Responsible Use of Alcohol - all age support

What if our experience of alcohol in younger years can lay foundations for patterns we take into adult life? 

My guests in the studio today were Youth Liaison Officer Senior Constable Stefanie Murray and School Liaison Officer Senior Constable Lynda Hart and we had a phone interview with Chris Raine from the ever growing organisation Hello Sunday Morning.

We kicked the show off with a look at what role the police play in overseeing parties, how they can support to ensure the party goes smoothly but offering some basic tips on how to plan and what things to watch out for at your event.

There are many reasons why the police might stop by, and if they show up...don't panic! but if you really don't want to have their company then follow some basic tips...

Fast Facts

• If you supply alcohol to under 18s you are liable to be fined an on-the-spot fine of $1,100, $11,000 and /or 12 months imprisonment.
• MYTH-BUST You cannot give permission for another adult to give you alcohol, you can only give alcohol to your own child in your own home.
• The more information friends can give on what someone has taken the better - it can be the difference between life. death and ongoing complications.
• Addiction to alcohol is a very alienating experience
• Alcohol affects the way you can take part in life
• Being a responsible role model around alcohol in your group could inspire others. This applies to adults as well as young people
• Learn to be yourself and be confident in that
• Be a role model of positivity
• Learn how to enjoy and celebrate without needing an artificial stimulant - it is a valuable life lesson 

It is OK to say no and adults have to role model that behaviour

Top reason police are called:

Noise complaints - there are often many warnings before the music is turned off giving the party holder the opportunity to be responsible and considerate neighbours 

If your music is so loud that it is wobbling next door's windows then you can be asked to turn it down, but if the police get numerous calls then they have more legality to close down the party

Police can also turn up to 

• Assist you to remove unwanted guests. 
• Help if you need ambulance support
• Just need a drive-by to let other party-goers that they need to be respectful of your neighbours

Lucy with Schools Liaison Officer Senior Constable Lynda Hart

Top Tips for a Successful Party

• Plan your party - this may seem obvious but some people like to be spontaneous and spontaneous can sometimes = trouble
• Invites - don't post openly on Facebook, either post privately or do paper invites
• Use the MyNite website it has lots of great tips
• Register your party with the police - they can then be aware of some of the basics and be a support if anything goes wrong.
• Party-proof your home - put away valuables - anything that can be stolen, your family heirlooms!
• If you are serving alcohol then don't forget food.
• If you are serving alcohol be sure to know the law and how it applies to you even in your own home.
• Serve non-alcoholic drinks - there are many websites that offer great ideas and it is important to cater for those who choose not to drink alcohol, are driving or are under age.
• Gatecrash-proof your house - you can get security on your door
• Advise your neighbours you are having a party, let them know the basic details like what time you intend to turn the music down and give them contact numbers for any concerns.
• Have emergency contact details on hand - don't hold back if you are worried about a friend's health - call the ambulance and make a note of what they have taken - drugs/medication history/alcohol it might save their life.

If you serve to or obtain alcohol for someone under the age of 18 you can get a fine of $5,500 or $11,000 and /or 12 months prison for aggravated circumstances. This applies to anyone who provides alcohol to someone under 18 even if you are under 18 yourself!!!

Learning how to socialise 
without alcohol is a life lesson

Chris Raine is the CEO of Hello Sunday Morning, an organisation which aims to change your relationship with alcohol 'one Sunday at a time'. 

Chris shared with us how it started with some self-refection of his won relationship with alcohol and sharing that via a blog. It inspired 20 people to follow suit and there are now programs which have supported over 41,000 to re-assess their relationship with alcohol. They are looking to develop program which would support those who find 3 months abstinence too large a task and aim to support 45,000 by the end of the year.

Chris stressed it wasn't about having or not having alcohol but about developing a more conscious drinking culture. Their focus and technology is aimed at asking yourself why you are drinking when you go to have a drink.

• Stressed
• Escape from work
• Deal with your tiredness
• Bolster your confidence

The questions which Hello Sunday Morning then ask is 'Is there another way to cope with that stress or those issues other than drinking?' and how they can support you to develop those skills. They provide a space to support you as you cut back a little or ask the question so that the relationship with alcohol changes when each participant is ready.

Hello Sunday Morning have built a community who can support those who want to understand the 'how' - other organisations deal with the 'why'.

They are not impinging on the fundraising markets of Dry July or Feb Fast or Ocsober which can all provide platforms to raise funds whilst you take a break from alcohol, but they do offer the 'how' and the support to walk you through the initial challenge.

Check out the resource links below to take part in any of the events mentioned above or to find out more about Hello Sunday Morning.

Resources

My Nite website
PCYC Hornsby
Contacting your Youth Liaison Office or school Liaison Officer
Police NSW alcohol laws OLGR fact sheet
Hello Sunday Morning
Dry July
Febfast - alcohol
Ocsober
Glorious Music
TripleH 110.1fm

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With thanks to  Glorious Music for the use of their music in this blog and on the show. I have used Groove Your Foundations for my title music and stings and end music was Tango with Truth. Also thanks to TripleH 100.1fm for their airwaves :-) The additional music in the show is from Amrap - supporting great Australian artists, at some point I will have a connection to the playlist.