A partnership set up to tackle underage drinking in Workington has been awarded an Excellence in Education Award for its remarkable transformation of youth engagement and its significant impact on educating young people about the dangers of underage drinking.

Workington Community Alcohol Partnership received its award at the Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAP) annual awards ceremony in the Houses of Parliament on  April 2025.  CAP is a national organisation that sets up and supports local partnerships that aim to reduce alcohol harm in children and young people, improve their health and well-being and enhance their communities.

‍

Workington CAP was praised for revolutionising its delivery model, resulting in a dramatic increase in the number of young people it has reached with positive messaging. Through a series of innovative partnerships and interactive events, the CAP has successfully engaged over 1,200 young people within the past 12 months.

‍

Key highlights of their award-winning programme include:

• Workington Light Switch on Event: Partnering with Trading Standards, GP Social Prescribers, Licensing, Police, CADAS, and the Local Focus Hub, the CAP reached 200 young people.

• Festival of Work: In partnership with the Local Focus Hub and the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, the CAP reached over 800 secondary school pupils, with refreshments provided by CAP partner, Tesco.

• Workington Academy Well-being Event: Partnering with the Local Focus Hub, CADAS, and Cumbria Police, the CAP provided parents and carers with information about alcohol-related harm.

‍

These events, held in both indoor and outdoor settings, provided young people with opportunities to interact with various agencies, ask questions, and gain hands-on experience. The inclusion of free refreshments, generously provided by CAP partner Tesco, significantly increased engagement and allowed for valuable feedback collection.

‍

Josh MacAlister MP for Whitehaven & Workington presented Emma Thompson from the CAP with the award. He commented: “I am so proud of Workington CAP for this achievement and of Emma Thompson for her fantastic leadership. The team’s innovation and dedication will continue to have a lasting impact on these young people’s lives. Emma is a true community champion and has set an example for others to follow around the country. I hope the programme continues to grow here in Workington too.”

‍

"We are incredibly honoured to receive this award," said Emma Thompson, Chair of Workington CAP. "Our goal has always been to create meaningful connections with young people and provide them with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed choices. By working closely with our partners and creating engaging, interactive events, we have been able to reach a much wider audience and make a lasting impact."

‍

The CAP's innovative approach included the use of "spikeys" as free resources and replica drug props, which sparked meaningful conversations about the risks of spiking and substance misuse.  

‍

"Emma Thompson's dedication and strategic leadership have been instrumental in the success of the Workington CAP," said Kate Winstanley, Director of CAP. "Her ability to build strong partnerships and adapt the CAP's approach to meet the needs of the local community has resulted in a truly transformative educational programme."

‍

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