Awards received for tackling alcohol-related issues

Scarborough Community Alcohol Partnership and a North Yorkshire Police PCSO awarded for their contribution to tackling alcohol related issues in their area.

Community Alcohol Partnerships, also known as CAPs, are initiatives made up of local authorities, police, schools, retailers, neighbourhood groups and health providers who work together to prevent alcohol-related harm to young people and improve the quality of life for residents.

CAPs will work with youth services and local organisations to provide alcohol-free activities for young people. They also deliver alcohol educations to ensure young people are equipped to make the right decisions when it comes to alcohol, drugs and anti-social behaviour.

Local retailers are also involved, and the CAP will assist with preventing sales of alcohol to those aged under 18-years-old and proxy sales, where an adult purchases alcohol for those under the legal age.

 

PCSO Laura Thompson has been awarded with the ‘Outstanding Contribution by Individuals’ award and will receive her accolade at an event held at the House of Commons on Tuesday, 27 June.

PCSO Thompson was recognised as the driving force behind the first North Yorkshire CAP which was opened in York in April 2021. PCSO Thompson collaborated with partners to highlight the risks of underage drinking and improve the health and wellbeing of young people.

Securing funding from the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (OPFCC) to provide additional youth provision. Her work in Foxwood and Chapelfields has seen great engagement from young people and there has been a noticeable drop in anti-social behaviour as a result.

Since 2022 PCSO Thompson has been the single point of contact for all North Yorkshire CAPs, taking responsibility to liaise with local neighbourhood officers to tackle youth related disorder.

PCSO Thompson, said: “I am honoured to have received this award. This is a job I love and one where I feel I can make a big difference in the communities I serve.

“Seeing tangible results, such as the reduction of anti-social behaviour reports demonstrates just how important the CAPs are in our area.”

There are eight CAPs in North Yorkshire including York, Scarborough, Richmond, Selby, Ripon, Northallerton, Filey, Eastfield, Hunmanby and Whitby. The first was launched in York in April 2021 with the most recent launching in Whitby in April 2023.