The newly revised East Sussex Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy has recently been awarded a prestigious Kite mark by Alcohol Concern.
The strategy has been developed in partnership by members of the East Sussex Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) which includes the East Sussex PCTs.
Its overall aim is for partner organisations to work together to minimise the health harm, violence, crime and anti-social behaviour associated with alcohol for individuals, families and communities.
Alcohol Concern Kite marks are not awarded very often so the DAAT are delighted that their work has been recognised as exceptional.
The strategy scored highly against a set of criteria drawn from the Home Office and Alcohol Concern’s ‘Local Alcohol Strategies Toolkit’, and it met standards of good practice in developing, reviewing and delivering local alcohol strategies in line with the national Safe, Sensible, Social Alcohol Strategy.
The launch of the East Sussex Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy comes at a time when the festive season and New Year has brought alcohol into the forefront of many people’s lives.
The government advises that men should not regularly drink more than three to four units a day and women not more than two to three. Have fun, stay safe and drink sensibly.
Consistently drinking four or more units for men, and three or more for women, isn’t advisable because of the progressive health risks it carries. After an episode of heavy drinking it is advisable to refrain from drinking for 48 hours.
As a general rule, pregnant women or women trying to conceive should avoid drinking alcohol. If they do choose to drink, to protect the baby they should not drink more than 1 to 2 units of alcohol once or twice a week and should not get drunk.
If you, or someone you know, has a problem with alcohol, get help locally at: Action for Change - Eastbourne, Lewes, Wealden - 01323 419696
Hastings and Rother - 01424 460066.
Drinkline (24hr National alcohol helpline) – 0800 9178282
For more information about units, go to: www.units.nhs.uk
Alternatively, if you are a parent/carer and are concerned about your child and their drinking, you can seek help and advice from the
Under 19’s Substance Misuse Service - 01323 841470.
