‘Underage drinking can lead to lots of challenges for young people’
Posed image to illustrate underage drinking(Image: Hull Daily Mail)
A new Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) has been launched in Withernsea to explore the issue of underage drinking and associated anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the local community. The launch took place at The Hut youth club in the town.
CAPs are community-led partnerships that bring together local police, councils, schools, retailers, and community groups. Their primary goal is to reduce any alcohol harm in children and young people to improve their health and well-being and enhance the wider community.
Partners in the local CAP include Withernsea Secondary School, Humberside Police and The Hut youth provision. New partners are also welcome to join if they feel they could support the initiative.
Kate Winstanley, director of CAP, said: “We know from extensive research that underage drinking can lead to lots of challenges for young people in their education, relationships, health and increased risk of alcohol-related harm in later life. CAP has proved to be a successful model for tackling underage drinking and just as importantly promoting positive health and wellbeing in children and young people.
“Our evidence shows that CAPs are extremely effective in reducing the supply of alcohol to children, underage alcohol consumption and alcohol-related anti-social behaviour. That’s why it’s great to see local partners coming together in Withernsea to highlight the risks of underage drinking and reduce alcohol harm among local children and young people.”
The CAP in Withernsea will work to educate young people about the impact of underage drinking and help them to make better decisions about issues such as alcohol, drugs and anti-social behaviour. It will do this in three ways:
By working with schools and youth groups, the partnership will educate young people about the impact of underage drinking and equip them to make responsible choices regarding alcohol, drugs, and anti-social behaviour
By working closely with local retailers to enforce regulations and prevent the illegal sale of alcohol to minors. This includes stopping illegal “proxy sales” where adults purchase alcohol for individuals under 18, and ensuring all retailers comply with the Challenge 25 policy
By providing positive and engaging activities for young people, offering them safe, supervised environments to socialise. These activities are a crucial part of the CAP strategy, providing an excellent opportunity to deliver alcohol education in an informal setting.
Kate said: “We are looking forward to seeing the initiatives that the CAP is working on and to making a positive difference to the local community.” The impact of CAPs has been measured and proven.
Nationwide, partnerships have led to reductions in regular drinking among 13 to 16-year-olds and in alcohol-related anti-social behaviour. PCSO Amy Eades said: “The Neighbourhood Policing Team already work closely with Withernsea High School, which has been really positive, so to join forces with other stakeholders as part of the CAP partnership, will be hugely beneficial.
“We will work closely with the retailers and provide support to them if they have any issues. This will empower them to challenge any illegal and proxy sales as well as retail theft.”
Max Altoft, community play ranger team leader, The Hut, said: “I am looking forward to being part of CAP. I think it is important to educate young people on understanding the dangers and risks of drinking alcohol, not just the impacts alcohol can have on your health but also preventing young people getting in dangerous and vulnerable situations through alcohol misuse.”
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