Essex Experience Alcohol Policy

During the volunteer training course

The volunteer training course is very intensive and tiring and culminates in an activity weekend spent in the company of demanding young people. It is therefore essential that volunteers get as much sleep as possible in the lead up to the weekend to ensure that they are mentally and physically prepared for the challenge. Over indulgence in alcohol and late nights are not conducive to this, therefore during the volunteer training course the policy is:

• To drink in moderation only and to a low profile as volunteers must remain in a fit state to participate fully in the training course.
• Only Beers and Wines should be consumed. Spirits are strongly discouraged.
• To be in bed by midnight (this prevents disturbance to volunteers and staff who wish to retire early).

During the Activity Weekend

(when the young people are on site)

As a volunteer with the Essex Experience you will be in a position of responsibility for the young people attending the event. Their safety and wellbeing is paramount and cannot be jeopardised by the inappropriate consumption of alcohol. It is therefore essential that the alcohol policy is understood and accepted by every adult taking part.

• No alcohol is allowed in the sub-camps at any time.
• Adults must not drink alcohol in front of a young person and must not offer alcohol to a young person.
• Drunkenness will not be tolerated and any adult found to be intoxicated will be asked to leave and a report will be sent to their sponsoring organisation.
• During the event alcohol can only be consumed when “off duty” in an area designated by the training staff for this purpose. This is the only area where alcohol can be consumed, but in moderation only and to a low profile as volunteers remain responsible for the young people at all times and must be in a fit state to carry out their duties. Only Beers and Wines should be consumed. Spirits are strongly discouraged. It is the duty of the volunteers to ensure that there is adequate adult supervision of the young people while they are “off duty”.
• If a young person is found to be in possession of alcohol it should be confiscated or, if this proves difficult, the facts should be reported to a member of the supervising staff and appropriate action will be taken.

Declaration

I agree to abide by this alcohol policy for the duration of the Essex Experience

Signed____________________________________

Date ______________

Please print name: ______________________________________________