The Trust is supporting a Chesterfield mother who is encouraging sensible drinking habits after her son died following an alcohol-fuelled incident.
Former soldier Christopher Henchcliffe died in July 2016, after being assaulted on a night out in Chesterfield town centre with friends.
Mr Henchcliffe was taken to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield and induced into a coma, but suffered a fatal stroke after several brain operations.
His mother Yvonne, who launched her ‘Stay Cute and Dilute’ campaign to raise awareness of alcohol-related problems in the area, said: “The problem of alcohol-fuelled violence in the area is horrendous and it shouldn’t be happening.”
Figures from Labour MP Liam Byrne in 2015 placed Chesterfield as the 14th worst town in the country in terms of drinkers requiring hospital treatment.
And Yvonne wants local pubs and clubs to help promote a change in attitude towards drinking.
“We aren’t telling people don’t drink,” she said, “We’re just saying to take it steady and dilute in between drinks rather than pre-loading. Enjoy the night and make sure that your children come home, rather than what happened to Chris.
“Some of the young adults I’ve spoken to have said it’s more expensive to buy soft drinks, so they’re buying lager instead. I think the pubs and clubs shouldn’t charge someone the same amount for a soft drink as for a lager, because obviously they’re going to choose lager.”
Local pubs and clubs are encouraged to sign a pledge on Friday 13th October at the Proact Stadium to show their support for the campaign, taking place 13:30 followed by a photo pitch side. To register your pub or club as a supporting venue, email Yvonne Henchliffe.
All pubs and clubs that register their support will receive a free poster to put up in their establishment, thanks to local print company and Community Trust Corporate Partners, Print Digital Media for providing the posters free of charge and supporting the event.
