CHARITY SET TO RUN TRAINING COURSES ON HOW TO ADDRESS ALCOHOL ISSUES WITH YOUNG PEOPLE

Alcohol Concern is rolling out a new, accredited alcohol training programme from the beginning of August 2007. The modules will improve the level of support practitioners working with young people can offer their clients or pupils around alcohol misuse issues. The charity identifies youth service providers and educators as having an important role to play in addressing alcohol misuse among young people. The training will better equip professionals to identify the signs and symptoms of alcohol misuse and provide appropriate forms of support for the young people they work with.

ALCOHOL CONCERN PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Friday 03 August 2007


CHARITY SET TO RUN TRAINING COURSES ON HOW TO ADDRESS ALCOHOL ISSUES WITH YOUNG PEOPLE


Alcohol Concern is rolling out a new, accredited alcohol training programme from the beginning of August 2007. The modules will improve the level of support practitioners working with young people can offer their clients or pupils around alcohol misuse issues. The charity identifies youth service providers and educators as having an important role to play in addressing alcohol misuse among young people. The training will better equip professionals to identify the signs and symptoms of alcohol misuse and provide appropriate forms of support for the young people they work with.

Srabani Sen, Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern, says:
Alcohol misuse can lead to unsafe and regretted sex, crime and school exclusion. Many young people in the UK arent sufficiently aware of the risks that come with drinking too much and are not supported enough when it comes to dealing with its consequences. We re delighted to introduce these new modules and hope practitioners working with young people will seize the opportunity to develop their skills in this area

The programme (the development and delivery of which is funded by Comic relief) covers:

Alcohol awareness and information

Identifying signs and symptoms for alcohol misuse

Providing brief advice and support to young people

Supporting changes to reduce alcohol related harm

Referring to specialist/structured support


Hajra Mir, Youth Work Training Coordinator, adds:
The training provides participants the opportunity to increase their own awareness, broaden their skills and explore attitudes around young peoples drinking. Moreover, it supports selected DANOS (Drug and Alcohol National Occupational Standards) units and there is also the option to work towards achieving a Alcohol Concern and Open University competence-based qualification, supporting workforce development.

To gain these qualifications, participants will be required to demonstrate their competence in selected DANOS units and validate this by a work-based assessment portfolio.

ENDS
For press enquiries please contact Frank Soodeen at the Alcohol Concern press office on 0207 264 0514 or email franks@alcoholconcern.org.uk.

Notes to editors
Alcohol Concern is the national agency working to reduce alcohol related harm in society. We work to reduce the incidence and costs of alcohol-related harm and to increase the range and quality of alcohol services available to problem drinkers and their families.

Date: 03 August 2007