No Half Measures: Revitalising Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategies in Europe

[Annie]

Alcohol consumption is a growing public health and social concern in
the EU. Europe has the highest proportion of drinkers in the world,
the highest levels of alcohol consumption per capita and a high level
of alcohol-related harm. Indeed, latest statistics show that 7.4% of
all ill-health and early death in the EU is caused by harmful and
hazardous alcohol consumption.

Whilst it must be acknowledged that alcohol is a significant economic
commodity and also represents a cultural value in many regions, it is
clear that there are many serious health issues attached. Furthermore,
harmful and hazardous consumption has a broader social impact such as
violence, family problems, crime, social exclusion and low
productivity at work.

In order to confront these issues, it is vital to implement effective
alcohol related policies at all levels. Five years have passed since
the European Commission adopted a milestone for reducing alcohol
related harm with a key Communication setting out a strategy to
support Member States and establishing an Alcohol and Health Forum.
The dissemination of good practices has helped to demonstrate the
positive steps that have been made but it is clear, however, that
there is still much to be done.

This timely International Symposium seeks to harness actions which
have been put in place to reduce alcohol-related harm and share good
practices, as well as identify gaps where further progress can be
made. In order to face up to this public health 'time-bomb', as well
as redoubling efforts to raise general public awareness, the European
Union is seeking to work closer together with stakeholders to
synergise EU policy with the national health policies implemented by
Member States. The symposium will examine the latest initiatives at
both EU and national level, discuss the range of alcohol-focused
projects and consider recommendations for future actions to reduce the
harmful effects of alcohol misuse.

Public Policy Exchange welcomes the participation of all key partners,
responsible authorities and stakeholders. The Symposium will support
the exchange of ideas and encourage delegates to engage in thought-
provoking topical debate.

PROGRAMME

Key Speakers:

Mrs. Maria Renström, Director, Ministry of Health and Social Affairs,
Sweden
Mr. Adrian Bonner, Director of the institute of alcohol studies and
Reader in medicine and health at the University of Kent, UK
Mrs. Mariann Skar, Secretary General, Eurocare
Dr. Evelyn Gillan, Chief Executive, Alcohol Focus, Scotland
- - - - - - - -

09:15 Registration and Morning Refreshments
10:00 Chair’s Welcome and Opening Remarks

Mrs. Mariann Skar, Secretary General, Eurocare (confirmed)
10:10 Negative Social and Health Consequences of Alcohol Consumption –
Revitalising Public Awareness of Alcohol-Related Harm in Europes
Alcohol-Related Indicators – Input and Output Indicators in Europe
Existing Patterns of Drinking – Challenges and Possible Solutions
Social and Health Long Term Consequences – Sharing Some Best Practices
Recommendations
Speakers:
Mrs. Maria Renström, Director, Ministry of Health and Social Affairs,
Sweden (confirmed)
10:35 First Round of Discussions
11:05 Morning Coffee Break
11:25 Alcohol Addiction – Resolving Alcohol-Related Health and
Physical Consequences in Europe
Causing Diseases and Injuries
Mental and Physical Disorders
The Role of Prevention, Education, Environment and Local Communities
Recommendations
Keynote Speeches:
Mr. Adrian Bonner, Director of the institute of alcohol studies and
Reader in medicine and health at the University of Kent, UK
(confirmed)
Peter Anderson MD, MPH, PhD, FRCP Professor, Alcohol and Health,
Maastricht University, Netherlands (tbc)
11:50 Second Round of Discussions
12:20 Networking Lunch
13:20 Alcohol as a Social Harm – Improving Physical, Mental and Social
Wellbeing
Cultural Norms and Attitudes Towards Alcohol
Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Social Exclusion and Third Party Harm
Social Marginalisation
Less Advantaged Social Groups
Recommendations
Speaker:
Dr. Evelyn Gillan, Chief Executive, Alcohol Focus, Scotland
(confirmed)
13:40 Third Round of Discussions
14:10 Afternoon Coffee Break
14:25 Effective Alcohol Interventions and Policy Dynamics in Europe –
A Case Study on Alcohol Prevention and Rehabilitation
Best Practices and Lessons Learned from Different Projects Implemented
Across the EU
Recommendations
Speaker:
Mr. drs. BFG Uitterhaegen, The Trimbos Institute, Netherlands (tbc)
15:05 Fourth Round of Discussions
15:35 Chair’s Summary and Closing Remarks of Day One
15:40 Networking Reception
16:10 Symposium Close

Who Should Attend?

Alcohol Policy Alliances
Central Government Departments & Bodies
Food & Beverage Safety Regulatory Bodies
National Institutes for Alcohol
Healthcare and Health Protection Advisors
Healthcare Organisations
Health Promotion Practitioners
Vulnerable Persons Coordinators
Alcohol and Drugs Associations
National and Local Authorities
Alcohol-Related Disorders Officers
Alcoholism Prevention Groups
Alcoholism Treatment/Advisory Services
Youths Protection Officers
Public Health Authorities
Mental Health Foundations
Local, Regional & National Health Services
Private Sectors Employers
Public Sector Employers
Women and Child Abuse Prevention Groups
Centre for Preventions and Health Promotions
Community Engagement Officers
Community Relations Advisers
Alcohol Beverage Industry Representatives
Funding Councils
Research Councils
Campaigning Organisations
International Organisations
Alcohol Forums and Discussion Groups

Why Attend?

Delineate an Integrated EU-Wide Approach for Effective Prevention and
Intervention
Support Exchange of Best Practices from Projects Implemented across
Europe
Provide an Input and Recommendations to the Decision Makers and
Industry in Europe
Explore Solutions for Alcohol-Related Social Harm, Effective Family
Management and Health Damages

For more information visit: http://publicpolicyexchange.co.uk/events/BJ18-PPE2.php