River Hebert -
Going to college can be stressful enough, but things could get out of control if you find yourself in over your head with a gambling problem.
This is the kind of prevention the Responsible Gaming Council (RGC) aims towards when they visit high schools across the region.
The RGC visited River Hebert District High School on Nov. 23 to get that message across to students prior to them heading off to a post secondary school.
"If we can reach them before they get in over their heads with a gambling problem then our mission is successful," tour manager Amanda Bedson said.
Chris Weeks, guidance counsellor at the school, arranged for the RGC to attend the school to educate the students on the risks of becoming involved with gambling by putting on their latest staged drama "R U UP."
"They were here last year with their drama 'House of Cards,' therefore I thought it would be a good idea to bring them back with their latest drama," Weeks said.
"I'm just happy to be here along with the rest of the cast to try to keep kids out of trouble," Bedson said.
The tour manager explained that, other than handing out pamphlets with information on how to reach addiction services throughout various regions, this information is also included in the dramas the cast performs.
R U UP explores the personal costs that face a first-year university student and those around her as she becomes more and more involved with gambling. It is a drama designed to increase awareness of problem gambling and its signs, suggesting ways to avoid a gambling problem and letting students know where they can get help locally.
The RGC is supported in Nova Scotia by the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation.
