Young people in Carnarvon have been helping to design their own version of the State Government's youth alcohol 'Respect Yourself' campaign.
Groups of young people aged from 14 to 17 and 18 to 24, as well as others who work with these age groups, have helped formulate the important messages that will cause them to moderate their alcohol consumption.
Health Minister Ian Taylor said today the 'Respect Yourself' campaign, part of the Health Department's Drinksafe campaign, was scheduled to get underway in March. It would aim to increase awareness of the dangers associated with binge drinking - drinking at least twice the recommended level once or twice a week.
Problems included hangovers, violence, absenteeism and loss of productivity in the workplace, injury and financial loss.
"There is grave community concern about the harm being caused by alcohol," Mr Taylor said.
"Health Department surveys show that many young people - and older people - drink at levels which pose high risks to their health.
"The consequences are reflected in the large number of alcohol-related admissions to hospitals, as well as the number of people who cite alcohol as the reason they finish up in court."
Mr Taylor said the Government had set aside $500,000 over three years to develop expanded 'Respect Yourself' campaigns in Carnarvon and Kalgoorlie. These could later be replicated in other rural areas of the State.
Regional Health Education Officer Gail Eliot was developing the 'Respect Yourself' project for Carnarvon, the Mid-West and the Gascoyne, collecting data and planning specific strategies for the region in conjunction with the Health Department's promotions branch.
