Knowing your options and making informed choices to drive and celebrate safely are at the core of the Reduce Risk Increase Student Knowledge (RRISK) program - a local health program that has been running successfully for more than 20 years.

RRISK is delivered to around 2,000 year 11 students each year across the Mid North Coast, and a presentation to parents is also provided.

Mid North Coast Local Health District Community Development Officer, Natalie Wilson, said the seminars and in-school workshops focus on planning ahead, knowing the facts, making informed decisions, and looking after your friends.

"Students learn about current trends and they also practice skills to help them care for others and stay safe," Natalie said.

The RRISK seminars for year 11 students will be held in Port Macquarie on November 12 and 13 at Panthers.

This year's key note speaker is the Director of Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA), Paul Dillon, who will present to parents and professionals on a range of current youth alcohol and drug trends.

Topics include how to keep our young people as safe as possible regarding alcohol and other drug use, hot topics in youth alcohol and drugs use, and an examination of the Australian Secondary Students' Alcohol and Drug survey and the 2016 National Drug Strategy Household Survey.

This year the parent presentation will be hosted by the Catholic Schools Office. The presentations will start at 6pm at Mackillop College junior campus, Port Macquarie on Tuesday, November 12.

To register click here: https://forms.gle/TJQuuGDmLZyUDNKw7