50 Rotherham drink offenders accept alcohol help

MORE than 50 people have taken part in a scheme launched at Christmas to help people affected by alcohol problems who have been involved in anti-social behaviour.
By Michael Upton
Published 25th Apr 2013, 16:20 BST
Updated 10th Jan 2017, 14:02 BST

Police in Rotherham have been working closely with the Lifeline Rotherham Alcohol Scheme to promote alcohol awareness throughout Rotherham to offenders of alcohol related anti-social behaviour.

The scheme offers people who receive a fixed penalty ticket for being drunk and disorderly the opportunity to waive their fine of £80 and choose to attend one of the sessions.

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Since it started in December, 2012 over 50 adults have chosen to attend, of which none of them have re-offended.

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Chief Insp Ian Womersley said:"This scheme has a proven track record since its implementation of reducing drink related anti-social behaviour in Rotherham and has greatly assisted in educating people on the effects of alcohol.

"The hard work and dedication of those involved is testament to the success of the scheme. The scheme has turned the lives around for the attendees and taken them away for alcohol related disorder.

With more and more people being educated in the levels of safe drinking we are continuing to reduce levels of alcohol related antisocial behaviour in Rotherham making it is a safer place to live, work and visit.”

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The Milton House Project provide the sessions and the alcohol awareness provides information on techniques and tips for sensible drinking, the harmful and longer term affects of drinking, alcohol units and an understanding of alcohol and the law.

Lifeline Rotherham Alcohol Service office manager, Victoria Swinbourne said:" “The scheme has been very successful since it started in December 2012. “Everyone who has attended has engaged well and has found the session very informative.

“We have had no repeat participants which reflects well on the information provided to the participants in the sessions."

One offender described sessions as “really useful and a real eye opener”, adding: “I now understand what impact alcohol can have on someone's life and picked up some really useful tips on how to manage my alcohol use sensibly when I am on a night out with friends.”