Drinkaware launches £1million community grants fund

12 Feb 2009

Community groups are being challenged to help shape UK drinking culture with the launch of a new £1million grants fund from the Drinkaware Trust (Drinkaware), the UK charity which aims to reduce alcohol harm.

The scheme, ‘Drinkaware Grants’, aims to tackle the growing problem of alcohol misuse in the UK by funding new and existing alcohol education initiatives which aim to change people’s attitudes to alcohol on a local, regional and national level.

Alcohol misuse can be directly related to deaths from certain types of diseases, such as cirrhosis of the liver, as well as leading to other long-term health problems, anti-social behaviour and violence. Alcohol-related injuries and illnesses cost the NHS around £2.7 billion a year, and it is estimated that up to 22,000 premature deaths per year are associated in some way with alcohol misuse.*

The drinkaware grants launch cash point image

In response to Britain’s drink problem, Drinkaware Grants are geared to fit a wide range of engaging and impactful projects – from film production and theatre workshops to youth conferences and large-scale partnerships – and can include peer-led education and awareness-raising among disadvantaged groups who are at risk from alcohol misuse.

Funding is open to organisations working with under-18s and 25-44 year olds in any part of the UK. Charities, community and other voluntary organisations can apply for funding towards new and existing projects, as well as piloting ideas that have wider potential. There are three levels of awards:

Ideas Fund, up to £2,000

Awareness Projects, up to £25,000

Big Impact Award, up to £100,000

Drinkaware Grants form part of Drinkaware’s public education programme which aims to change British drinking culture by engaging consumers with impactful information to make informed decisions about the effects of alcohol on their lives and lifestyles.

Drinkaware’s CEO, Chris Sorek said: “The current economic crisis can be tough on voluntary organisations so it’s vital Drinkaware supports communities and charities who want to change alcohol culture in the UK. By responding to community need, impactful and innovative education projects can tackle the roots of alcohol misuse, make a positive difference to people’s lives and create widespread change.”

For further information on Drinkaware Grants, including eligibility criteria, visit www.drinkaware.co.uk, call 020 7307 7450 or email alaw@drinkawaretrust.

-Ends-

For further information and images please contact:

Emily May

Communications Officer

The Drinkaware Trust

Tel: 020 7307 7459

Email: emay@drinkawaretrust.org.uk

Notes to Editors:

The Drinkaware Trust:

Drinkaware is an independent charity supported by voluntary donations from the drink’s industry. We give consumers friendly and authorative information to help them make informed decisions about their alcohol intake. We also provide resources about alcohol and its effects to employers, young people, teachers, parents and community workers, and offer funding for community and alcohol education projects that focus on developing effective approaches to tackling alcohol misuse. For more information, visit www.drinkaware.co.uk, the UK's leading online resource for alcohol-related issues.
Previous Drinkaware grant recipient:
• Fairbridge, a national charity which helps disadvantaged young people to access mainstream opportunities, received Drinkaware funding for their pilot project Everybody Does It in Dundee, which will take two groups of eight young people known to misuse alcohol on intensive, one-day awareness-building courses. All participants will also engage in one-to-one sessions which aim to change their harmful attitudes towards alcohol consumption. For further information visit www.fairbridge.org.uk/scotland.

Page last updated by: Unknown, 10 May 2012.