenge centres (directly or via facilitator) contribute local expertise on referral pathways, early intervention options and community-based recovery supports for students and families.

Who It’s For

  • Teachers and school leaders

  • Wellbeing and pastoral care teams

  • Support staff and youth workers

  • Boarding, residential and co-curricular staff

This training can be delivered as part of staff induction, annual professional learning or targeted wellbeing development.

Program Outcomes

Participants will learn to:

  • Recognise early warning signs and risk behaviours in students.

  • Respond safely and confidently to intoxication, disclosure or AOD-related incidents.

  • Communicate effectively using calm, non-judgmental approaches.

  • Reduce stigma through greater understanding of the science behind substance use.

  • Refer appropriately using local referral pathways and internal school processes.

  • Embed prevention by strengthening connection, consistency and wellbeing within the school culture.

Program Format

The training is delivered through three interactive 90-minute sessions (adaptable to a half- or full-day workshop).
Each session includes practical activities, group discussion and real-world application relevant to school settings.

Session 1: Foundations – Substances, Youth Trends & Brain Science
Session 2: Practical Response in a School Setting
Session 3: Conversations, Pathways & Prevention

Facilitators use national data, youth insights and case studies from NotEvenOnce® projects, with local Teen Challenge centre (directly or via facilitator) providing local context and referral frameworks.

Tailoring the Training to Your School Context

Schools are encouraged to share real examples or situations that have occurred within their environment for use during workshop activities. These local scenarios help make the training directly relevant to daily school life—particularly valuable for new staff learning the school’s culture and context.

If your school has specific internal referral processes or wellbeing pathways, these can be integrated into the workshop to ensure that participants leave confident and consistent in following your school’s established support systems.

Certification

All participants receive a
Certificate of Completion – Responding Well: AOD Awareness & First Response Training for Schools
(Delivered by NotEvenOnce® Projects)

Delivery Options

  • On-site at your school

  • Combined regional sessions

  • Online live delivery (upon request)

Custom scheduling and pricing available.

Book a Workshop or Enquire

Interested in bringing Responding Well to your school?
📩 Contact us: tanya@notevenonce.org.au or 0412 300 850