DARLINGTON Borough Council has scooped a national award for the second year running in recognition of its work in tackling alcohol-related problems.

Alcohol Concern has awarded Darlington Borough Council the Dry January champion of 2015 for Innovation award.

Alcohol Concern is a charity working in England and Wales which aims to reduce harm from alcohol-related problems. The Dry January programme encourages people to talk about alcohol and supports them to think about the way they drink.

With over 2 million people giving up alcohol in January, their Dry January 2015 campaign has been described as “the biggest yet”. Support was offered via social media to those taking part in the campaign, whilst online advice sessions were also available.

Working alongside Durham Police and the Public Health department, the council organised a ‘Dry Hatter’s Tea Party’ at Darlington College in January. Scones and cakes were provided by the College’s catering students for an appealing and relaxing afternoon tea in the College’s Glasshouse Restaurant.

The event, which was praised by Alcohol Concern for having “promoted the health benefits of reducing alcohol consumption, as well as education around the harms of alcohol”, drew a sizeable crowd. These included service providers, service users and members of the public to discuss the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption and the benefits of moderation.

The numbers attending pleased Darlington Borough Council Cabinet Member for Health and Partnerships, Andy Scott.

“It was great to see so many people attend the Dry Hatter’s Tea Party”, he said.

“Alcohol misuse can have devastating effects– people can end up losing everything, their home, their family and their friends. We hope we helped to raise the awareness the damage alcohol can do and where to go for help if you or someone you know needs it.”

Darlington’s Director of Public Health Miriam Davidson underlined the efforts of Darlington Borough Council in tackling alcohol-related problems.

Referring to the Dry January programme, she said: “Darlington achieved the highest rate of sign-ups across the North East region in 2015. This is a testament to the strength of local partnership working and a Borough-wide commitment to tackling the harms caused by alcohol.”

“We’re thrilled to be in the exciting position of winning this award for the second year running.”