Conference promises to forge ahead with work to reduce alcohol consumption by young people

A group of key agencies in Staffordshire have pledged to continue to take forward their work to reduce the alcohol consumption of young people in the county.  

Although there is no national target related to consumption of alcohol by young people, the group have been working on a sustained programme of action towards achieving the Local Public Service Agreement (LPSA2) target to reduce the number of 11-15 year olds in Staffordshire who choose to drink alcohol regularly.

In addition to key speakers discussing work undertaken so far and how this can move forward, the morning also included three heartfelt addresses from young people who have been dramatically affected by their own alcohol consumption and are now, with support re-building their lives.

County Councillor Robert Simpson, Deputy Leader of the County Council who opened the conference said: "All too often we see that excessive alcohol consumption leads to a number of serious problems and not just for young people.  It can lead to the breakdown of families, health problems and financial issues which can turn a person to a life in crime - and can have damaging repercussions for all concerned which is why it's so important to take a multi-agency approach when we look at future work in this area." 

County Councillor Carol Dean, Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities added: "Although work to date has been successful, it's important that we can now draw on this and move work forward with our partners.  Whether it's trading standards clamping down on the sales of alcohol or the drug and alcohol action team's work to rehabilitate and work with young people affected - everyone has a valuable role to play.

"Having young people give their side of the story at the conference emphasises why this work is so vital and why it's imperative that we consult young people throughout this work to find out what their views are.    

"Looking to the future we will be continuing to help more young people make informed choices about alcohol and this work will fit into the wider strategy that is now being developed to address alcohol issues and its social acceptability compared to other drugs."

For more information about the work carried out so far and future plans, contact Brian Camfield, County Manager, Healthier Communities who has led the work of the partnership on 01785 277983.

Key partners involved in this work on the steering group/providing services to young people:

·        Staffordshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT)                             

·        Young people and parents (focus groups participation)

·        Staffordshire Consumer Watchdogs, Community Services

·        School Improvement Division & Healthy Schools

·        Community Services - Staffordshire County Council

·        Youth Offending Service

·        Youth Service

·        T3 Staffordshire

·        Young Persons Drug and Alcohol Service

·        Schools

·        South Staffs PCT Health Promotion

·        Community Safety Partnerships

·        Connexions