Rotary donation helps Shrewsbury alcohol awareness charity reach young people

The secret drinking of teenagers is no better today than it was in 2019, a charity campaigner has told a Rotary club.

Speaking to members of Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Club, Jane McKenzie, founder of local alcohol awareness charity Share Shrewsbury, fought back tears as she spoke of alcohol being the ‘worst drug in the world – by far.’

“It is one hundred times more dangerous and harmful and is the second biggest killer worldwide,” she told Rotarians whom she specially thanked for their latest donation of £500 to her charity.

“Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Club’s donation came at just the right time when we were delivering to Crucial Crew.”

Referring to the recent football World Cup, she went on: “We saw extended pub opening hours to accommodate matches, but British police issued statements condemning the move because of the alcohol-related impact on their staff.

“It highlights how drinking alcohol doesn’t just affect individuals, but places real strain on emergency services and communities because of the way that alcohol affects our behaviour.

“According to the World Health Organization, alcohol is one of the most harmful substances in the world and contributes to around 2.6 million deaths every year. It is linked to more than 200 diseases, injuries and health conditions.”

Jane also cited Professor David Nutt, former chair of the UK government’s Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, who has described alcohol as ‘the most harmful drug known to man’ when both individual and societal impacts are considered.

His research found alcohol causes more harm than all other illegal drugs combined due to its widespread use and links to health problems, crime and social damage.

“The public still doesn’t fully understand the risks associated with alcohol. It is linked to a wide range of health problems, violence, crime and harm within families. We need more honest conversations about alcohol and a much greater focus on prevention through education. 

“A lot of schools want to have our service and we have even been asked by teachers to talk to year five children – 10 year olds – because the issue is starting very early.” 

And she pleaded with parents: “Don’t let children and teenagers drink until they are adults.” 

Rotarian Joycelin Hoyland, acting chair, said: “We don’t talk enough about this problem. A lot of investigation still needs to go on.” 

Anyone wishing to know more about Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Club can contact [email protected] or [email protected].