Partnerhips are core of new Alcohol Programme
The government’s new programme aimed at reducing the harm caused by alcohol abuse is rooted in a partnership strategy that aims to recruit a wide span of organisations and local authorities.
Before the launch of the Alcohol Programme, at the end of April, partnership agreements were signed between the MSAH and a range of actors. They included the churches, nine municipalities and the municipal district of Hämeenlinna, eight organisations of social and health sector professionals, and the Finnish Hotel and Restaurant Association and Service Union United.
The aim of the partnership agreements is to ensure that the Alcohol Programme has a strong purchase at local and community levels. The leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Orthodox Church and the Finnish Council of Free Churches have each signed agreements to join the programme.
They have an influential role among their members that mesh closely with the goals of the Alcohol Programme to limit the harm to individuals, families and communities from alcohol abuse. Similarly, the role of municipalities is seen as crucial to ensuring that the programme has an impact, particularly in preventive work, day care, child welfare and education. Agreements with the main trading organisations aim to ensure the prevention of underage drinking and efforts to limit the risks of alcohol abuse.
Earlier, the first partnership agreements were signed in February by a group of 47 NGOs.
The aim is to increase the numbers of partnerships to ensure a nationwide coverage for the programme that transmits to local level activities.