November Campaigns – Alcohol Awareness Week and Road Safety Week
At the White Ribbon Association, we are passionate supporters of Alcohol Awareness Week and Road Safety Week, which both take place during November. Through our Community Health Information displays and the work of our Development Officers, we raise awareness into the impact alcohol can have on the individual and the wider effect it has on communities if someone drinks under the influence of alcohol.
Alcohol Awareness Week (Co-ordinated by Alcohol Concern)
14 – 20 November 2016
The purpose of Alcohol Awareness Week is to encourage people to talk about alcohol and how drinking can affect their wellbeing. Each day during the week focusses on a different health topic and demonstrates how small changes to drinking habits can make a big difference!
Cancer: Alcohol is one of the most preventable causes of cancer
Depression: Reducing alcohol consumption reduces depressive symptoms
Dementia: Prolonged heavy alcohol use can result in alcohol-related dementia
Breast cancer: In 2011, alcohol was responsible for at least 6% of diagnoses of breast cancer
Diabetes: Heavy alcohol consumption is known to contribute to an increasing risk of developing diabetes
Hypertension: Hypertension can often be prevented; drinking less alcohol reduces blood pressure
Brain damage: Over time, drinking too much alcohol can change the way the brain works and its physical shape and structure
Road Safety Week (Co-ordinated by Brake)
21 – 27 November 2016
The theme for this year’s Road Safety Week is Make the Pledge, and focusses on six elements of the Brake Pledge: sober, slow, secure, silent, sharp and sustainable. Throughout the week they will be inspiring individuals, businesses or communities to make a commitment to safer driving by adhering to the six pledges.
Sober: “I’ll never drive after drinking any alcohol or drugs”
Slow: “I’ll stay under the limits and slow down to 20mph around schools, homes and shops”
Secure: “I’ll make sure everyone in my vehicle is belted up”
Silent: “I’ll never take calls or texts when driving”
Sharp: “I’ll get my eyes tested every two years and wear glasses or lenses at the wheel if I need them”
Sustainable: “I’ll minimise the amount I drive, or not drive at all”
To promote both of these events, we have developed a combined Alcohol Awareness and Road Safety Week display, which provides information on drink drive limits, ways that alcohol affects driving and the long-lasting impact of alcohol the morning after.
This displays are available to loan for free within the West Midlands and North West areas, and are ideal for raising awareness within your community, workplace or college. Our Development Officers can also deliver awareness sessions and health events, focussing on alcohol and health and drink driving. Contact us today for more information.