PHA welcomes launch of Drink Think project

The PHA has welcomed the launch of a new community initiative in Derry, the Drink Think project. The project, which is funded by the Big Lottery, seeks to encourage people and communities to consider the impact excessive alcohol consumption has on them, their families and their communities.

The project emerged from an extensive range of consultations and research undertaken in partnership by the local community in Derry, the vintner’s association and PHA staff. The group sought to define the extent of the problem with a particular focus on neighbourhood renewal areas and to develop a new approach to tackling the issue in homes, schools, communities and workplaces. The project has focused on raising awareness of the impact of alcohol and encouraging people to reconsider relationship with alcohol and to drink sensibility.

Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive of the PHA, welcomed the initiative and in particular the level of community engagement. He said: “If we are to see real change in how individuals address the issue of alcohol misuse, then it must come from communities themselves. These types of initiatives compliment and re-enforce the messages that are promoted by the PHA and this launch is timely given our own campaign, You, your child and alcohol.”

Dr Rooney added: "I welcome the investment from the Big Lottery, which is an excellent example of the commitment that they, and indeed many other bodies, are prepared to make in terms of addressing health inequalities and the impact they have in our society."

The Drink Think project will start to deliver a range of initiatives over the next three years to promote a more sensible attitude to alcohol and bring about a positive change in culture in the city of Derry.