UK: YWCA to tackle binge drinking

20 July, 2009

The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) is planning a conference to combat binge drinking among teenagers.

The charity, which works with disadvantaged young women across England and Wales, is concerned that teenagers who drink excessively are being exposed to risky situations. These may lead to unwanted pregnancies, anti-social behaviour, injury, assault and death.


Sarah Payne, chief executive of the YWCA, said: “We believe that no one person or organisation has the solution and so we hope that by bringing together so many interested parties, including concerned members of the public, we will be able to provide effective solutions.”
 
“We have been planning this conference for some time now. But the recent tragic deaths in Newquay have made us all realise the urgency of the problem. Young people will always want to experiment with alcohol but what we need to do is to find a safe way for them to do so. They also need to know that drinking to excess is not necessary for having a good time.”

 About 10 per cent of the audience will be young women. They will be there to voice their opinions and experiences. YWCA is also currently carrying out research into why young women binge drink and how well they understand the risks .The results will be presented at the conference.

Speakers include representatives from the Police, the alcohol and retail industry, the NUS and the Prison Service. Representatives from over 400 organisations associated with the problem have been invited to attend as delegates.

The conference will be held at Central Hall, Westminster, London on Wednesday 21st October 2009. Booking a place and further information can be obtained at www.ywca.org.uk