Member Article

Get involved with TryLife says creator Paul Irwin

It’s been a whirlwind week following the launch of TryLife, a controversial new online drama that enables young people to learn about consequences.

So called because it allows 16-24 years old to choose what happens to the main character in every episode, TryLife bases the outcomes of decisions on probability using real statistics and data – meaning that game-players making those choices could realistically find themselves in the situations the characters do.

Our scenarios include drug use, fights and sex scenes and although criticised by some for the hard-hitting nature of the footage, chartered psychologists and charities are hailing TryLife as a breakthrough in support for vulnerable adolescents. Whilst such footage is common in popular entertainment, the likely consequences and coping skills for those involved are very rarely explored in depth.

The first episode of TryLife focuses on Sophie, a seventeen year old girl who has an exam in the morning. She is given the opportunity to go to a party or stay at home with her boyfriend. The decision is up to the user. Will she stay at home? Will she go to the party? Will she try drugs? Will she have sex? Will she use a condom? What happens to her?

Developed in the North East of England by a team of social welfare and media professionals led by myself, TryLife was deliberately produced using an online gaming format to look and feel like popular programmes such as The Inbetweeners and Skins, which clearly resonate with today’s youth.

Although the concept appears to be simple, the offering is actually relatively complex, providing signposting to a comprehensive database of services and organisations that help young people deal with the issues encountered and enabling them to actively engage with the platform by performing in it, writing scripts and submitting music to be played on TryRadio, the community radio station featured.

TryLife also has a significant educational element – its education pack has been developed for use by schools, colleges and alternative education providers as a means of delivering the parts of the National Curriculum related to Personal Wellbeing.

The pack enables teachers to play out the drama in a classroom setting and discuss what happens next, allowing pupils to understand that within society there are many complex and conflicting values and decide where they stand personally on various issues.

As a further string to its bow, TryLife’s writing team, actors and music producers offer workshops for schools, youth centres and charities, during which those involved have the opportunity to contribute to future storylines.

We are continually looking for support organisations to join our database so young people have lots of choices when we signpost them to help providers.

We are also looking for more under 25s to join the team when we start filming the second episode. If you know anyone who might be interested, please ask them to get in touch via www.trylife.tv.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Paul Irwin .