A new Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) has been launched in Blackpool to tackle underage drinking, with young people playing a central role in shaping the partnership's priorities and activities.

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CAPs are community-led partnerships which bring together local police, councils, schools, retailers and community groups. Their primary goal is to reduce alcohol harm in children and young people, improve their health and wellbeing, and enhance the wider community.

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Blackpool CAP will place a strong emphasis on listening to young people and involving them in decisions about the issues that affect their lives. The partnership will work with youth groups across the town to understand young people's experiences, concerns and aspirations, ensuring their views influence the development of local initiatives.

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As part of its initial action planning, the partnership is exploring opportunities for young people to carry out social action research into issues affecting their communities, including the impact of tourism and alcohol consumption on young people living in Blackpool. The findings could be used to inform the work of local partners and give young people a greater say in decisions affecting their town.

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The partnership will also focus on understanding young people's education needs and providing opportunities for them to contribute ideas, develop skills and take an active role in improving their communities.

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Alongside this youth-led approach, Blackpool CAP will focus on three key areas:

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• Education and awareness: Working with schools and youth groups to raise awareness of the risks associated with underage drinking and support young people to make informed decisions about alcohol, drugs and anti-social behaviour.

• Responsible retailing: Working closely with local retailers to prevent underage alcohol sales, including tackling illegal 'proxy sales', where adults purchase alcohol on behalf of under-18s, and promoting compliance with the Challenge 25 policy.

• Positive activities: Providing engaging, supervised activities that give young people safe places to socialise, develop new skills and contribute to their communities. These activities also offer opportunities to deliver alcohol education in informal settings.

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The impact of CAPs has been measured and proven. Nationwide, partnerships have led to reductions in regular drinking among 13–16-year-olds and in alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.

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Sergeant Dan Whitaker, from Lancashire Constabulary-Sceptre (Knife Crime) and the Violence Reduction Network, said: “Protecting young people from alcohol-related harm is a shared responsibility, and partnership working is key to making a lasting difference. By bringing together the police, local schools, retailers and community organisations, Blackpool CAP will help educate young people about the risks of underage drinking and encourage them to make informed, positive choices.

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“Working together also means we can tackle the wider issues associated with underage drinking, including anti-social behaviour, and create a safer, healthier environment for young people and the wider Blackpool community.”

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Kate Winstanley, Director of Community Alcohol Partnerships, said: “We know that underage drinking can have a significant impact on young people's health, education and wellbeing. CAPs have a proven track record of reducing underage drinking and alcohol-related anti-social behaviour by bringing local organisations together to address the issues affecting their communities.

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“What is particularly exciting about Blackpool CAP is its commitment to putting young people at the centre of its work. Young people understand the challenges they face and have valuable ideas about what could make a difference. By listening to their experiences and involving them in decisions from the outset, the partnership can develop initiatives that reflect their needs and priorities.

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“We are delighted to see local partners coming together with a shared commitment to reducing alcohol harm and creating more opportunities for Blackpool's young people. We look forward to seeing how their ideas and involvement shape the partnership as it develops.”

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ENDS

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