Hello, I’m Alan Simpson and have been a CAP Adviser since 2011. In writing this short blog, I thought that it might be a good idea to let you know a little about myself and the reasons why I joined Community Alcohol Partnerships.

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My background lies in the Police Service. I joined as a Cadet when I was 17 and 33 years later left as Acting Chief Inspector. I think that when people apply to join the Police Service they do so because they have a desire to make a positive difference within the communities in which they might serve.

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So how does that desire relate to the work I am doing now?

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It is, in many ways, very similar. As advisers, we gain personal satisfaction by bringing people together who work or live in an area and help to reduce i) underage drinking, ii) the instances of adults buying alcohol for young people and iii) the anti-social behaviour so often associated with it.

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I initially had many questions but was nevertheless intrigued by this new model that brought together a wide range of statutory and voluntary services and which regards alcohol retailers as part of the solution. In relation to the latter, I found that supermarkets and corner shops wanted to come on board because they felt that they could play a useful part in the life of the community as a truly equal partner, sometimes, for the first time.

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I co-ordinated an initial four CAPs across Barnsley covering a wide geographical area and a large number of villages. I now cover the East and East Midlands of England, Edinburgh and Orkney.

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Without doubt, it is a demanding role for all CAP Advisers but the benefits are great when we see partners achieving success together and communities feeling that the CAP has made a positive difference.

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The process of creating a CAP takes around three months. This ensures that each step is completed thoroughly and without rush. Once the CAP has been launched and regular meetings begin then the excitement of working together properly starts. We are not looking for any money or funding from any partner to be part of a CAP, as this is already in place as part of our external funding. Importantly, we are not beholden in any way to any of our funders.

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CAPs are worthwhile considering in any village, town or city, where the issues I’ve mentioned above exist. It is really helpful if a partnership can identify someone locally for us to link up to be a local co-ordinator. The main thing that I look for in a CAP Co-ordinator is to find someone who has a genuine interest in partnership working, a desire to improve the potential of young people in education and health and to work to ensure the well-being of the community. Once that person is identified, my role is a lot easier.

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CAP has been academically evaluated by London Metropolitan University. The action plan that we use is robust and effective - our results clearly demonstrate this year after year. Every CAP area has its own action plan which is made bespoke to the area following a detailed consultation with local partners. This ensures that the plan contains the best initiatives both nationally and locally.

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If you are thinking about setting up a CAP in your area, my advice would be to speak with me or one of our team of regional advisers, who will come to you whatever time, date and location is suitable for you. There is no cost at all and certainly no expectations on our behalf.

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If you decide to go ahead then we can look at further briefings to a wider range of partners.

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Finally, whilst serving in the Police Service, I saw at first hand the problems that alcohol can cause if misused and I am proud to be part of an organisation that is tackling these problems so successfully.