As part of Alcohol Awareness Week the Safer Rotherham Partnership are hosting two events next week for members of the public, who are living and dealing with teenagers, to explore the issues surrounding alcohol experimentation, use of alcohol, drugs and anti-social behaviour and the impact on health and wellbeing.

The events take place on Tuesday 15 November from 4pm to 6pm and on Thursday 17 November from 6pm to 8pm at the Lifewise Centre, Kea Park Close, Hellaby, Rotherham.

Figures show that of the Rotherham adult population of 197,500 (2009) we have around 47,795 drinking in a hazardous way and 7,500 drinking in a harmful way.  It is estimated that only one tenth of those drinking in a harmful way are seeking help from the town’s alcohol support services.

Within the borough work has been ongoing to reduce the number of hazardous and harmful drinkers and to provide more information on safer drinking for residents of all ages.  Investment has been made in improving services and awareness on alcohol related harms and issues.

Anyone who needs support to reduce their alcohol use is currently seen in less than three weeks and the alcohol treatment system that Rotherham has in place ensures that there is a choice of access to service.

Rotherham also has its own website and DVD for adults and young people, the DVD was filmed in Rotherham. The script and actors are also local and the DVD was linked to the school curriculum:  

Mel Howard, Drug and Alcohol Coordinator at NHS Rotherham, said: “Rotherham, like most other areas, does have a problem with excessive alcohol consumption and alcohol related health conditions, but we are working hard across all agencies to provide information about the dangers of alcohol and to ensure that the safer drinking messages are communicated across the borough.”

Through the Safer Rotherham Partnership several campaigns have been launched including ‘Alcofacts know your stats’ and ‘Call it a night’, as well as events such as the one being held at the Lifewise Centre during alcohol awareness week. This work is a key part of enabling Rotherham residents to make informed choice about their alcohol use. www.callitanight.co.uk

‘Did you know....?

• Every minute alcohol-related problems cost the UK economy around £48,000

• Every hour more than 100 people go into hospital in England and Wales with an alcohol-related condition 

• Every day more than 40 people die as a result of alcohol in England and Wales

• Every week more than 100 children call ChildLine upset about their parents’ drinking – some as young as five years old.

Anyone who would like to seek help for their alcohol consumption can contact their GP or pop into the Lifeline, Milton House Project on Sheffield Road for advice and information.

Lifeline is delivers a range of interventions aimed at adults who are concerned by their alcohol use and are looking to make positive changes. The project provides a range of additional support and activities that can contribute to client’s progress including:

• Confidential one to one assessment
• Group sessions including confidence building and relapse prevention
• Access to mutual aid (SMART recovery, AA)
• Employment, Training and Education support
• Support for family & friends
• Volunteer and peer mentor programme
• Access to SURF (Service Users Rotherham Forum)

The project has also been successful this year in developing workforce alcohol awareness training that is delivered in partnership with local employers to provide advice and guidance to employees regarding safer drinking messages.

Photo Call:

Photographers and reporters are invited to attend the event on Tuesday 15 November between 4pm and 6pm at the Lifewise Centre, Kea Park Close, Hellaby, Rotherham.

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