Child booze image promotes St Patrick’s message

The image will appear on a series of billboards and bus shelters across the city over the next few weeks, asking the question ‘Is this how your child will spend St Patrick’s Day?’

The campaign is the result of a multi-agency approach, through the CAF, to encourage parents to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in a child friendly environment this year.

Mayor, Alderman Maurice Devenney, the chairman of the CAF endorsing the campaign, said that he hopes it will make parents think carefully about how they choose to celebrate the day with their children.

“Derry City Council through the Civic Alcohol Forum has been working for a number of years to encourage a more responsible attitude to alcohol.

“We want everyone to have a positive experience at this year’s Spring Carnival and will be reminding parents to show their children how to enjoy St Patrick’s Day in a positive way.

“The message we are trying to get out there is that - you are not responsible for someone else’s behaviour but you are responsible for your behaviour while caring for your child.

“I would like to commend the work being done by all the agencies involved in this project and hope the initiative will make people think about their actions at this year’s event,” he commented.

The Mayor added that the St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival, organised by Derry City Council, is very much a family friendly affair.

It is an alcohol free event and has marshals in attendance to ensure no alcohol is consumed in or around the public event.

Karen Phillips, Senior Environmental Health Officer and programme manager for the CAF said: “St Patrick’s day has been for too long associated with the misuse of alcohol by many adults.

“Adults consuming alcohol irresponsibly can not only put children at risk of harm associated with lack of care but can also influence a child’s attitude towards alcohol and the likelihood that they will misuse alcohol themselves when they are older.

“The CAF recognise that alcohol plays an important part in society and if enjoyed responsibly can add to social occasions but we encourage every adult to consider their own personal relationship with alcohol and how it might impact on their ability to be a responsible parent and a good role model to their children.”

Joanne Smith, Partnership Manager with Drink Think, commented: “We are asking parents to think twice before taking your children into a licensed premise this St Patrick’s Day.

“There are a number of premises throughout the city who provide a family friendly environment for you to enjoy good food and maybe some entertainment, but please remember that St Patricks Day is increasingly becoming a day when people drink a lot and places become very packed which may not be ideal for children to be present in. Take advantage of the alcohol free events taking place throughout the city if you have young children.”

Leona McMenamin, Coordinator of the DIVERT project said: “Divert recognise the importance of a multi-agency approach to tackling issues relating to Drug & Alcohol use.

“Divert’s role in the event is to promote alternatives to underage drinking and highlight the risks associated with excess alcohol consumption, in particular amongst young people. Divert consistently strive to not only raise awareness at a public level, but to take practical steps to making a difference. We hope you have an enjoyable but safe St. Patrick’s Day.”

Councillor Elisha McLaughlin, Chair of the Community Safety Partnership, which is funding the campaign in partnership with the DPP said: “Too many children associate alcohol with family and celebratory occasions such as St Patrick’s Day and I would ask parents with young children to have an alcohol-free, family friendly day out. I would also appeal to everyone who is celebrating the day to drink sensibly and act responsibly.”

Further details about St Patrick’s Day celebrations in the city can be found by visiting www.derrycity.gov.uk/stpatricksday while information on the carnival care initiative and how to enjoy the event safely and responsibly can be found on www.derrycity.gov.uk/care.