A council worker has been handed a national award for tackling underage drinking and improving the lives of young people in the area.
Helen Ellison has been handed an award at the House of Lords for deterring kids away from drinking and providing 'alcohol-free' activities instead.
She is a health improvement officer for Newark and Sherwood District Council and was awarded the Outstanding Contribution by an Individual Award.
The CAP campaign was launched in October 2018, to prevent the sale of alcohol to young people, advise them of the dangers of drinking and provide alcohol-free activities through youth services and local charities.
Mrs Ellison played a vital part in creating sessions that promote healthy lifestyles, including a weekly park run, football, netball, kickboxing, cycling, skate-boarding and rugby.
She said: "I am absolutely delighted to receive this award.
"As a mother myself, it’s hugely rewarding to be a part of an initiative that is making a genuine difference to the lives and wellbeing of young people in an area which has experienced high levels of underage drinking.
"The success of the Community Alcohol Partnership is also testament to the hard work of all the partner agencies involved - including the police, the county council’s youth service, local retailers and the council’s sport and leisure company, Active4Today – without whom the project would not be possible."
In March 2019, the CAP was also named Project of the Year in the Notts Getting Active Together awards, in recognition of its work around alcohol education.
After successes in Ollerton, Boughton and Edwinstowe, another scheme was launched in Clipstone and Forest Town that Helen played a key role in setting up.
Presenting the award, CAP Board member Inspector Andy Morrice, of Lincolnshire Constabulary, said: "Helen has brought together a wide range of local partners to promote healthy lifestyles and alcohol education. She has inspired and motivated partners to create many diversionary activities for young people.
"It was a proud moment for Helen when the Ollerton, Boughton and Edwinstowe CAP won the Notts Getting Active Together Project of the Year Award last year, recognising its amazing work to transform the lives, health and wellbeing of the local community.
"I’m delighted to second that appreciation with this award today."
