Drinkaware Sponsors New CRISIS Fundraising Superband

Drinkaware Sponsors New CRISIS Fundraising Superband

LONDON, November 5/PRNewswire/ -- Drinkaware, the UK's leading consumer facing charity promoting responsible drinking, has joined up with homeless charity CRISIS in a unique fund raising initiative.

Beth Ditto, The Enemy, Paul Weller, New Young Pony Club, Graham Coxon, Supergrass, Drew McConnell (Babyshambles), Ed Harcourt, Pearl Lowe and Andy Rourke (The Smiths) are forming a new supergroup called Crisis to help fight homelessness. Today (5th November 2007) the band will write and record a one off track called Consequences, based on the well known children's game.

Jean Collingwood, Chief Executive of The Drinkaware Trust commented today: "The Drinkaware Trust's remit is to positively change the national drinking culture in order to reduce alcohol misuse and minimise alcohol related harm. British teenagers, along with those in Ireland and Denmark, are among the heaviest teenage drinkers in Europe. The average consumption among Under 15s has increased from 5.3 units in 1990 to 11.4 units in 2006 (Smoking, Drinking and drug use among young people in England in 2006\; Headline Figures). In addition, we know that some 50% of homeless people are dependent on alcohol.

"We are delighted to sponsor the Crisis Consequences project which will use live and recorded music and online media to create nationwide engagement. Many people become homeless as a result of dependency on alcohol which has started in their early teens. By working together to make the under 20's aware of the consequences of alcohol misuse, we hope to help prevent dependency and the possibility of homelessness in later life."

This innovative fundraising initiative will raise money through record sales and tickets to Consequences Live, an all day music festival at The Roundhouse, Camden (2nd March 2008). 250 tickets, priced at GBP45, are being released early, available on a first come first served basis from http://www.crisisconsequences.com. Drinkaware have launched an online competition that offers a host of prizes including a chance to win tickets to the event - for details visit http://www.drinkaware.co.uk.

Notes for Editors:

1) Drinkaware is an independent UK charity that aims to change public behaviour and the national drinking culture by providing people with practical advice and information. For more information about Drinkaware please visit the corporate website http://www.drinkawaretrust.org.uk

2) Crisis Consequences is sponsored by Drinkaware. Many people become homeless as result of dependency on alcohol which has started in their early teens. By working together to make the under 20's aware of the consequences of alcohol misuse, we hope to help prevent dependency and the possibility of homelessness in later life.

3) Drinkaware's flagship website - http://www.drinkaware.co.uk - provides information about responsible drinking to consumers. It currently receives over two and a half million hits every month.

4) Crisis is the national charity for single homeless people. The Charity campaigns and delivers innovative services year-round to help people find a route out of their homelessness and rebuild their lives. Crisis estimates that there are 400,000 hidden homeless in Britain. The majority are single people who are not eligible for social housing and as a result live in hostels, bed and breakfasts or sleep on the floor of family and friends. Crisis consequences website: http://www.crisisconsequences.com Crisis website: http://www.crisis.org.uk

5) Around half of homeless people are dependent on alcohol. A relationship between alcohol and homelessness exists, although its precise nature is less obvious. Dependence can lead to homelessness, but can also exacerbate problems that already exist, while for others, alcohol problems may develop as a result of being homeless. It has been estimated that: up to 50 per cent of rough sleepers are alcohol reliant; and approximately one in three rough sleepers has a combination of mental health and substance misuse problems. There are few services designed specifically for homeless people who are problem drinkers and services tend to be either for the homeless or those with alcohol problems. Interim Analytical Report, 2003, Strategy Unit Alcohol Harm Reduction.

6) Money raised through this will go towards supporting Crisis' work with homeless people, including music and arts projects which enable our members to acquire new skills, gain qualifications, and find employment. These, consequently will empower people to transform their lives.

7) Consequences is sponsored by Drinkaware. Drinkaware is proud to support Crisis, the UK's most innovative homeless charity, who are dedicated to supporting the UK's most disadvantaged single homeless people through the Consequences record and concert.

Source: The Drinkaware Trust

For further information please contact: Press Office, The Drinkaware Trust, Tel: +44(0)20-7307-7459, Mobile: +44(0)7859-022-512, Email: ajensen@drinkawaretrust.org.uk; For more information on Crisis or this event contact Gemma Hunt or Phil Drew at Unity on +44(0)20-7405-0974, or email gemma@hellounity.com or phil@hellounity.com

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Profile: International Entertainment