NERAF - Advice for young people

Alcohol and Young People - The Law

Under 5 years of age. It is illegal to give alcohol to a child of this age - even at home - except with permission from a doctor or in a medical emergency.

Under 14 years of age. Children under 14 years of age are allowed in a bar provided that the licensee has a Children's certificate. Children under 14 years of age are also allowed in a bar if they are the children of the licensee or are resident in the public house.

Between 14 and 18. Allowed in a bar at the licensee's discretion but not allowed to buy, be bought or drink alcohol.

Between 16 and 18. Allowed to buy or be bought certain drinks (beer, cider and perry (and in Scotland - wine) but only in a separate seating area and only for consumption with a meal.

Under 18. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to buy, or be bought, intoxicating drink from an off licence.

Remember getting drunk does not make you tall, rich, strong, attractive, smart, attractive or sexy!

If you get drunk you are more likely to have unprotected sex, which could result in unwanted pregnancies. There is also a greater chance of getting STD's (crabs, chlamydia, gonorrea or even HIV/AIDS)

If you don't want to develop alcohol related problems the answer is easy - don't drink too much!

Alcoholic soft drinks (Alcopops) are sweet tasting drinks with a high alcohol content (up to 5.5% ABV). They are alcohol with the feel and taste of soft drinks but are stronger than most beers or lagers.

Are Alcopops the drinks industries way of weaning children on to alcohol? What do you think? Be Alco wise!

EMERGENCY ACTIONS

Alcohol if abused is poisonous - pure alcohol is poison - and drinking large amounts in one go is dangerous and life-threatening.

Dial 999 then check that the persons mouth is clear and that they are breathing. Don't leave them alone. Don't give them anything else to drink and don't panic.

There may be times when the pressures to drink are too much. It is easy to drink more than you intended because your mates are doing it. Try not to get pressurised - its your choice - its up to you how much you drink. Don't drink out of habit because it can lead to addiction. Don't leave your drink unattended. There are more young people that don't drink alcohol than do.

Am A Bovvered

In Aug 2005 the Young Woman’s outreach project approached NECA Young people’s project requesting Drug and Alcohol education sessions for a group of school age mothers who attend the project for education whilst their children are looked after in the crèche.

Click here for more

YDAP
A multi-agency service which works with Northumbria Police, National Probation Service, Sunderland Health Authority, Sunderland Housing Group and Sunderland City Council (Departments of Social Services, Education and Housing).

11 John Street, Sunderland, SR11HT, Tel 0191 5663159

http://www.ydap.co.uk

NACOA's latest research indicates that there are at least 920,000 children and young people, under the age of 18, in the UK today living in a home where one or both parents have a problem with alcohol.

NACOA responds by providing information, advice and support to children of alcoholics and people concerned with their welfare through its free, confidential telephone Helpline (0800 358 3456), and Training to Volunteer Counselors.

The helpline is staffed Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 10am-7pm, Wednesday, Thursday: 10am-9pm and Saturday:10am-3pm when possible.

http://www.nacoa.org.uk/

Alateen
Part of the Al-Anon fellowship and is for young people, aged twelve to twenty, who are affected by a problem drinker.

Visit our website at www.al-anonuk.org.uk/alateen.php

British Medical Association
Alcohol – young people, March 2004
The BMA believes that there is a need for the government to take tough action to address the problems of underage drinking and teenage alcohol consumption. These problems should be viewed not just in terms of ‘designer’ drinks aimed at the teenage market but also in relation to issues concerning education, access to alcohol and regulatory enforcement. Issues relating to the culture in which young people are growing up and the example set by adults are also important.

The BMA welcomes the Government’s plans to tackle alcohol problems in England announced in March 2004 but believes that these must be followed up by concrete action to tackle the crisis.

The Matrix works with young people under 19, families and carers whose lives have been affected by substance use or those who are at risk of developing substance use issues. They offer young people, families and carers a confidential service in a friendly surrounding, located in South Shields town centre. The Matrix will see anyone who wishes to call in for further information withoutappointment.    

South Tyneside DAT, Wyvestow Lodge, 2, Sunderland Rd, South Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE33 4UR. Tel: 0191-4967963 / 0191-4967964

Drink Angel

Welcome to the Drink Angel™ website. Drink Angel™ is a new approach to alcohol education. A software application available online for schools and via kiosks in pubs, bars and clubs across the country, it mixes data collection and a new way to raise awareness of health issues relating to alcohol.

Contact us at   http://www.drinkangel.com/