A CAMPAIGN to reduce high-risk binge drinking among 16-24 year olds has been launched in West Sussex. Called Your Choice, it aims to show young adults there are more rewarding alternatives to getting drunk.
The campaign was developed with young adults and includes a website – www.TheresAlwaysAnAlternative.co.uk – that has information about safe drinking, plus details of activities in West Sussex that give much greater value for money than binge drinking.
It also offers discounts as an incentive to try new pastimes that will help broaden horizons, offer new experiences and provide the opportunity to meet new people.
Sixteen to 24 year olds are one of the groups most likely to binge drink, which contributes to other health risks, such as sexually transmitted diseases. The Family Planning Association recently reported that this age group is twice as likely to have unprotected sex after heavy drinking.
Your Choice is being advertised on buses, in shop changing rooms, colleges, public buildings, pharmacies, GP surgeries and on Facebook, along with its own dedicated Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Your-Choice/212066350349?ref=nf
The campaign has been launched by The West Sussex Strategic Community Safety Partnership, which was set up to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, in conjunction with NHS West Sussex. The Partnership comprises:
· West Sussex County Council.
· Sussex Police.
· NHS West Sussex.
· The seven Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships in the county.
Chief Superintendent Steve Voice said: “Alcohol related crime and disorder is traditionally linked to the night-time economy. Your Choice is about challenging the binge drinking culture often associated with young adults.
“We’re not saying don’t drink. We’re just providing impartial advice and information to enable young people to make informed decisions about their drinking while considering some positive alternatives to alcohol.”
Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “This campaign is about giving young adults choices about what they do with their free time, and also challenging the notion there is nothing else to do at weekends other than get drunk.
“We don’t want to dictate to young people about what they should do. We are simply asking them to enjoy themselves safely and to think a bit differently about their drinking habits.”
Judith Wright, NHS West Sussex and West Sussex County Council Director of Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “We are all supporting the message that alcohol is not the only way to have fun, and at the same time telling our young adults about some of the immediate health risks of drinking more than your limit.
“Sexual risk taking is hugely increased after heavy drinking, and we know this group worries about their sexual health, so we are offering advice and safer alternative options.”
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