The Chase Community Partnership have relaunched an alcohol and substance misuse campaign - 'Respect Alcohol' to raise awareness of the risks associated with alcohol consumption amongst young people aged 11 to 16 years old.

During the pandemic, the Council’s Community Safety Partnership has seen an increase in the number of young people gathering in parks and open spaces, consuming alcohol and drugs which has resulted in an increase in antisocial behaviour (ASB).

Evidence shows that young people are often associated with ASB/disorder issues when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There are also links between alcohol misuse, low educational achievement and adult criminal behaviour.

Young people who misuse alcohol are more likely to take drugs, trigger or exacerbate mental health conditions as well as increasing the risk of liver damage

The popular drug among young people at present is known as ‘hippy crack’. The recreational use of nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is on the rise, as more and more people are misusing the drug in an effort to get high. People inhale the gas - also known as "hippy crack" - from balloons or metal canisters for the euphoric, pain-numbing effect.

The campaign addresses seven key scenarios whilst under the influence of alcohol including getting into a fight, the effects alcohol can have on your appearance; accessing alcohol, getting home after a night out; sexual behaviour; photographic evidence and the power of social media and most severe of all - death.

A useful contact card will be distributed across the District by local PSCO’s as well as a range of online messages and advertising through the Council’s Facebook and Twitter feeds. Posters will also be displayed in local parks.

The campaign material was developed with the help of students from The Hart in 2014. All the models featured are part of Backstreet Theatre Company. Scenes have been reconstructed to represent real life situations.

If you are a young person and worried about your drinking,  contact T3 Young Persons Substance Misuse Service by emailing

The campaign also questions parental responsibility by asking parents 'do you let your child drink?' and highlights the long term effects of alcohol and misuse in young people.

The Council has also produced a short news video highlighting the dangers to parents - see below:

The campaign has been supported by Staffordshire T3, Staffordshire Police and Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service.

Read a full copy of the press release here.

For more information about this campaign contact the Partnerships Team on 01543 464435.