People Drinking
Public bodies on the Isle of Wight are working together to highlight the dangers of drinking too much as part of an important annual event.
Alcohol Awareness Week runs between 18 – 24 October and partners from Isle of Wight Council, Public Health and Hampshire Constabulary will be holding a series of displays, presentations and information events across the Island. Among the services involved are the Drug and Alcohol Action Team, health centres, pharmacies, Get Sorted and the Isle of Wight Sexual Health Service.
The theme for the week is ‘alcohol and childhood’ and the events will highlight the negative impact of alcohol abuse by young people, the effect which parental drinking can have on children and the role other external factors and influences, such as marketing campaigns, can play in encouraging young people to drink.
Between 20 – 22 October, a exhibition trailer will be stationed at St Thomas’s Square in Newport which will be staffed by a range of professionals who will be available to offer advice, guidance and information on the services available to members of the public.
Barry Abraham, Isle of Wight Council Cabinet member responsible for community safety said: “The misuse of alcohol, particularly by younger people, is one of the main causes of crime and anti-social behaviour on the Isle of Wight. It is very important we continue to drive home this message to all of our residents.
“The council, the NHS and the police are continuing to work hard to ensure that our streets are safe for residents and this important annual event serves to reinforce our message to people to aware of the effects of alcohol and to drink responsibly.”
Information about alcohol and an alcohol units calculator can be found on the council’s website at www.iwight.com/knowyourlimits/
Further information about Alcohol Awareness Week can be obtained by calling the council’s Drug and Alcohol Awareness Team on (01983) 821000
