An innovative new Community Alcohol Partnership highlighting the risks of underage drinking to children and young people is to be expanded to reach more children and young people across Cumberland.

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The official launch took place on Tuesday 28 January 2025.

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The Cumberland CAP brings together the expertise and impact of three existing CAPs: South Cumberland, Workington, and Longtown and Brampton.  

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Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAPs) are made up of partnerships between local authorities, young people services, police, schools, retailers and health providers who work together to highlight the risks of underage drinking and improve the health and wellbeing of local children and young people.    

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CAPs provide alcohol-free activities for young people and encourage conversation about underage drinking and the risks associated with it. They also work with local schools to educate young people about underage drinking and ensure that they are equipped to make the right decisions about issues such as alcohol and drugs and anti-social and criminal behaviour.    

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‍In addition, CAPs work with local retailers to help them avoid making underage sales and reduce ‘proxy’ sales where adults buy alcohol for under-18s.  

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‍Partners in the Cumberland CAP include: Cumbria Police, Cumberland Council, Public Health, Charities, Youth Workers, Schools, and Community/Family Hubs.  

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Leading the CAP is Emma Thompson, Senior Manager for Community Safety and Resilience at Cumberland Council, who previously chaired the Workington CAP.

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Emma commented: “Community Alcohol Partnerships are a fantastic way to bring together resources from alcohol manufacturers and retailers, public sector, local business and the community to tackle the problem of alcohol related harm in children together.”

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“What makes this partnership so unique is the approach to consultation with our community of young people. I am looking forward to leading the Cumberland Community Alcohol Partnership and we have a strong network of dedicated partners who are committed to this cause.”

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‍Kate Winstanley, Director of CAP said: “The national average of hospital admissions for Alcohol Specific Conditions for under 18s per 100,000 is a rate of 26.0. In Cumberland, the rate is 48.8 so this expanded CAP will be able to reach even more children and young people in the region.”

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“CAPS have already had a positive impact on the lives of young people in the area and this expanded CAP which will cover the whole local authority area of Cumberland will provide more much needed opportunities to reduce underage drinking and its associated harms.”

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“We know from extensive research that underage drinking can lead to school and educational problems, as well as unsafe sex, drug-taking, violence and drinking problems in later life.”  

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“We also know that the work CAPs do in areas like Cumberland can lead to significant reductions in alcohol supply to children, alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and underage street drinking in local communities. We’re looking forward to working with all the partners and our goal of creating alcohol-free lives for all children and young."

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