Alcohol education for Healthy Schools Plus
There is widespread concern about the level of alcohol misuse in this country. The government set out its strategy for dealing with this in the Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for England and in 2007 identified drinkers under the age of eighteen as being particularly at risk.
Outcomes for Healthy Schools Plus
Here is a list of suggested outcomes for Healthy Schools Plus work on reducing the misuse of drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
Information to help with planning
Go to information about the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Drug and Alcohol Action Team.
We are starting to gather some alcohol and drugs data.
Toolkit for staff in secondary settings and short stay schools
The South West Alcohol Improvement Programme and Alcohol Concern have developed this toolkit providing guidance for those working with young people at risk of alcohol-related harm.
Resource for youth workers and other professionals
The government has produced Safe, sensible, social: young people alcohol and positive activities which is a guide to delivering positive activities and dealing with young people who have been drinking.
For parents
Young people's vulnerability to unplanned pregnancy, road traffic accidents and poor marks at school can sometimes be linked with consumption of alcohol. Direct Gov information for parents is a useful aid. Talking to kids about alcohol: a guide for parents and carers is published by the Alcohol Education Trust. Alcohol: why can't I have some? is from the NHS in Sussex.
For teenagers
Alcohol and you: facts about alcohol, staying safe and what to do if things go wrong is published by the Alcohol Education Trust.
Funding from the Drinkaware Trust
The Drinkaware Trust awards small grants of between £100 and £2,500 to community initiatives designed to promote responsible drinking and reduce alcohol-related harm. Projects funded include public education campaigns, peer-led education schemes, educational theatre work, conferences, provision for educational materials, training, workshops and other educational events. In particular the Trust welcomes applications that aim to:
- reduce alcohol misuse among under-18s; and
- raise awareness about the long-term health harms caused by hazardous or harmful levels of drinking.
The Trust accepts applications from registered charities, other voluntary organisations and statutory organisations and partnerships. An example of a previously funded project is Party Safe, a partnership project between Rivington School and a local group called Youth Express. Young people worked together to produce a short DVD demonstrating the dangers of drinking to excess and showing how quickly things can get out of control. In another project Govan Youth Information Project received £10,648 to create an alcohol awareness exhibition for pupils locally. Although the Trust's programme has no application deadlines you need to make sure that you apply at least two months before your project is due to start. Read more on the Drinkaware website.
Parental alcohol misuse
Research shows that around 2.6 million children in the UK are living with parents who are drinking hazardously and 705,000 are living with dependent drinkers.
You are not on your own
The Children's Commissioner for England and The Children's Society have published the first booklet of its kind for use by children affected by a parent or carer drinking too much alcohol. It will help them to have frank discussions with teachers, professionals or an adult who they trust when they are worried about a parent or carer and the problems caused by their alcohol consumption. Download You are not on your own: a booklet to help children and adults talk about a parent's drinking.
Stars National Initiative
Hosted by the Children's Society, Stars National Initiative is the website for anyone working with children, young people and families affected by parental drug and alcohol misuse. Go there for resources, a DVD gallery, news and information.
