THE success of a campaign to raise awareness of the consequences of alcohol-fuelled violence has led to monthly workshops.

The story of Adam Rogers, who was killed by a single punch in Blackburn town centre in 2009, is being used to highlight the dangers to young people experimenting with alcohol.

Adam’s parents, Pat and Dave Rogers, will launch their educational package for their Consequences campaign - backed by the Lancashire Telegraph - in the new year.

It uses the devastating effects of Adam’s tragic death on his family and friends to inform people of the consequences of senseless violence.

It has inspired a Hyndburn-based project called CLEAR (Children Learn by Example and Adult Responsibility) which is offering parents and carers free 90 minute workshops to support them in dealing with young people who are starting to drink.

PC Martin Midgley, who is helping to coordinate the scheme, said: “The CLEAR project aims to provide parents with up to date information about the risks and harm that drinking alcohol can have on young people and also to give them advice and support in speaking to their children.

“From previous sessions it’s clear to see that some parents had little idea of the risks that their children have been putting themselves in. The project isn’t about telling people how to bring their children up, it’s about giving parents and carers information so they can make informed decisions about the safety of their child.”

Pat Rogers added: "I think the workshops are really important - to help and inform parents so they are in a better position to support their children and to help them to deal with the dangers of alcohol.

“I am really pleased that Adam's story can help to get the message across. He lost his life because a young person had far too much alcohol and behaved in a reckless way. Hopefully we can all work towards more sensible and controlled use of alcohol in our society."

The project comes as part of Hyndburn’s Community Alcohol Network (CAN) which is aimed at supporting local retailers and residents in Accrington’s Peel, Barnfield and Woodnook areas as part a drive by Lancashire County Council, Lancashire Drug and Alcohol Action Team, and Lancashire Constabulary to clamp-down on underage drinking. Since it was launched in June, anti-social behaviour committed by young people in the area has reduced by 53 per cent.

Rick Wilson, principal officer at Lancashire County Councils alcohol and tobacco team, added: "Harmful drinking among young people is a complex problem and the success of our targeted and joined-up approach in Hyndburn shows why the whole community, including retailers and parents, need to be involved in providing the solution.

"The workshops for parents are an important element of our wider work in this area and we're also working hard with schools to reach young people, with retailers to prevent underage sales, and with the police to carry out patrols at weekends when the risk of alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour is highest."

Anyone interested can contact Hyndburn Women’s Centre on 01254 871771 or PC Martin Midgley on 01254 353103.