Too much, too young? (9.11.11)

The Royal Borough's drug and alcohol action team (DAAT) is supporting this year's Alcohol Awareness Week (Monday 14 to Sunday 20 November) by focusing on young people and reinforcing its commitment to reducing the harm caused by alcohol.

During the week the DAAT will be running awareness sessions and providing information stands at some of the borough's secondary schools.

Representatives from health and social care organisation Turning Point's T2 service will be on hand to offer advice and information and young people will have the chance to try on beer goggles which simulate the effects of being drunk.

This follows the launch earlier this year - by the DAAT, the borough's anti-social behaviour team, Thames Valley Police and Turning Point's T2 - of a three-strikes scheme to deal with young people drinking in public places. To date one third of the people picked up by the scheme are under 16 years old.

Three strikes aims to identify young people who are at greater risk of developing a drink problem and to reduce anti-social behaviour caused by young people who have had too much to drink.

Cllr Simon Dudley, cabinet member for adult and community services, said: "The fact that we have even small numbers of under-16s drinking in public places in the borough is concerning. Alcohol Awareness Week is an ideal opportunity to continue to educate young people about the effects of alcohol and I am delighted that we have the opportunity to work in some of our schools.

"I would like to thank Furze Platt Senior, Charters, Altwood CE Secondary and Cox Green Schools for supporting the week."

Di Wright, DAAT manager and commissioner, said: "Drinking often leads to risky and damaging behaviour and can also have a serious impact on a young person's health. We know that the younger the age a person starts to drink is linked to poorer academic performance and a stronger likelihood that their drinking will become a problem."

Theresa Allen, Turning Point's T2 young people's worker, said: "It's good that Alcohol Awareness Week is providing us with another opportunity to talk to young people about issues relating to alcohol. Through our work in partnership with local schools, Turning Point is able give teenagers a clear understanding of the physical, emotional and social dangers that alcohol can have on them, allowing them to make good and safe choices for themselves."

The DAAT has produced an alcohol booklet aimed at young people entitled 'Alcohol - A Guide for Young People' which is available from daat@rbwm.gov.uk or by calling 01628 796362.