Sandra Simm, Assistant Headteacher of Shaftesbury High School in Chorley, writes of her positive experiences of working with the Chorley CAP.

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Working with young people across schools is both a privilege and a responsibility. It requires strong relationships, shared priorities, and a collective commitment to safeguarding and supporting healthy choices. One partnership that has consistently strengthened this work is the Chorley Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP).

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CAP brings together schools, local authorities, police, retailers, health services and community organisations with a shared goal: reducing alcohol-related harm among young people. What makes this partnership so effective is its collaborative approach - ensuring that no school or organisation works in isolation, with Fran Dainty, our CAP Regional Adviser, very skilfully leading at the helm! 

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One of the most valuable aspects of Chorley CAP has been Fran's ability to unite secondary schools across the area. By working together, schools can share insight, align messages, and respond more effectively to emerging concerns. This collaborative model has been particularly important when looking at trends identified through the Lancashire Trading Standards Student Survey on alcohol harm and risky behaviours.

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The survey provides a vital evidence base, helping schools and partners understand the experiences, attitudes and challenges faced by young people. CAP ensures that this data doesn’t sit in a report—it is actively used to shape interventions, inform education programmes, and guide targeted support. By responding collectively, schools are better equipped to address issues such as underage drinking, peer pressure, and wider risk-taking behaviours.

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Prevention is at the heart of CAP’s work. Through coordinated efforts, schools benefit from consistent, high-quality messaging around alcohol awareness, resilience, and decision-making. CAP supports the delivery of these messages not just through educating key staff, but through wider community engagement.

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A great example of this is the planning of the Chorley Live Community/Family event. This will provide a positive, inclusive space where young people and families can come together, access support, and engage with local services. By embedding alcohol awareness and wellbeing within these events, CAP helps normalise conversations and strengthens community connections.

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CAP’s strength lies in its ability to bridge the gap between schools and the wider community. By bringing together partners such as Lancashire Police, public health teams, and local businesses, the partnership creates a shared responsibility for young people’s wellbeing.

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For schools, this means greater access to expertise, resources and support. It also means that the messages delivered in school are reinforced beyond the school gates - whether that’s through responsible retailing, community policing, or family engagement initiatives.

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The impact of Chorley CAP results in a greater awareness among young people, increased confidence in making safe choices, and stronger communication between schools and families.

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For those of us working directly with young people, CAP provides both reassurance and momentum. It ensures that our efforts are part of a wider, coordinated strategy, rather than stand alone initiatives.

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As challenges facing young people continue to evolve, the role of partnerships like Chorley CAP becomes even more important. By continuing to listen to student voice, respond to local data, and work collaboratively, we can ensure that our approach remains relevant, proactive and impactful.

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Ultimately, the success of Chorley CAP lies in its shared vision: supporting young people to stay safe, make informed choices, and thrive within their communities. It is a partnership that not only strengthens our work in schools but enriches the entire community.

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