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Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen relentlessly calls for more to be done to tackle alcohol harm, particularly in young people.
In 2023 it was revealed by the Government that 42% of violent incidents are alcohol-related and 40% of secondary school-age children have been involved in some form of violence because of alcohol.
Attending the Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) Annual Awards event at the House of Commons she said that it was critical that young people were made aware at an early age of the long term harm that addictions can bring.
CAP is a national organisation that sets up and supports local partnerships that aim to reduce alcohol harm in children and young people, improve their health and well-being and enhance their communities.
The organisation, which is recognised nationally for its dedication and impactful educational programmes that have significantly benefited the community, hosts an annual awards event to shine a spotlight on the diverse work being undertaken to reduce underage drinking and related harms.
Kate Winstanley, Director of CAP comments: “The CAP Awards are an important part of our events calendar as they recognise the fantastic work and incredible commitment of our local partners – police, schools, retailers, and community groups – who come together to make areal difference in the lives of children and young people.
“The awards acknowledge their invaluable contributions and the positive impact they are making in communities across the UK to protect young people from alcohol-related harm.”
The County Durham and Darlington Commissioner, who is Joint National Lead for Addictions and Substance Misuse on behalf of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC), is increasingly working at a national level to tackle the problems associated with addiction. Currently she is a member of the Alcohol-related Crime and Homicide Group chaired by West Midlands Deputy Chief Constable, Scott Green.
Pointing out that in County Durham and Darlington, alcohol was a factor in one in three violent crimes, and nationally it is thought that over half of all violent crime is linked to alcohol, she said that it was vital to change attitudes at an early age.
Joy Allen said: “The awards highlighted the fantastic proactive work taking place across the country to reach and educate young people about the risk of alcohol harm including the growing dangers of spiking and to ensure retailers meet their responsibilities in thwarting under-age sales.
“Drinking alcohol at a young age can cause health problems later in life, not to mention increase the risk of involvement in crime and the taking of more serious substances including drugs. CAP partnerships are playing a vital role in preventing harm before it escalates and becomes out of control and it was inspiring to hear the positive results being achieved.”
Tackling alcohol harm is a key priority in the Commissioner’s new Police, Crime and Justice Plan and the PCC has vowed to work locally with Trading Standards to deliver ‘test purchase’ operations to address underage sales. She has also pledged to develop a local alcohol strategy, strengthen the response to issues associated with the night-time economy and hold the force to account for proactive alcohol seizures.
Ends
Photograph shows (L-R): Chair of CAP Derek Lewis, PCC JoyAllen, Deputy Chief Constable Scott Green and CAP Director, Kate Winstanley.
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