#NotEvenOnce® Projects

#NotEvenOnce® Projects deliver powerful, evidence-based seminars that empower young people to make healthy choices around alcohol and other drugs. Grounded in the National Drug Strategy 2017–2026, our programs focus on demand reduction — preventing use before it begins.

These dynamic and relatable sessions are available for:

• Primary & High Schools (aligned to the Australian Curriculum)

• Colleges and University Cohorts

• Sporting Clubs & Teams

• Workplaces & Industry Groups

• Community & Parent Groups

A special feature of our #NotEvenOnce® series, Clearing the Air focuses on vaping, nicotine addiction, the developing brain and mental health. With vaping rates soaring in young people, our interactive sessions help bust myths, explain brain impacts and offer real tools for resistance.

"The most helpful thing I learned today is what vaping does to your lungs and how it affects your mood. I didn’t know it had that big of an impact. I’m glad we had this talk." — Grade 10 Student

Clearing the Air seminars include:

• Up-to-date research on vaping harms and nicotine use

• Engaging visuals and real-life stories

• Strategies for self-regulation and peer resistance

• Encouragement to value their health and future

Sessions are tailored for Years 5–12 and are also available for parents and staff training.

Unlike programs that inadvertently glorify substance use, #NotEvenOnce® is grounded in the lived realities of addiction. Drawing on real stories from individuals who have faced addiction, including staff with frontline experience and Teen Challenge graduates, we deliver honest, hope-filled content that challenges, equips and inspires.

"It's not just facts and fear. It gives hope and choices. That's what our students need most." — School Wellbeing Coordinator

Key elements:

• Designed in line with the Australian Curriculum

• Delivered with age-appropriate, creative pedagogy

• Informed by neuroscience, psychology and real-life impact

• Focused on resilience, decision-making and identity

• Backed by Teen Challenge’s 50+ years of rehabilitation insight

"The seminar was brilliant. Not doom and gloom. It gave kids tools to face life, not just fear of drugs." — High School Teacher

Independent WSU evaluations show:

• Significant increases in student knowledge and understanding

• Improved clarity around the connection between values and behaviour

• Greater likelihood of avoiding drugs and alcohol

"The info targeted my heart. I've already shared it with my friends." — Year 7 Student

A Note on Faith and Respect

Teen Challenge Tasmania is a faith-based organisation. However, all school-based #NotEvenOnce® programs are delivered secularly in line with Education Department policies. If requested, we also offer tailored faith-based sessions for independent or religious schools.

Want to bring a #NotEvenOnce® or Clearing the Air seminar to your school or group?
Contact Tanya Cavanagh at tanya@notevenonce.org.au or call 0412 300 850.

Together, we can help the next generation protect their potential and make choices they’ll be proud of.
#NotEvenOnce — because your future matters.

"I found the whole seminar brilliant, it's the best one I've seen in this space. I especially liked how you weren't all doom and gloom. You wrapped it up well, giving kids hope in this area. Your focus on resilience really gave them options, that life isn't always easy but here's ways you can work through it.” (Teacher)

“The info targeted my heart. In the past week I have told a few of my friends what drugs are doing to their brains and body.”
(Yr 7 Student)

 “Based on pre and post results, the seminar was significantly effective in increasing the knowledge, understanding about the connection between behaviours and values, and the likelihood of not engaging with alcohol and drugs.”  Independent Evaluation, Australian University