Campaign highlights alternatives to binge drinking
A campaign to reduce high-risk binge drinking among 16-24 year olds has been launched in West Sussex. Called 'Your Choice', it aims to show young adults there are more rewarding alternatives to getting drunk.
'Your Choice'
The campaign was developed with young adults and includes a website – www.TheresAlwaysAnAlternative.co.uk - that has information about safe drinking, plus details of activities in West Sussex that give much greater value for money than binge drinking.
It also offers discounts as an incentive to try new pastimes that will help broaden horizons, offer new experiences and provide the opportunity to meet new people.
Your Choice is being advertised on buses, in shop changing rooms, colleges, public buildings, pharmacies, GP surgeries and on Facebook, along with its own dedicated Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Your-Choice/212066350349?ref=nf
Sixteen to 24 year olds are one of the groups most likely to binge drink, which contributes to other health risks, such as sexually transmitted diseases. The Family Planning Association recently reported that this age group is twice as likely to have unprotected sex after heavy drinking.
Chief Superintendent Steve Voice said: “Alcohol related crime and disorder is traditionally linked to the night-time economy. Your Choice is about challenging the binge drinking culture often associated with young adults.
“We’re not saying don’t drink. We’re just providing impartial advice and information to enable young people to make informed decisions about their drinking while considering some positive alternatives to alcohol.”
Judith Wright, NHS West Sussex and West Sussex County Council Director of Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “We are all supporting the message that alcohol is not the only way to have fun, and at the same time telling our young adults about some of the immediate health risks of drinking more than your limit.
“Sexual risk taking is hugely increased after heavy drinking, and we know this group worries about their sexual health, so we are offering advice and safer alternative options.”