Alcohol abuse and binge-drinking in Derry is out of control, it was warned today, as almost £2 million in lottery money was provided to help try to tackle the problem.
The average age children in the city start drinking is 11-12, it was revealed.
Money to combat the worsening problem is part of grants totalling almost £17 million awarded to 18 projects across Northern Ireland through the Big Lottery Fund’s Safe and Well programme to help people of all ages work together to
promote well-being and tackle health and safety issues.
One of the largest single amounts, £1 million, has been awarded to the Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum to develop the Neighbourhood Alcohol Safety Partnership project which includes a wide range of organisations including local bar and off-licence owners.
It will use the grant to promote the safe sale and consumption of alcohol — working with a wide range of organisations including community groups and health agencies to tackle problems related to excess consumption.
Manager Tony Doherty said: “Prolonged drinking and binge- drinking have become more common than ever in the city.
“Alcohol causes major damage to the social fabric of the city, has a close link to domestic violence and suicide and is generally considered to be a situation that is out of control.”
He said they hoped to develop education and training programmes highlighting the physical, mental, domestic and community damage cause by alcohol abuse.
“Alcohol accompanies us from the cradle to the grave and its increasing use is a matter of serious concern for those working in public health.
“The average age of young boys and girls drinking is now 11-12,” said Mr Doherty.
Almost a million more — £909,974 — is also going to Derry to help the Foyle Haven Centre develop a “safe from harm” project which will extend existing opening hours to seven days a week and provide vital support for the city’s
street drinkers.
The cash, from the British lottery, will be used to provide a safe place for street drinkers, where they can get food and use laundry and shower facilities.
It will also deliver programmes in partnership with the Men’s Action Network tackling issues such as healthy eating and anger management.
Project manager Darren McPartland said it would help reduce the high levels of assaults and crime against street drinkers in the city.
“Recent figures from the PSNI have revealed that in one year there had been 158 reported incidents of violent crime in the John Street area and 155 of these were crimes against street drinkers.”
He added: “This project will make a major difference in improving the safety and heath of our clients. It will also go towards reducing crime in the John Street area as well as across the city.”
Close to £1 million will go towards helping an innovate project tackling the isolation, exclusion and fear of older, vulnerable and disabled people in south and east Belfast.
The Bridge Community Association will use the cash to get the elderly and vulnerable in the area more involved in community life, reduce their fear of crime and anti-social behaviour and improve health and well-being.
Breidge Gadd, the Big Lottery Fund’s Northern Ireland chairman, said: “In this time of economic recession it is vital that communities most in need are supported and I am delighted that the projects awarded funding today will
develop activities that will support healthier and safer communities.”