Safe, Sensible, Social - a reminder to our local drinkers

Designed to help you enjoy a safer night out in Northern Devon, this campaign includes advice on safe drinking, how to avoid incidents of alcohol-related violence and how to make sure you get home safely at the end of the night.

Alcohol plays an important role in our economy with significant revenue for local business and growing associated industry such as leisure and tourism and we are fortunate to have some very proactive licensees who ensure responsible consumption. However, often a great night out for one can result in misery for others.  In North Devon recorded alcohol-related violent crime accounts for 9.7% of all recorded crime. In Torridge it rises to 9.8%.  Alcohol related anti-social behaviour is often unreported and has a negative impact on our urban and rural communities.

Amanda Palmer, Community Safety Manager at Safer North Devon said, “ This campaign targets anyone planning to drink in a social setting, whether they buy drink from off licenses and drink before they head out or spend their summer evenings in local pubs or clubs.  The vivid pink posters are designed to catch your eye and think about your own personal safety and that of others.”

Sue Walker, Devon Service Manager for Addaction said “ We know that the effects of both binge drinking and heavy regular alcohol use are taking their toll on an increasing number of people each year.  However, alcohol is often a significant part of our socialising and celebrating so it is important that people are encouraged to monitor what they drink and manage their alcohol use safely, without risk to their own or others health & wellbeing."

PC Paul Daw, Devon and Cornwall Constabulary Night Time Economy Officer added ”All local agencies work together to reduce alcohol related impact on communities and support those with chaotic alcohol problems, but responsibility must remain with the individual to ensure they stay safe and drink sensibly.” 

The posters contain clear messages such as “ Hospitals Have Regulars too”, Going back to their place….tell someone where you are going” and “Shhhh keep the noise down”  They also contain contact telephone numbers for the NHS service “Alcohol Know your limits” on 0800 9178282


Amanda Palmer
Community Safety Manager
Safer North Devon
Amanda.palmer@northdevon.gov.uk

Paul Daw
Devon and Cornwall Constabulary
01271 335259
Paul.daw@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk

 

Editors Notes:

Safer North Devon is the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) covering both North Devon and Torridge Districts.  The partnership is supported by agencies who are accountable under the 1998 Crime and Disorder Act to deliver on a reduction in Crime, Fear of Crime and Antisocial Behaviour as well as others with a local stakeholder interest.  Our accountable bodies are Devon County Council, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, North Devon Council, Devon Primary Care Trust, Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, Devon and Cornwall Police Authority and Torridge Council.

Addaction is the commissioned service provider for Adult alcohol Treatment for Northern Devon offering one-to-one counselling, help with motivation and provide information and advice on ways to overcome alcohol problems. Clients are referred by GP or other specialist services, and voluntarily. Addaction also offers alcohol awareness training to community groups, professionals and employers and can help employers engage with staff who have an alcohol or drug problem .
www.addaction.org.uk or call 01271 325232 or alcoholreferraldevon.org.uk

Y-Smart deliver targeted Drug and Alcohol Support Services for young people up to the age of 19 years old.  If any young person has a problem with drugs, alcohol or solvents and wants help, they can call, email or refer themselves to Y-Smart.
www.y-smart.org.uk or call 01271 388162 or email info@y-smart.org.uk.or

Support Statistics re Alcohol Related Crime

During 2006/07 there were 3,904 recorded alcohol-related violent crimes across New Devon – 37.7% of all recorded violent crime in New Devon (Devon excluding Plymouth and Torbay) was alcohol-related.

Alcohol-related violent crime accounts for 8.1% of all recorded crime in New Devon – 48,360 recorded crimes. In North Devon recorded alcohol-related violent crime accounts for 9.7% of all recorded crime. In Torridge it rises to 9.8%.

35% of all A&E and ambulance attendances will be alcohol-related. In Devon this is 57,185 attendances at A&E per year, 1,099 per week or 160 per day.

Source:4 DAAT Alcohol Needs Assessment Dec 2007 5 DAAT Drug Needs Assessment Jan 2008)

 

Nationally, 80% of people think that more should be done to tackle the level of alcohol abuse in society.
The total annual healthcare cost related to alcohol misuse adds up to £1.7 billion per year. The bulk of this cost is borne by the NHS.

Source:National Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy 2007

Tuesday, 2nd June 2009