A HARD-HITTING poster campaign showing a drunk and

defenceless young woman is to be launched in Cheltenham.

On display in pubs, clubs, schools and bus shelters, the

thought-provoking posters and postcards urge parents to

consider how much their teenagers are drinking and what they

are doing in their free time. A different version urges young

people to think about their friends and how they choose to

spend their time.

The campaign aims to improve awareness and communication

betwe- en parents and teena- gers about the dangers of alcohol

abuse. Cheltenham Borough Council is launching the project on

August 26 in partnership with Cheltenham Substance Action

Group.

Martin Stacy, housing options manager for Cheltenham Borough

Council, said: "The number of young people drinking alcohol has

increased a lot in the last few years. And when alcohol is

abused it affects judgement and can lead to young people

especially engaging in risky behaviour.

"The good news is that parents can make a big difference.

Where parents are known to communicate with their teenage

children, these children are less likely to engage in risky

behaviour."

Councillor Andrew McKinlay, cabinet member for safety, said:

"The ultimate aim of this campaign is to make sure young people

are safe and healthy. Hopefully it will act as a reminder to

both youngsters and parents about the consequences of alcohol

abuse."

Dave Jones, deputy chief executive of County Community

Projects and chair of the Cheltenham Substance Action Group,

said the project is unique in its approach in providing useful

and easily accessible information and advice to parents about

the dangers of inappropriate alcohol use in young people.

■ The campaign, funded by the Primary Care Trust through the

Health and Wellbeing Partnership, is the brainchild of the

Cheltenham Substance Action Group.

If people have any concerns about their child drinking

alcohol or need advice, contact Young People's Substance Misuse

Service on 01452 503186 or visit www.webgini.com