15/11/2011 - Permalink

Alcohol Awareness Week 2011

Related topics: Community / Health

Shropshire Council is getting out and about to highlight the dangers of alcohol to parents during Alcohol Awareness Week.

The council’s drug and alcohol action team are running a series of alcohol information and awareness sessions, that started yesterday (Monday 14 November 2011), at various centres in the county.

This year’s theme is ‘a world free from alcohol harm’, and throughout the week officers will be on hand to raise awareness on the dangers of alcohol and of the impact alcohol can have on families, in particularly children.  Sessions are being held at:

Monday 14 November
Longlands Childrens Centre – Market Drayton

Tuesday 15 November

  • 9.30am – 11.30am – Ludlow Childrens Centre
  • 1pm – 3.30pm – Ludlow Foyer

Wednesday 16 November

  • 9am – 11.15am – Holy Trinity Children’s Centre – Oswestry
  • 1pm – 3pm – Woodside Children’s Centre – Oswestry

Thursday 17 November

  • 9.30am – 11.30am – Buttercup Lodge – Shrewsbury
  • 1pm – 3.30pm – Crowmoor Children’s Centre – Shrewsbury

 

Friday 18 November

  • 9.30am – 12.30pm – Severn Centre – Highley

Councillor Steve Charmley, Cabinet member responsible for substance misuse, said:

“It’s important that families know the dangers of drinking too much alcohol, and it’s also vital that adults understand the consequences that their own drinking may have on their children.  I hope people take the time to visit our officers and increase their awareness of the issues.” 

The national campaign initiated by Alcohol Concern in collaboration with regional and national health groups runs from Monday 14 November 2011 to Sunday 20 November 2011, and the theme of the week this year concentrates on Alcohol Concern’s charter for ‘a world free from alcohol harm’ – a four-point statement based on the World Health Organisation’s own charter on alcohol. 

  • End the irresponsible promotion of cheap alcohol and deep discounting
  • Control the availability of alcohol locally by allowing local areas to reduce licence density
  • Protect children from alcohol marketing
  • Increase both identification and support for people affected by alcohol misuse

Individuals, public bodies and other organisations are being urged to think about the impact that alcohol is having on families, particularly children, as part of national Alcohol Awareness Week 2011, and will be asked to endorse this.  MPs, especially health ministers and their shadows, will be invited to sign up.