Play tackles issue of underage drinking

The local Policing and Community Safety Partnership, in conjunction with the Carrick neighbourhood policing team and charity Ascert, hosted a play in Downshire School and Carrickfergus College.

Aimed at minors, the play outlines the health risks caused by underage drinking and the legal consequences from a policing perspective.

The play was open to all year ten post primary pupils and portrayed the dangers of underage drinking and engaged the young people in a panel discussion involving the local police, Ascert and the SOS Bus, a volunteer-centred charity which offers a mobile mini bus service that can be located wherever needed.

Speaking about the initiative, Carrick PCSP chairman Councillor Noel Williams said: “The dangers associated with underage drinking are not always obvious to young people, especially the impact that it can have on their future life in terms of their health and well-being.

“As we approach the summer holidays, there tends to be a rise in the amount of alcohol seized from minors during this period.

“We want to make it clear that by drinking alcohol underage young people are exposing themselves to unnecessary risks that can have long term consequences.”

Alison Armstrong from Ascert added: “Young people will continue to take risks, as its part of adolescents but there is still a lot that parents can do to keep your child safe. Know where your child is and who they are with and it’s important to talk to your child about alcohol sooner rather than later.”