| Below is a summary of the key steps in the process of developing a local alcohol strategy. For each step, guidance and suggestions can be found by clicking on the links.
The steps outlined below all overlap to some extent and so need not be tackled strictly in order.
The impact of alcohol misuse cuts across the health, social care and criminal justice systems. A comprehensive alcohol strategy should therefore take a partnership approach. Without the support of key partners, this will be difficult. Step 1 involves convincing key people of the need for a local alcohol strategy.
This step involves collecting the available evidence on local alcohol-related problems so that a persuasive case for action can be developed.
The make up of the strategy development team will vary according to local conditions and drivers. The team may have to do a fair amount of background work before key people will commit to the strategy development.
Many people have a stake in addressing alcohol related harm, from service users to members of the community to local business to health and social care professionals and those working in the criminal justice system. This step entails gathering their views on alcohol related harm and their ideas on how to address it.
The strategy draws together the evidence for local alcohol problems, identifies priorities, states objectives and sets out an implementation plan.
This step builds on Step 4 Involving Stakeholders by consulting on the draft strategy and securing support for the objectives.
The action plan set out in the strategy document is implemented in this step.
This step involves checking progress against the action plan and objectives. External factors that may impact on alcohol related harm (new legislation for example) should also be monitored. |
