THE devastating impact alcohol has on the entire community is at the heart of a new survey designed to raise awareness of the problem.

The month-long campaign, led by Ron Hogg, Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington, will focus on the effect alcohol has on residents, their families, the surrounding community and the emergency services.

The initiative also aims to raise awareness and gather public opinion on a variety of topical issues around alcohol consumption.

Mr Hogg said: “Not only are the effects of alcohol damaging to an individual’s physical and mental health, they can have a massive negative impact on the lives of others, both within their household and in the neighbouring community. This includes excessive or inappropriate drinking by adults, as well as young people.”

He has also published a short, five-question survey, asking adults for their opinion on various alcohol-related matters. Responses are anonymous and will help inform future policy decisions.

The four-week campaign has a different theme each week:

  •  The impact on emergency services
  • Drink driving
  • Health and well-being
  • Young people and retailers

The latest campaign will also highlight issues raised by other organisations at local, regional and national levels, around the effects on health, anti-social behaviour by both adults and young people, domestic violence and abuse and underage drinking. It will signpost people to where they can find help and support.

Alcohol misuse and its impact on people’s health has been under scrutiny by Balance, the North East Alcohol Office, for several years.

It has shown that more than 50 per cent of North Easterners have been harmed in some way by other people’s drinking.

According to national data, alcohol contributes to around 22,000 deaths every year in England and has links to 60 medical conditions, with cancers and liver disease being among the most prolific.

Mr Hogg said: “I encourage adults across County Durham and Darlington to complete the survey and to share the campaign awareness messages with their friends, colleagues or neighbours on Facebook and Twitter.”