Warwickshire News Mine

The ‘Why let alcohol decide?’ campaign, organised by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, aims to raise awareness of how alcohol can make young people vulnerable to problems such as unplanned pregnancies, road traffic accidents and poor results at school.

Prior to the launch of the TV and radio campaign on 14 January, comedians including Bill Bailey and Jo Brand kick-started awareness raising by recording mini clips about alcohol abuse, available online at http://whyletdrinkdecide.direct.gov.uk.

The campaign aims to delay the age at which children start to drink, and reduce the amount consumed if they are drinking. It also provides information for parents on how to talk to their children about alcohol.

Warwickshire’s Respect Yourself Campaign and Warwickshire’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team – both led by Warwickshire County Council – are offering practical tips to help young people stay in control.

No one should be made to drink alcohol if they don’t want to and if that is the case, it can be useful to prepare some good reasons such as needing a clear head for an exam the next day, preferring the taste of soft drinks to alcohol or keeping fit for sport.

If someone is drinking there’s a few things to remember including eating beforehand as food in the stomach will help absorb some of the alcohol; be clear about drinking levels and when to stop; have soft drinks between alcoholic drinks to avoid dehydration; have standard-sized drinks to be sure of units; and make appropriate arrangements in advance to get home (for example, keeping taxi money aside).

Kit Leck, Manager of Warwickshire’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team, said: “Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol at any age can leave you with lasting damage and may result in risky or criminal behaviour. However this risk increases the younger you start.

“Arming young people and their parents with the right facts about alcohol will go some way to helping prevent problems in the future, so that’s why we’re welcoming this informative campaign.”

Amy Danahay, Manager of Warwickshire’s Respect Yourself Campaign, added: “Alcohol can blur judgement and could lead someone in to taking a decision they may not otherwise take such as having unprotected sex, which could lead to unplanned pregnancy or the risk of catching an STI.

“By managing the amount of alcohol consumed, it will be easier to stay in control of actions, enjoy the night out and not have any regrets the following day.”

“If young people or parents would like more information about the affects of alcohol or services available locally, they can visit Warwickshire’s Stay in Control Campaign website, http://www.stayincontrol.org.uk.”

For more information about Warwickshire’s Stay in Control campaign, visit http://www.stayincontrol.org.uk.

Link to WCC