Shepherd Neame lead the way in Kent

Shepherd Neame is the first company in Kent to have signed up to the Schools Alcohol Awareness Project, a new education initiative which encourages young people to adopt responsible attitudes to alcohol.

As a business active in the licensed retail sector, Shepherd Neame is delighted that the classroom materials distributed free to their nominated schools encourage young people to consider the dangers of alcohol misuse and the serious impact it can have on their life.

The Schools Alcohol Awareness Project is delivered in partnership with teachers but is not a government initiative.  Its success is due entirely to the support of BII members across the UK.  BII is the professional body for the licensed retail sector.  With over 15,000 members, it promotes high standards, good employment practice and social responsibility within the industry.

Cathie Smith, Director of BIIAB said, "We are very grateful to Shepherd Neame for their support which allows us to help teachers in a practical way while also raising awareness of the difficult issues surrounding young people and alcohol."

Shepherd Neame have nominated five Kent secondary schools for the project: The Abbey School, Fulston Manor School, Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Sittingbourne Community College and Whitstable Community College.  All the schools have expressed their gratitude for the teacher-friendly project materials which are carefully designed to save staff time rather than generate extra work.

Another six schools nominated by Shepherd Neame public houses are set to receive project materials in the near future.

Patrick Gaffney, Director of the Schools Project, added his own thanks to Shepherd Neame saying, “We can only make a difference in schools if we gain the support of the wider community. I am delighted that Shepherd Neame has decided to lead the way in this important initiative.”