New Community Alcohol Partnership launched in Caerphilly to tackle underage drinking and promote an alcohol-free childhood

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A new Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) is being launched in Caerphilly to raise awareness about the dangers of underage drinking and work towards ensuring an alcohol-free childhood for young people in the area.

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The official launch took place on Thursday 17 October 2024 at Penallta House in Hengoed.

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CAPs bring together local authorities, youth services, police, schools, retailers, and healthcare providers to address the risks associated with underage drinking and protect the health and well-being of children and young people.

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CAPs create alcohol-free activities for young people, encourage open conversations about the dangers of alcohol, and work with schools to educate students on making responsible choices. By focusing on prevention, CAPs aim to equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to resist the pressures of underage drinking and other harmful behaviors.

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In addition to their work with schools, CAPs collaborate with local retailers to reduce underage sales and prevent 'proxy' sales where adults purchase alcohol for minors, further supporting the goal of an alcohol-free childhood.

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The Caerphilly CAP is being led by the Safer Caerphilly Community Safety Partnership working with partners such as Trading Standards, schools, retailers and the local community.

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Kate Winstanley, Director of CAP, said: "We know from extensive research that underage drinking can have serious consequences, from disrupting education to leading young people into risky behaviours like drug use, violence, and long-term health problems. By working together, we can help steer children and young people towards an alcohol-free childhood."

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She added: "CAPs have a proven track record of reducing alcohol supply to minors, curbing alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, and lowering underage street drinking. It’s incredibly rewarding to see local partners unite to protect our children and young people and help them lead healthier, safer lives."

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We are looking forward to seeing the positive changes this CAP will bring and the impact it will have on the Caerphilly community as we work towards our shared goal of an alcohol-free childhood."

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Cllr Philippa Leonard, Cabinet Member for Planning & Public Protection said, "The Community Alcohol Partnership is such an important piece of work which aims to support local Partnerships that aim to reduce alcohol harm in children and young people whilst improving their wellbeing and enhancing our communities.

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I would like to thank the staff and pupils of Idris Davies School, Newbridge and Blackwood Comprehensive Schools for participating in the early stages and implementation of the project. Incorporating the views of young people is so important to ensure the success of the project and by involving them at the outset we can ensure what really matters to them is prioritised and addressed.

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The project will continue to liaise with the schools, retailers and the local communities to look at innovative ways to make positive change for the areas across Caerphilly County Borough”

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

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