When I joined Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAP) as the South West Regional Adviser last March, I had no idea what a varied and rewarding 12 months were in store for me. As soon as I read the advert, I knew I was interested in this role. Having lived in the South West for the last 22 years, I am passionate about supporting local communities and alcohol harm is one close to my heart. What I didn’t realise was how the actual mechanism of the CAP partnerships we would go on to create in the region would be just as inspiring as the cause. 

All the professionals I have brought together in various locations across the region have had an unwavering commitment to protecting young people from alcohol harm. Many now see the value a CAP partnership can bring and have showed up month after month with enthusiasm, ideas, and support for one another.  

Similarly, my fellow CAP Advisers, strategically placed across the UK, bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to any new CAP getting up and running. We regularly share best practice, ideas, and opportunities to maximise the impact of each individual CAP partnership. They have been a tremendous support to me over the last year.

The various community services CAP tends to work with- schools, police, trading standards, children’s charities- are all stretched. We can see that but once a CAP partnership gets going, everyone can see that going the extra mile is worth it for the impact it creates locally. Over the last year, I have had the pleasure of attending theatre workshops, parents' evenings, community cafes and freshers' fayres to help embed the work of CAP across the South West. Thank you to those who have opened their doors to me.

As the new South West CAPs look to the future, their commitment to reducing alcohol harm in children and young people is unrelenting. They are busy planning community events and positive activities specifically for children and young people. I am looking forward to seeing the South West's first cohort of Young Health Champions achieve their accredited qualification in May. From there, they, too, will be involved with shaping CAPs across the region.   

Due to CAP’s innovative model, I didn’t know what was in store for me when I joined twelve months ago. The enthusiasm and input of the partners who have come together have made it an incredibly rewarding year.  I can’t wait to support their further development in the next year ahead.

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