HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, England, June 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

As a society, it is estimated that we spend around £21 billion each year dealing specifically with alcohol-related harm.  With 1.2 million hospital admissions and more than a million UK crimes linked each year to alcohol, it has become increasingly evident, that in addition to enforcing the law, we need to understand and tackle the root causes of alcohol use.

On 1^st June 2016 Druglink launches an Alcohol Diversion Scheme in Cheshire after being awarded the contract by Cheshire Constabulary. Since 2007 Druglink, a substance misuse charity, has successfully operated Diversion Schemes in 15 police forces throughout England.

The scheme to be launched from 1^st June 2016 will implement an initiative, aimed at reducing the reoffending rates of disorderly behaviour related directly to alcohol. The scheme invites individuals issued with alcohol related tickets or cautions in Cheshire to attend a 3 hour interactive educational session. These sessions will, through group work and direct learning, educate attendees about the physical, social and psychological effects of alcohol.  Additionally, offenders will be encouraged to acknowledge the consequences of their behaviours and the impact of their drinking on themselves and others.

Individuals will pay a fee to attend a course and this contributes to the ongoing costs of the scheme.

Sarah Clark, Director of Commercial Operations for Druglink, commented "Druglink are delighted to have been awarded the contract to design and deliver the Alcohol Diversion Scheme to Cheshire Constabulary and communities within the county. As an established provider of high quality educational programmes, Druglink's aim is to reduce reoffending rates of alcohol related disorderly behaviour whilst offering information around the known effects of excessive alcohol consumption. As a substance misuse charity committed to a pathway of prevention, recovery and reintegration we will foster links with local support agencies to establish a robust signposting process for those individuals seeking additional help".

For more information about Druglink's Alcohol Diversion Scheme please contact Lorraine Witherall, Diversion Scheme Manager, on +44(0)1923-260-733 or email lorrainewitherall@druglink.ltd.uk

Druglink (Charity No. 295384), aims to have a significant and positive impact on the lives of those who use substances, their families and the communities in which they live. Druglink achieves this by providing a range of both proactive and responsive services targeting three areas; Prevention, Recovery and Reintegration.  For further information visit: http://www.druglink.co.uk

Contact:
+44(0)1923-260733 - sarahclark@druglink.ltd.uk

SOURCE Druglink Ltd