26th November 2007, 07/414
Teenagers' alcohol-free toast to
Christmas!
Christmas is one of the most tempting
times to drink, which is why teenagers can learn the importance of
alcohol-free socialising at a special disco!
To show that nights out don't need to involve alcohol, a 'Funxion'
disco for under 18s is being held on Friday 7th December at the
Ecumenical Centre in Skelmersdale.
During the evening, from 7pm to 10pm, youngsters who attend will be
able to meet like-minded people in a fun environment and dance the
night away without relying on alcohol! It includes DJs and live
acts. Tickets are £3 from either the information Centre at the
Concourse on 01695 737190, Point 6 Youth Centre on 01695 50799 or
local high schools in Skelmersdale.
Cllr David Westley, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, said:
"Alcohol accounts for so many problems and is not only a lethal
mixture for criminal activity but poses health risks to our
youngsters too, which is why these discos are so important in
teaching them the benefits of socialising without alcohol."
This particular event is part of a wider initiative being
spearheaded by Lancashire County Council's Youth and Community
Service in partnership with West Lancashire Community Safety
Partnership to reduce underage drinking.
Earlier this year the WLCSP had given £20,000 to Youth and
Community to slash the number of young people binge drinking.
The idea behind the overall project is to reduce alcohol-related
incidents, target underage drinking and to highlight the health
risks and the team will be delivering a number of initiatives to
warn teenagers about the dangers of drinking.
Chris Ingham, Fieldwork Manager for Youth and Community Service,
said: "Young people want to meet and relax with friends on a Friday
evening just like adults. This event provides the opportunity for
them to do this in a safe, supported environment. Whilst meeting
friends and new people they will also have the chance to enjoy
themselves without alcohol or the after affects of the tomorrow
morning. I hope the event goes well and there will be many more for
the young people to attend and enjoy."
With this latest cash injection the money is to be used to produce
a DVD as an awareness resource for schools; educate parents about
alcohol so that they can pass this onto their siblings; organise a
number of non-alcohol events to show that you can socialise without
drinking on a night out; target new college students about sensible
drinking; and encourage agencies to work together and bridge any
gaps in current services.
For more information about the work of the WLCDRP, visit the
Community
Safety.
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