A FILM starring members of the Oldham Theatre Workshop that explores the damage caused by drinking when pregnant is premiering this week.

Titled Birthday, the film is premiering online on June 24 and is set to be used in schools across Greater Manchester to raise awareness of the harm alcohol can cause to unborn children, as well as wider-sexual health issues.

The 45-minute film is a collaboration between The Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership and Oldham Theatre Workshop. It draws on the real-life experiences of families affected in bid to make young people more aware of the risks of drinking alcohol while pregnant, including Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders can result in damage to the heart, kidneys and bones, learning difficulties, and symptoms similar to autism and attention deficit disorder.

The new film builds on the success of an interactive theatre performance and educational workshop that toured secondary schools in Bury, Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside in 2019, which was attended by more than 5,000 young people.

Jane Pilkington, Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership director of population health said: “Bringing understanding of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder to a teenage audience is an important part of our efforts to increase awareness and ultimately reduce the harms that alcohol can have for unborn children.

“The official guidance is clear – that if you are pregnant or think you could be pregnant, the safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all. But too many people are still unaware that drinking even small amounts during pregnancy can lead to life-long problems for the child.”

James Atherton, artistic director at Oldham Theatre Workshop added: “Through our work in schools and now the development of this film, we have seen first-hand the power of story to bring to life the real, and significant impacts of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

“We are all looking forward to launching this film and to helping educators across a number of settings to explore the exposed pregnancies and FASD.”

For full event details and to book a place to watch the film premiere, visit www.events.england.nhs.uk/events/launch-of-birthday