Youngsters encouraged to drink safely

'Why let drink decide?' targets both teenagers and parents. It recognises the importance of parental influence and aims to give parents the tools and support with which to talk to their children about alcohol. In particular, the partnership is encouraging parents to start talking to their children about alcohol at an earlier age.

For young people, the campaign equips them with the confidence and tactics to effectively manage their own relationship with alcohol, and raises awareness of how alcohol can make them vulnerable to problems such as unwanted pregnancies, road traffic accidents and poor marks at school.

Councillor Bob Tidy, lead member for community services, said: "We know that in East Sussex up to 90 per cent of children aged 15-16 drink at least occasionally.

"We want to encourage families to have open and frank discussions about the risks associated with drinking at an early age, and to support this by giving parents the advice and information they have asked for.

"This is about making sure we put young people in charge of their future - not alcohol."

To support this campaign, the East Sussex Safer Communities Partnership will be signposting the national 'Why let drink decide?' website to employees from a wide variety of organisations.

Councillor Keith Glazier, lead member for children's and adults' services, said: "We want young people to have a real understanding of the consequences of drinking and the affect alcohol can have on their health and their lives.

"This campaign is about partners working together to help East Sussex young people to grow up with a responsible attitude towards alcohol."

The partnership will continue this campaign throughout the year and will be supporting national Sexual Health Week and also, Alcohol Awareness Week with a variety of activities for young people and parents across East Sussex.

Further information and help is available by calling Under 19's Substance Misuse Service on 01323 841470.

Alternatively, if you, or someone you know who is an adult and has a problem with alcohol, access help at Action for Change on 03001112470.