A major funding initiative by charity Drinkaware to tackle alcohol hotspots in British communities is now in full swing, with 13 grants totalling £265,000 being awarded to educational projects across the UK during the past six months.
The Drinkaware grants programme supports a diverse range of exciting and innovative education projects which aim to reduce alcohol misuse and make a tangible change in local communities. Projects range from street outreach to theatre performance and youth-led workshops. An education in sport partnership will kick off later this year. Some of the 13 grant recipients funded by Drinkaware include:
• Alcohol Focus Scotland – local community scoping work in Blackburn, including workshop programmes targeting hard to reach individuals and awareness-raising in local schools;
• London Bus Theatre – running a series of drama workshops and plays for teenagers over an 18 month period in the Basildon area, covering health, peer pressure, personal safety and antisocial behaviour, with a DVD resource for follow-up work in class;
• Bradford Youth Development Partnership – an alcohol awareness programme for under-18s, including workshops accredited by the Open College Network, giving young people the opportunity to become peer educators and access training opportunities;
• Early Break Young People’s Drug & Alcohol Service – delivering alcohol awareness intervention directly to young people to influence behaviour and reduce need for the charity’s treatment services.
Drinkaware’s CEO, Chris Sorek, says: “With alcohol misuse costing the NHS around £2.7 billion a year, as well as the personal cost to individuals and communities, there is a clear role for grass-roots education in overhauling the UK’s binge drinking culture.
“Drinkaware’s mission is to change individual attitudes and behaviour towards alcohol misuse. We are committed to supporting educational projects which make a positive difference to people lives, creating a ripple effect for widespread and lasting change within society.”
Kathy Austen, Chair of London Bus Theatre, is confident that their Drinkaware-funded project will reduce alcohol misuse among young people, leading to less crime and antisocial behaviour in the Basildon area. She also hopes that more local young people will take a greater interest in acting as a result, as drama can increase respect, confidence and social skills.
Austen said: “Basildon is one of the most deprived areas of Essex. The alcohol workshops provide a fun and informative environment for young people to learn about alcohol and health issues, peer pressure and personal safety.
“This interactive method allows the pupils to grasp ownership of their own destinies and willingly accept certain behavioural choices. We have found that if you show something to someone, they usually forget it. If you involve them, they invariably understand it.”
Drinkaware funding is currently available to organisations working with under-18s and 25-44 year olds in any part of the UK. Charities, community and other voluntary organisations can apply for funding towards new and existing projects, as well as piloting new ideas that have wider potential. There are three levels of award:
• Ideas Fund, up to £2,000 – ideal for community-based projects needing support to develop an initial idea before applying for a larger award;
• Awareness Projects, up to £25,000 – for larger projects that undertake direct, hands-on work with individuals and the community;
• Big Impact Awards, up to £100,000 – designed to help larger-scale projects pack a more powerful punch or reach a wider audience.
Drinkaware Grants form part of the charity’s public education programme which aims to change British drinking culture by engaging consumers with impactful information.
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