Drinkaware tackles alcohol hotspots

Published: 28 August, 2009

Drinkaware the independent charity that aims to encourage responsible drinking is tackling alcohol hotspots with £265,000 being pumped into educational programmes across the UK.

The past six-months have seen Drinkaware award thirteen grants worth over a quarter-of-a-million pounds to educational projects with an aim to reduce alcohol misuse and make a tangible change in local communities.

Projects range from street outreach to theatre performance and youth-led workshops and an education in sport partnership will begin later this year.

Some of the 13 grant recipients funded by Drinkaware include; Alcohol Focus Scotland, London Bus Theatre which is running a series of drama workshops and plays for teenagers over an 18 month period in the Basildon area, Bradford Youth Development Partnership and Early Break Young People's Drug & Alcohol Service.

Drinkaware's chief executive officer, Chris Sorek said: "With alcohol misuse costing the NHS around £2.7 billion a year, as well as the personal cost to individuals and communities, there is a clear role for grass-roots education in overhauling the UK's binge drinking culture.

"Drinkaware's mission is to change individual attitudes and behaviour towards alcohol misuse. We are committed to supporting educational projects which make a positive difference to people lives, creating a ripple effect for widespread and lasting change within society."

Drinkaware funding is currently available to organisations working with under-18s and 25-44 year olds in any part of the UK. Charities, community and other voluntary organisations can apply for funding towards new and existing projects, as well as piloting new ideas that have wider potential.

drinkaware.co.uk

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