Alcohol misuse is not just a health concern: it can erode the fabric of communities leading to anti-social behaviour, crime, and harm to children and young people. This requires a multifaceted approach. As an adviser for CAP, I've had the privilege of working closely with local stakeholders to help address this issue head-on.

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My role is to facilitate collaboration, to provide guidance, and to share best practices to empower communities take ownership of their drinking culture. One of the cornerstones of CAP is education. We work closely with schools to provide evidence-based alcohol awareness programmes and resources that equip young people with the knowledge and skills to make informed choices. Our funding allows schools and other organisations to enhance the variety of educational resources at their disposal to meet different learning styles.

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Funding, however, is not always required. In Edinburgh, for example, Scotrail allowed one of their coaches to be used as a mobile classroom. In Norfolk, the Paralympian Swimmer, Jessica Jane Applegate, and the Olympian Hurdler, Colin Jackson, recorded short inspirational videos to encourage young people to live fit and healthy lifestyles.

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By engaging with parents, we aim to foster open conversations about alcohol and its impact on young lives. Schools allow us to provide evidence-based information to parents, not only about how best to open and continue discussions about alcohol with their children, but also about alcohol generally that they may wish to take on board themselves.

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Retailers play a crucial role in promoting responsible drinking. Through CAP, we provide free training and support to local off-licences, encouraging compliance with age verification practices and responsible sales policies. Not only will we provide a range of Challenge 25 resources, seasonal and location based anti-proxy purchasing digital and paper-based posters but free online training and more. Close interaction with off-licences encourages staff to be open about issues they are facing, and by working together, we create environments where alcohol is sold and consumed responsibly. After all support has been offered and if intelligence exists that an off-licence is not retailing lawfully, only then is enforcement action supported.

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CAP also focuses on creating safer environments for socialising. By working with local authorities and police, we develop initiatives to address alcohol-related crime and disorder, such as targeted patrols, outreach work and the creation of positive activities. In Worksop in Nottinghamshire, CAP funding has enabled the local boxing club to offer free memberships to young people who would not normally be able to join. In Orkney, children and young people were encouraged to be involved in the planting and maintaining of a disused piece of land to form a place of relaxation for the community. In Ripon, CAP funding was used to provide air-fryers, portable grills and other cooking equipment for the local youth club so young people could be taught how to cook healthy foods.

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The impact of CAPs regionally extends beyond statistics. While reduced anti-social behaviour, crime rates and alcohol-related hospital admissions are important indicators, the real measure of success lies in the transformation of communities. By fostering a culture of responsibility and collaboration, CAPs empower communities to reclaim their public spaces and nurture a sense of belonging.

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Looking to the future, as the CAP Adviser for the North East, the East Midlands of England, Edinburgh and Orkney, I am continually inspired by the dedication and passion of our partners and co-ordinators – many of whom have won CAP Awards over the years.

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Together, we are making meaningful strides towards creating safer, healthier communities. However, our work is far from over. With ongoing support and engagement, we can build on our successes and create lasting change for generations to come.

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Being an adviser for CAP is not just a job: it's a commitment to fostering positive change. By working together with local stakeholders, we are shaping a future where communities thrive, and alcohol is enjoyed responsibly. As we continue on this journey, I am confident that our collective efforts will leave a lasting legacy of safer, healthier communities.