An East Sussex Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy called ‘Have Fun, Stay Safe’ has been supported nationally by Alcohol Concern.
The East Sussex Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) launched its second Alcohol Strategy this week and Alcohol Concern has given its formal approval and awarded the strategy a Kitemark. Alcohol Concern campaigns nationally for effective alcohol policy and improved services for people whose lives are affected by alcohol-related problems.
The Kitemark recognises that the East Sussex Strategy is of a high standard and sets out comprehensive partnership plans to reduce any alcohol problems in the county.
Councillor Bob Tidy, Lead Member for Community Services at the County Council, said: “Our strategy builds on the work already being done by a wide range of organisations in an effort to minimise the health harm, violence, crime and anti-social behaviour associated with alcohol for individuals, families and communities. I’m very pleased that it has been given a national stamp of approval by Alcohol Concern.”
The strategy has a number of key target areas including:
* Young people under 18 who drink alcohol
* 18 – 24 year old binge drinkers
* Harmful drinkers
* Reducing the effect of alcohol harm on families and carers
The East Sussex DAAT is producing a summary leaflet for residents which will outline the aims of the strategy, give advice about recommended units in alcoholic drinks, and will let people know where they can get help and advice about alcohol.
Chief Superintendent Robin Smith said: "Each weekend dozens of people effectively ‘over dose’ on alcohol leading to, in many cases, violent crime, anti social behaviour and injury. Sussex Police and our partners are determined to reduce levels of alcohol related crime and we will."
Diana Grice, Director of Public Health and Medical Director said: "The local NHS is working hard to prevent alcohol problems, and has invested an extra £618,000 in specialist treatment across East Sussex to make sure people can get help quickly and when they need it. The festive party season is now upon us and I would like to encourage everyone to have a good time, and to know their limits and to stay safe".
The UK Government advises that men should not regularly drink more than three to four units a day and women not more than two to three. Consistently drinking four or more units for men, and three or more for women, isn’t advisable because of the progressive health risks it carries. After an episode of heavy drinking it is advisable to refrain from drinking for 48 hours.
As a general rule, pregnant women or women trying to conceive should avoid drinking alcohol. If they do choose to drink, to protect the baby they should not drink more than 1 to 2 units of alcohol once or twice a week and should not get drunk.
East Sussex County Council