Think safe, drink safe on New Year's Eve

Best Bar None venues such as the Baum offer safe and friendly surroundings.

Rochdale Safe Communities Partnership wants to remind people to Think safe, Drink safe and make this New Year Eve memorable for the right reasons.

Historically the festive period sees more domestic abuse calls than any other time of year with the highest number of cases reported on New Year's Day. This is usually a result of excessive boozing on New Year’s Eve.

But help is at hand, a new campaign has launched across Greater Manchester to encourage victims and perpetrators to seek help.

Rochdale Borough Council joins joined nine other Greater Manchester local authorities, the police, the public health network, domestic abuse helpline and voluntary organisations for the second time - this time to support the ‘End the Fear’ Christmas campaign.

Kerry Reddy, Domestic Abuse Coordinator at The Women’s Omega Centre in Rochdale said: “Alcohol can be an unwelcome addition in some people’s relationships. Alcohol fuelled aggression and violence can turn petty arguments on New Year’s night nasty and victims often hear the excuse it was ‘just the beer talking’ as part of an abuser’s apology. 

“We want every woman in Rochdale to know that help is available to ‘end the fear’ this year. We offer free, confidential advice and support to women who’ve suffered or are at risk of suffering any form of verbal, physical or mental abuse at the hands of a loved one. Next time it kicks off at home please pick up the phone!”

Extra police patrol the town centres across the borough on Friday and Saturday nights to enforce the law around safer drinking and keep antisocial behaviour and drunken disorder to a minimum. The borough’s Best Bar None pubs and clubs are recognised for their commitment to providing a warm welcome in safe, friendly surroundings. These preferred bars and clubs promise great atmospheres, great music and a great night out this New Year’s.

John O’Hare, Chief Superintendent at Rochdale Division, added: “We have lots of great places for people to socialise in the borough. We want people to enjoy themselves but to also be safe and considerate when drinking.

“We don’t want irresponsible drunk and rowdy behaviour from a minority of people to ruin everyone else’s night. You can still enjoy drinking without putting your health and personal safety at risk.”

Tracy Ginnever, Drug and Alcohol Action Team Manager at Rochdale Borough Council, added: “Whether going out or staying in this New Year’s you might be consuming more than you realise. Remember one drink is not always one unit. And when pouring spirits or wine at home always use a measure. Regular drinking which is above the lower-risk guidelines might be putting your health at risk. It’s a good idea to avoid alcohol on New Year’s Day to let your body recover from the heavy drinking session the night before.”

Drinking above these levels can increase your risk of heart disease, breast cancer, liver disease, stroke and other diseases. The Chief Medical Officer's guidelines on lower-risk drinking recommend men do not drink more than 3-4 units daily (drinking about two pints or two cans of normal-strength lager or beer on a regular basis) and women do not drink more than 2-3 units daily (regularly drinking about a large glass of wine or three single measures of spirits).

For more information about the services available to help stop domestic abuse, visit: www.endthefear.co.uk or ring 0161 636 7525.  Those responsible can also get help to stop by contacting the Respect phoneline on 0845 122 8609.

If you are concerned about your drinking speak to someone in confidence at Addiction Dependency Solutions 01706 860 033 or freephone Drinkline on 0800 917 8282. For handy Think safe, Drink safe tips, details of the borough’s Best Bar None venues and information about units go to www.rochdale.gov.uk/christmas.