Alcohol Partnership wins national award

The Workington Community Alcohol Partnership, led by Cumberland Council's Local Focus Hub, is the joint winner of the Excellence in Education Award from the national Community Alcohol Partnerships body.

The CAP, one of 250 across Britain addressing underage drinking, vaping and drugs, includes Cumberland Council (including Public Health, Licensing and Trading Standards), Cumbria Constabulary, CADAS, and Young Health Champions.

It has worked closely with schools to gain insight into pupils’ use of alcohol. The results of an extensive survey are being used to help youth services and health organisations provide the right support for young people.

The partnership also educates pupils about underage drinking and other issues - equipping them to make informed decisions around alcohol, vaping, drugs and antisocial and criminal behaviour.

Colin Cox, Cumberland Council’s Director of Public Health and Communities, said: “It is great to see the work of the Workington partnership recognized in this way. The CAP has worked really hard to understand the particular issues locally, and to give young people a clear understanding of the risks around underage drinking. I hope the work continues and we can reduce underage drinking, vaping and drugs, along with all the associated harms.”

Emma Thompson, Senior Community Safety and Resilience Manager at Cumberland Council, and Chair of the Workington Community Alcohol Partnership, said: "We want to thank all the young people who answered our survey, and all those who, over the last two years, have engaged with and participated in our CAP educational activities."

Kate Winstanley, Director of Community Alcohol Partnerships, said: “This recognition is testament to your commitment, dedication, and to the impact you have made in your community in tackling underage drinking.

"You have demonstrated exceptional leadership, making a real difference in tackling local challenges and fostering a safer, stronger community. “The positive changes you have brought about stand as an inspiration to all.”

The accolade will be officially presented at an awards ceremony in the Houses of Parliament in April.

• It comes hot on the heels of an expansion of the innovative CAPs in Cumberland. The expertise and impact of the three previous partnerships - South Cumberland, Workington, and Longtown and Brampton - are now being replicated across the area, as Cumberland Community Alcohol Partnership.  Ms Thompson said: "We have identified our key partners and will be soon sending out our CAP youth survey to gain a real insight into how we can improve the health of our young people by reducing alcohol related harm."