Safety education charity Absafe are celebrating a new partnership with oil and gas company Nexen, after receiving a donation to build a new alcohol safety set at The Safe, Absafe’s HQ in Bridge of Don, Aberdeen.
The crucial £19,189 funding provided by Nexen, will allow Absafe to build a new interactive workshop teaching school children about the dangers of alcohol. Alcohol is the most widely used addictive substance used by young teenagers. Young people's bodies and brains are more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol because they are still growing and developing. Drinking can cause short and long-term harm to health, as well as put young people in risky situations when drunk. 15% of all deaths in young people aged 16-24 are linked to alcohol and two thirds of young offenders were drunk at the time of their offence.
Absafe’s chief executive Emma Bellu said: “Research shows that the earlier a young person starts drinking alcohol, the more likely they are to drink in ways that can be harmful later in life. Scotland has a pro-alcohol society where it is readily available and heavily marketed. Young people see drinking as completely normal and expected behaviour.
Early intervention and education is therefore key to reducing harm and risk exposure. By working in partnership with Nexen to provide fun informative sessions, we will empower children with the resilience to say no to alcohol, ensuring they are informed of the risky situations that can arise with alcohol use, as well as the longer term harm to physical and mental health and wellbeing.”
Ray Riddoch, Nexen’s UK MD and senior VP Europe said:
“The misuse of alcohol, especially in young people, can lead to a variety of problems. As well as having an adverse effect on personal health and wellbeing, it is also an issue that can impact safety in the workplace. We share Absafe’s belief that early intervention and education will, in the long term, create a healthier and safer society and we’re delighted to be able to sponsor their new alcohol safety education set.”
Executive director of Step Change in Safety, and chairman of the Absafe Board, Les Linklater said:
“By funding this new interactive workshop, Nexen will play a vital role in reducing the risk of harm to children in the North-east from the dangers of alcohol. Absafe’s mission is to empower local children to make the right decisions in society and to be aware of the negative effects that drinking can have on their bodies and lives.”
Absafe encourages companies to work in partnership to support the charity in a number of ways: from sponsoring a set, a child or a smile; to allowing staff to volunteer, or joining the board to share a passion for safety and drive the organisation forward. Anyone interested should contact Absafe on Hello@absafe.org.uk or 01224 823157.