Cardiff Community Alcohol Partnership was awarded by Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAP) at its annual awards ceremony in the Houses of Parliament on  April 2025.  CAP is a national organisation that sets up and supports local partnerships that aim to reduce alcohol harm in children and young people, improve their health and well-being and enhance their communities.  

‍

Cardiff CAP was recognised for its innovative and impactful student nightlife project ‘My Drink. My Choice' and was presented the award by Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP.

‍

The project kicked off in 2024 with two highly successful event days at Scaredy-cats, a local venue known for its alcohol-free offerings. These events featured interactive activities like "Drink N Draw," creating a vibrant social atmosphere without alcohol. Students were surveyed to gather valuable insights into their preferences and experiences with the night-time economy.

‍

To complement the surveys, Cardiff CAP partnered with the city's four universities to conduct a large-scale quantitative survey. The data collected from the surveys will provide businesses with crucial information to adapt their offerings and create a comprehensive platform showcasing alcohol-free activities and venues.

‍

The initiative garnered significant media attention, with ITV Wales, Wales Online, and BBC Wales highlighting the project's innovative approach and the growing trend towards alcohol-free socialising.  

‍

Over 200 students participated in the events and local venues are expressing interest in hosting alcohol-free evenings, and students are gaining greater awareness of the diverse options available in the city. By promoting these alternatives, Cardiff CAP aims to reduce the strain on public services, decrease alcohol-related harm, and empower students to socialise without feeling the pressure to drink alcohol.

‍

Luke Fadipe from Cardiff CAP comments: “This has been a great opportunity to showcase best practice with partners and ensure the students voice is reflected on the decision making that happens in Cardiff.”

‍

“The My Drink. My Choice. campaign is about increasing awareness of the range of alcohol-free venues and activities in Cardiff, as well as empowering students to say no to peer pressure. In Cardiff we have around 80,000 students so it’s imperative our evening and night-time economy is inclusive for those who want to engage with it, without having to drink alcohol.”

‍

“We have had more and more businesses reaching out to put on alcohol-free nights! We want to keep gaining more information and learning, we are now working with Cardiff Universities SPARK lab to further the knowledge sharing, gaps and barriers, and ensure students feel part of and safe in the night-time economy.”

‍

"Cardiff CAP has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of their community," said Kate Winstanley, Director of CAP. "Their innovative approach to student engagement and their success in building strong partnerships have made them a worthy recipient of this year's CAP of the Year award."

‍

For media information, please contact: Samantha Patel, Communications Manager - sam@communityalcoholpartnerships.co.uk

‍

‍