FAQ's

How might alcohol affect my body in the long-term?

For a start, as a young person your body is still developing and so is your brain which continues to develop until the age of 20- 25. Alcohol can SEVERELY interfere with that development causing permanent long-term damage. For example:

• Memory loss and learning difficulties
• Sexual and mental health problems
• Liver cirrhosis and heart disease

How does alcohol affect my body in the short - term?

The first part of your body alcohol works on is your brain and as this is the central hub of every mood, emotion and action it follows that these become impaired very quickly. Some of the symptoms may be:-

• You take more risks
• After an initial euphoria you may become depressed
• You may get yourself into tricky situations due to a false sense of confidence
• Your judgment is no longer true and this can lead to dangerous situations

Will anyone know if I have attended one of alcoHELP’s programmes?

Our workshops are easy to attend as they take place during school hours and will always involve an entire class of schoolchildren.

Should there be any one-to-one discussion between you an alcoHELP facilitator we will always respect your wishes and ensure that it remains private and confidential.

Will the occasional drink harm me?

The best advice for your health and safety is not to drink alcohol until you're 18. If there is an alcohol problem in your family this is a "must"

How can I get more information?

You can Ask Sam! Just go to the bottom of the “Stay Safe” page within the “Young People” section of this website and email us with your question/message.

Please note that the important rule regarding anyone with an alcohol problem is privacy and we will always respect this.

What do we do if we would like alcoHELP to come and talk to us?

If you are interested in alcoHELP coming in to deliver a programme and would like further information on what we do, please register your interest on our “Contact us” page and somebody will get back to you straight away.

Are all alcoHELP’s Trustee’s/Facilitator’s fully CRB checked?

All of alcoHELP’s services are delivered by appropriately-qualified and experienced facilitators, all of whom have enhanced CRB clearance.

Does the work you do have proven results?

Here at alcoHELP, we see feedback and evaluation as a very important appraisal tool. The case studies and evaluation downloads provided in our “results” section of the website are a clear indication of the merit, worth and significance of our programmes.

What are your programmes specifically designed to do?

Our Alcohol Awareness Programme is specifically designed to arm young people with facts surrounding the harsh reality of drinking to excess.

We actively promote our ‘2BRITE2BINGE’ initiative. We also participate in the local delivery of the national ‘Crucial Crew’(year 6 ) "Be Smart" (year 8) and ‘Reality Roadshow" ( year 9) programmes that aim to deliver information, advice and guidance on a wide range of topics and issues to children and young people aged 10 – 14.

We also deliver bespoke programmes on demand for older children and young people and produce information booklets for parents and teachers.

How many schoolchildren have you already worked with?

We have delivered our workshops to over 50,000 school children and young people in Essex over a period of 6 years.

Future funding will help the charity reach a further 10,000 children and young people throughout Essex in the next 12 months.

Where can I get more information from?

If you would like further information, please visit our “Contact us” page.

How will alcoHELP educate my child about the risks surrounding alcohol?

alcoHELP’s Alcohol Awareness Programme is delivered as a workshop and consists of a PowerPoint presentation and an interactive group session, covering all relevant aspects of alcohol, its place in the social structure, its effects and consequences.
Since 2005 more than 50,000 children and young people in Essex have taken part in alcoHELP workshops and events, gaining a greater understanding of alcohol and its effects, and the dangers of alcohol abuse.