Residents invited to have their say on draft Alcohol Strategy
Residents and organisations across Shropshire are invited to have their say on Shropshire’s Alcohol Strategy.
The strategy outlines plans to reduce the harmful effects of alcohol experienced by individuals, families and local communities, through four themes:
- Improving the health and well-being of those affected by alcohol misuse by reducing alcohol-related hospital admissions. Prevent further increases in levels of chronic and acute ill health caused by alcohol. ‘Make Every Contact Count’ through the skilling of the workforce in brief interventions.
- Protecting children and young people from alcohol related harm by reducing alcohol- related harm among children and young people. Supporting and protecting children and young people affected by parental alcohol substance misuse.
- Promoting safer communities by reducing the incidence of alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour, and improving the management and planning of the nighttime economy. Extending the support for alcohol-misusing offenders, so they can receive the treatment they need to reduce their offending behaviour.
- Promoting sensible drinking by tackling personal safety issues in relation to alcohol use, and promoting a safe night out, targeting vulnerable and at-risk groups using a range of media and communication tools.
Although alcohol contributes to the economy of Shropshire (Shropshire has approximately 461 pubs employing approximately 3,357 people), it is also one of the biggest lifestyle risk factors for disease and death in the UK after smoking and obesity.
It impacts on individuals, families and communities across Shropshire in a range of ways, including economic performance, worklessness, health inequalities, poor outcomes for children and families, reduced quality of life, anti-social behaviour, fire safety and crime and disorder.
The Shropshire Alcohol Strategy 2013-2016 is the third Alcohol Strategy for Shropshire, which builds on the partnership work and co-operation that has already been developed by organisations since 2003.
Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for public protection, said:
“Shropshire Council and its partners are committed to tackling and preventing alcohol-related harm. Although in Shropshire we continue to make considerable process in reducing the effects of alcohol-related issues, there is still further work to be done. We hope many people and organisations will support this strategy, and I encourage everyone to take part in our survey.”
Effective partnership work is vital in order to continue to reduce alcohol-related harm and reverse the rising trends in alcohol-related harm.
Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health and well-being, said:
“We recognise the devastating effect caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Shropshire’s Alcohol Strategy is not just about how we can work with organisations to reduce alcohol-related harm, but how people need to change their relationship with alcohol and understand the long-term effects on health and well-being, and to stem the culture of binge-drinking.”
Residents and organisations are being asked to contribute to the content of the strategy, and to comment on the topic of alcohol consumption in general.
To find out more about the strategy and Shropshire’s plans to address alcohol-related issues in the county, visit the ‘Have your say page’ at shropshire.gov.uk. To get involved in the survey click here.
Closing date of survey is Friday 23 November 2012.
Further information
The strategy was developed through the Alcohol Strategy group – a multi-agency working group comprising of:
- Shropshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team
- West Mercia Police
- Shropshire County Primary Care Trust
- Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service
- Shropshire Safer Stronger Communities
- West Mercia Probation Trust
- The Beer and Pub Association
- Safeguarding
- Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust
- West Midlands Ambulance Service
- Shropshire Partnership
