Big Drink Debate comes to Rugby
The West Midlands’ Big Drink Debate is coming to Rugby next week.
Warwickshire County Council’s Community Safety Team, Warwickshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team, Rugby Borough Council and NHS Warwickshire are supporting the campaign organised by the Department for Health.
The aim is to get a greater understanding of drinking habits and attitudes towards alcohol in Warwickshire, regardless of age or background.
An online survey and forum has already been setup for people to have their say – but now shoppers have the opportunity to take part during an event at the Clocktowers Shopping Precinct on Saturday 29 November between 9am and 3:30pm.
Representatives from Swanswell will also be on hand to answer any alcohol-related questions. The Rugby-based Charity works with a number of partners including Warwickshire County Council and is a major provider of alcohol and drug treatment across the county.
Simon Warren, Chief Executive of Rugby Borough Council and Chair of the Rugby Community Safety Partnership, said: “This event is designed to get people thinking and talking about the role alcohol plays in peoples lives, and what steps we need to take to tackle some of the problems it can cause.
“Rugby is no different to any other area across the country but we are delighted to play a part in the wider West Midlands Big Drink Debate.”
Cllr Richard Hobbs, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Protection, said: “Warwickshire is one of the safest counties to live – but with feedback from the Big Drink Debate we can help make it an even safer place to be and further protect the county from harm.”
Helen King, NHS Warwickshire’s Acting Director of Public Health, said: “We’re keen to get people talking about the impact alcohol can have on their health as this is a matter of concern for the NHS.
“The event in Rugby is part of a series across the West Midlands which aim to explore why our region has the third highest alcohol-related death rate in the country. We want to hear people’s views on alcohol use in their community and to start a conversation about the real costs of excessive drinking.”
Annie Steele from Swanswell, said: “We are really delighted to be involved in such an important community initiative, with many years of experience in providing advice relating to alcohol and drug issues, our staff are ready to give help and advice on the day or on the Big Drink Debate website.“
To find out more about the ‘Big Drink Debate’ visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/bigdrinkdebate or for more information on Swanswell, visit http://www.swanswelltrust.org.