Alcohol misuse by young people in Wirral is being targeted by a joint agency approach

Nov 19 2008 by Sue McCann, Birkenhead News

WIRRAL Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT), with Merseyside Police, the borough’s children and young people’s department and other key partner agencies, launches the Young People’s Alcohol Intervention Programme on Monday.

The pioneering scheme is aimed at reducing under-age drinking, alcohol-fuelled crime and anti-social behaviour among young people. It will point out to youngsters, their parents and carers the health dangers and risks associated with drinking.

Piloted this year in Birkenhead, Wallasey and Tranmere, the scheme makes young people think about their drinking habits, the impact on their behaviour, and health risks.

Chief Superintendent Jon Ward, Wirral area commander, said: “This scheme ran throughout the summer holidays and has proved successful in addressing under-age drinking in public places.

“With ever-increasing numbers of officers on the streets, we are identifying more young people whose offending is regularly linked to alcohol misuse.

“By working in partnership with other local agencies, we feel we have a Wirral-wide answer to this growing problem.”

If you suffer from an alcohol- related problem or are concerned about someone you know, contact Wirral Alcohol Services 0800 9881421 or Response, Wirral Youth Service, Children and Young People’s Department on 666 4121.