PEOPLE ARE HITTING THE BOTTLE TO COPE WITH REDUNDANCY

PEOPLE in the North West are turning to alcohol to relieve the stress caused by redundancy, according to new research launched by alcohol charity Drinkaware. 14% of adults in the North West has either been made redundant or knows someone who has been made redundant in the last 6 months and is drinking more as a result. Being out of work also affects their drinking patterns with 79% of this group drinking more during the day.

With the UK in the grips of recession, the number of people being made redundant is on the rise. 39% of people in Great Britain have either been made redundant, or know someone who has been made redundant in the past 6 months. 55% of this group have noticed a negative effect on emotional well-being resulting in mood swings, anxiety or boredom.

To help people cope positively with redundancy, Drinkaware has teamed up with top careers coach John Lees to produce a free advice booklet. Made redundant? The practical guide to getting back into work and staying healthy, includes expert information on knowing your rights, coping with loss of income, and preparing for a new job search. It can be downloaded from drinkaware.co.uk and is also widely available from GP’s surgeries, Jobcentre Plus, and recruitment agencies.

Of the people who reported an increase in drinking patterns, the nationwide research also shows that:-

* 71% directly attribute the increase in drinking alcohol to redundancy

* 61% are concerned about the increase in alcohol consumption

Chris Sorek, CEO of Drinkaware, says:- “The country is facing one of its worst recessions in history and redundancies are making daily headlines. Losing your job is recognised as one of the top 10 most stressful life events, and many people living in the North West are turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism. But alcohol is a depressant and can lead to further stress and anxiety, which can make the effects of redundancy much worse.  People who have been affected by redundancy – whether they’re drinking more alcohol or not – can take a look at our advice booklet for practical ways to move forward and make a fresh start.”

Drinkaware suggests the following tips to help people deal with the immediate aftermath of redundancy:-

* Try to avoid alcohol and take exercise to burn off tension. If you think you might be drinking too much, or are concerned about any aspect of your drinking, seek advice and help. Talking about it to someone you trust is the first step, or call Drinkline, the national 24-hour helpline on 0800 917 8282

* Make an appointment with a recruitment agency or careers advisor to review your CV and discuss career opportunities

* Check your finances, bills, savings and any other income you might have, and work out a budget for the next 3 months

* Stay healthy – eating a wide variety of food, especially fish, wholegrain cereals, nuts, beans, fruit, vegetables and protein, and drinking plenty of water will help lift your mood.

Made redundant? The practical guide to getting back into work and staying healthy forms part of Drinkaware’s wider education programme which aims to change British drinking culture by giving consumers information to make informed decisions about the effects of alcohol on their lifestyles.

For further advice and information visit:- drinkaware.co.uk.

NATIONAL TACKLING DRUGS WEEK 

NATIONAL Tackling Drugs Week was launched by Home Office Minister Alan Campbell. The week, which runs from 8 June to 12 June 2009, will see Merseyside Police work with a range of partners including Citysafe, Liverpool City Council, drug treatment agencies, voluntary substance misuse workers and community groups, highlighting the work they do. This will include police enforcement activities to rid drugs from our communities by identifying and prosecuting dealers, educating our young people on the harm caused by drugs and focus on supporting individuals and their families affected by drug use.

National Tackling Drugs Week provides an opportunity to increase people's understanding and remind people of the large number of public services and local organisations, who work together to tackle drugs and the effects of drug use to make communities safer.

As part of the crackdown on drugs and drug dealers, Merseyside Police officers from Liverpool South were able to execute a warrant at a property in Belvedere Road, Toxteth on 8 December 2008, following concerns and intelligence from the local community. At the address officers seized evidence to support a crack house closure. The case was listed for Thursday 6 June to seek a closure order on the property . The occupier failed to attend and the magistrate granted the order.

The closure order means that the occupants have been required to leave the property and it will remain closed for a period of 3 months. Under the legislation, police have immediate power to close the property, remove the tenant, and anyone found entering the building people can be arrested for breach of the order. Police officers will continue to monitor the property to ensure that the order is enforced and that no criminal activity can take place.

The order supports the work being done in the area to crackdown on the supply and use of drugs and reduce the harm they can cause to individuals, families and whole communities.

Acting Chief Inspector Andy Wignall said:- "This closure order shows that when members of the public provide information we will take positive action using all the powers available to us. This type of work takes dedication and time and it is a great result for the officers involved and the public who gave intelligence. It is also a really positive start to National Tackling Drugs Week. I would urge anyone in Merseyside whose community is suffering from problems relating to drugs or drug dealing to take a stand and help us take drugs off our streets."

If you have information about any kind of crime or anti-social behaviour, you can call contact Merseyside Police on 0151 709 6010. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

APPEAL FOR WITNESSES - ROBBERY, GREAT HOMER STREET

MERSEYSIDE Police would like to hear from people who may have witnessed a robbery on Great Homer Street in Liverpool at around 11:30 am on Monday, 1 June 2009 .  A 67 year old man was confronted and had his money stolen as he left the nearby Post Office.  The offender is described as being a white man, aged between 18 and 23 years, around 5ft 7in to 5ft 11in tall, of slim build with short mousey coloured hair.  He was wearing a light coloured t-shirt, grey 3/4 length shorts and black trainers. He was seen to run towards Scotland Road.  Detective Constable Andy Bason said:- "It is vital that this offender is identified and brought to justice. We can be achieve this with the help of the public. The victim was very shaken up and I am sure that someone must know who committed this attack.  I urge anyone who witnessed this incident to contact me on 0151 777 4811 or via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.”