FoBS

You have been invited to take part in a focus group discussion about alcohol. - To be held at the Brunswick and Regency Neighbourhood Action Group Health Event 3rd December - Health Event 12.00 until 2.00 at Cornerstone Community Centre First Avenue - BAD Focus Group 1.00 till 2.00 next door in St.John's Day Centre.

 Brighton and Hove is known for its vibrant cultural life, its diversity, its young student population and its thriving economy. The night-time economy brings money into the city however it can also have its downsides. Alcohol-related harm is a significant problem in Brighton and Hove, and we have one of the highest rates of alcohol related hospital admissions in the country. This creates pressures on our public services and on our communities.

The NHS, Sussex Police, City Council and the voluntary sector are working together to try to reduce the harm that alcohol does without reducing the enjoyment of the majority who drink responsibly.

The Big Alcohol Debate aims to ask residents and service providers about their attitudes towards alcohol as well as their views on what could be done in the city to make a difference – using a variety of media including written and online surveys, postcards, video pods, Twitter – and focus groups.

We have chosen to speak to specific groups and neighbourhoods who have expressed concern about alcohol or who are in some way affected by it.

The focus group is a useful means of generating discussion and debate about a certain topic and it allows us to better understand the context behind the answers given in a written survey. It will take about an hour and we will ask you a few simple questions to guide and explore with you your views and opinions. We are particularly interested in what you think the possible alternatives and solutions to problem drinking might be.

In the Spring, we will look at the results from all this research and let you know what the city has said. We aim to use the information to change the way we work together around the issue of alcohol.

  If you would like to find out more information about alcohol services within Brighton and Hove, please visit www.thinkdrinkdrugs.co.uk.

For more information about the Big Alcohol Debate, and to fill in our survey, please go to www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/bhdrink To tweet about alcohol, visit www.twitter.com/bhdrink

 You can also pick up a postcard (available throughout the city including local surgeries and chemists)

  We thank you for your interest in this research and look forward to seeing you at the session!