Corby scheme wins national award for tackling underage drinking

Corby Community Alcohol Partnership has been working with young people in the town
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A Corby scheme aimed at tackling underage drinking has been recognised with a national education award for the work carried out to raise awareness of alcohol harm.

Corby Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) received the CAP Excellence in Education Award at an online event yesterday (Wednesday, March 31).

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At the launch of the CAP’s national annual report the awards highlight the resilience and determination of communities to reduce alcohol harm among young people, improve their health and well-being and enhance their communities during this challenging time.

Beer goggles - file pictureBeer goggles - file picture
Beer goggles - file picture

Kate Winstanley, director of CAP, said: "Like many organisations, CAP has been hit hard by Covid.

"Nevertheless, the power of the partnership model to respond to changing circumstances and innovate has never been more clearly demonstrated.

"The examples in this report show how, despite the pandemic, CAPs have found creative ways to protect young people from alcohol harm and promote their health and well-being."

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Corby CAP held seven awareness sessions with pupils at Beanfield Primary School to allow them to develop an understanding of alcohol and its effects.

Singer-songwriter Henry MayburySinger-songwriter Henry Maybury
Singer-songwriter Henry Maybury

The early intervention programme aims to provide young people with the knowledge and confidence to make safe, informed decisions around alcohol.

Around 240 pupils took part in games and quizzes and tried 'beer goggles' to simulate how alcohol affects co-ordination.

As many children were restricted to online learning, Corby CAP found creative ways of getting its messages across.

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Young singer-songwriter Henry Maybury gave a virtual presentation to pupils at Corby Primary Academy, as part of Alcohol Awareness Week, to share his story and music, and deliver a powerful message about the dangers of alcohol.

The CAP also launched a poster campaign at sites in the town centre and held an inventive QR code treasure hunt competition in two local alcohol hotspots.

Using smartphone people could scan codes to access websites with relevant support and information and answer alcohol related questions to win a gift.

Eye-catching bollard covers were installed outside Morrisons and Tesco to promote key health education messages, and an email was circulated to all staff at Corby Council, highlighting the impact of alcohol on physical and mental health and containing links to organisations offering advice and support.

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Such is the success of the programme 214 CAP schemes have now been launched throughout the country and will be offered to all primary schools across the area.

They are made up of partnerships between retailers, local authorities, police, schools, neighbourhood groups and health providers, working together to empower communities to tackle alcohol-related harm to young people and improve their health and well-being.