DISC News Spot - Updated 22/05/08

Underage drinkers are being given a warning about the dangers of alcohol as part of a police clampdown. A compact leaflet, which can fit easily into a pocket or wallet, is being handed out when youths are caught carrying booze. It gives them information about the increase risk of drinking more than the recommended limit, how much alcohol there is in a measure of wine, beer, alcopops and sprits and how to avoid alcohol poisoning.

Advice about what to do if someone has too much to drink, the effects it has on the body and people’s behaviour, the law and where to get help and support are also listed. It has been designed by Scott Iveson, a 19-year-old who spent time as a volunteer with the OutThere project run by the Developing Initiatives Supporting Communities programme , to educate youngsters of the dangers of drink and drugs. He worked alongside experts to gather the information, with the idea given support by medics, police and organisations which help those with problems with alcohol. Scott said: “It came from the idea that something needed to address how alcohol can affect young people and what it can do to them.

“I hope it’s going to work and I hope it helps give them the information they need.”

Police Community Support Officer Sam Level has a specialist responsibility for licensing in the Seaham, Peterlee and Chester-le-Street areas. She said: “When young people have alcohol seized from them they will be handed these leaflets.

“This was something we wanted to do and we thought it would be better if that information came from a young person.”

So far, 3,000 copies of the leaflet have been printed to be given out across the Easington district. The OutThere project is aimed at 13 to 19-year-olds and targets those most at risk of getting involved in substance misuse across County Durham. Young people are trained as peer educators, who then pass on what they have learnt to friends and in their communities. They also help guide the project and are consulted on different subjects linked with drink and drug education. In East Durham 120 seizures of alcohol were made from underage drinkers between November last year and this April.

Updated 22/05/08