Inspiring young people
Paul’s Work: Talks & Workshops
Honest, hard-hitting talks on drugs, alcohol, knife crime, gangs, bullying and prison life for schools, youth groups, parents and professionals.
About the talks
Hard-hitting talks built on real experience
Over the past decade and more, Paul has built a career telling his story to over 600,000 young people across multiple year groups, from Year 4 up to sixth form, tailoring the message to each age group.
He offers workshops and talks about the dangers of addiction, drugs and alcohol, as well as involvement in gangs, knife crime and county lines. As a former addict of over 20 years, Paul delivers an incredibly powerful message that young people listen to.
He travels throughout the UK, including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, visiting primary and secondary schools, youth centres, prisons and young offenders institutions (see prison talks to reduce reoffending). He also works with many professional football clubs on their community projects, speaking with around 50,000 children and young adults every year.
Paul also speaks at parents’ evenings and teacher conferences, and works regularly with the police and the medical profession. His workshops support schools’ safeguarding work: the prevention and early identification of issues caused by addiction, gang crime and substance abuse.
I believe passionately that every child matters, and that their future should be a bright one.Paul Hannaford
Paul’s message of substance abuse doesn’t politely tap you on the shoulder, it picks you up by the collar and demands attention.
Talk topics
Choose the topics that matter to your young people
Who Paul works with
For schools, families & professionals
Schools
Primary and secondary assemblies, workshops and year group talks
Young people
Youth centres, pupil referral units and young offenders
Parents
Parents’ evenings that help families spot the warning signs
Professionals
Teacher conferences, police and the medical profession
Football clubs
Community programmes run by professional clubs
Prisons & probation
Talks in prisons and YOIs to help break the cycle of reoffending
How it works
Booking a talk is simple
Get in touch
Call, WhatsApp or send the booking form with your dates, year groups and topics.
Plan the session
Paul tailors the talk to the age group and the issues you’re seeing locally.
Paul visits
Around 45 minutes of Paul’s story, then about 15 minutes for questions.
Free for Havering primary schools
Paul is not a charity and is not funded, so there is a fee for his workshops. All primary schools in the London Borough of Havering are free of charge, because it’s where Paul grew up, went to school and committed many crimes, and he wants to put something back into his local community.
Across the UK
Where Paul has spoken
From Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to schools, colleges and prisons across England, Paul has told his story to over 600,000 young people. Here are just a few of the places that have booked him.
In the community
Who Paul has worked with
Paul has given talks with the community programmes of professional football clubs and with organisations across London and the South East.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Who can book Paul?
Primary and secondary schools, colleges, youth centres, pupil referral units, young offender services, football club community programmes, parent groups, police and professional conferences.
Can talks be tailored to my year group?
Yes. Paul speaks to young people from around age 7 to young adults and tailors every talk, giving younger children a gentler version of his story.
How long does a session last?
Each workshop lasts around 45 minutes, allowing around 15 minutes for questions and answers.
Can Paul talk to parents and staff?
Yes. Paul speaks at parents’ evenings and teacher conferences, and works with the police and the medical profession.
Does Paul deliver workshops remotely?
Paul has delivered workshops remotely as well as in person. Mention it when you enquire and he will talk you through the options.
How do I book?
Call or WhatsApp Paul on 07886 259128, email paulhannaford1@gmail.com or use the booking form.