Photos from the annual A Way Out Ball!

Here are the much awaited photos from the our Black and White Winter Ball last Saturday! It was such a spectacular evening and we're so grateful to everyone who worked so hard to make it a success and for our supporters' generosity on the night.

The Ball was all about celebrating the life-changing work carried out by A Way Out in Teesside. Our black and white theme wasn't just for aesthetic purposes (although I'm sure you'll agree that the room looked fantastic!) but symbolised the journey our clients take as they find a way out of challenging circumstances.

Karen Heritage Studio Ltd choreographed a fantastic performance that told the story of those we work with as they move from a place of darkness to a place of light and hope. (The video of this will be uploaded once it is edited!) And an audio clip produced by James Mountford from BBC Tees which was played on the night will also be available to hear soon. It really is worth a listen.

But for now, you can check out the photos:

 Thank you so much to everyone who attended, helped and supported us. You helped make this night one that will be remembered for a long time.

Love from A Way Out x

Alcohol Awareness Week

Hospital admissions linked to alcohol use have more than doubled in the UK over the last 10 years to over 200, 000 last year and there has been a 20% increase in GP's making prescriptions for alcohol dependence in the last 4 years.

Around 95% of alcoholics die from their disease and approximately 26 years earlier than their normal life expectancy.

Drunk driving is responsible of approximately 50% of motorway deaths.

A study of 11 and 12 year old school kids showed that those who demonstarted an awareness of beer ads, held more positive beliefs about drinking and intended to drink more frequently when they grow up.

A Way Out exists to reach out to vulnerable and at risk women and young people which includes those who suffer from alcohol addiction and those at risk of alcoholism so these issues are high on our agenda. This week is Alcohol Awareness Week and so our project workers have been devoting themselves especially to raising awareness of the dangers of alcohol abuse in schools, colleges and at our own centre, The Gate.

Yesterday at The Gate during our Wednesday drop-in, rooms were set up with various activities around awareness of alcohol and how to drink safely and responsibly. There were alcohol worksheets and quizzes testing the girls' knowledge on alcohol consumption and safe habits as well as the chance to make their own non-alcoholic cocktails and our fantastic staff led discussions on ways of lowering levels and keeping safe when drinking e.g. going out with people you can trust, not mixing drinks and sexual health when out drinking.

Driving in beer goggles!

Mixing up some safe cocktails

For advice on safe drinking you might like to visit:

http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/
http://www.alcoholconcern.org.uk/
http://www.awayout.co.uk/how-we-can-help-you/

Love from A Way Out x

(Statistics taken from http://www.alcoholism-and-drug-addiction-help.com/alcoholism-statistics.html)