Deutsche Hauptstelle für Suchtfragen e.V.

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„Bridging the Gap – Alcohol Policy in the Context of an Enlarged Europe“

Since 1995 the German Centre for Addiction Issues (DHS) is member of EUROCARE an European alliance of non-governmental organizations in the field of alcohol policy, which pursues the target of reducing the negative consequences of alcohol consumption on health and social welfare in Europe and investigates the impact of EU alcohol policy on the member states.

The “Bridging the Gap” (BtG) project is a three-year project from 2004 to 2006 run by EUROCARE and co-financed by the European Commission, targeted on establishing a network of expert organisations to contribute to further development of a EU strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm. Considering the membership of new partners in the European Union an intensified cooperation between the Member States and the exchange of professional expertise and hands-on experience is prioritized aiming for the development and improvement of an effective and comprehensive alcohol policy. The DHS is the German counterpart of ”Bridging the Gap”.

The project includes partners in 30 European countries as well as the World Health Organization (European Office), the European Youth Forum, the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) and the European Cultural Foundation.

Activities and Results

Within the framework of the project the first comprehensive report on alcohol in Europe was published. Three project groups focused on “National Reports”, “Advocacy” and “Youth” were established. National reports inform about the relevant laws concerning alcohol and alcohol policy and the administrative structure of prevention and treatment of addiction in the different countries. Conferences and workshops enhanced the knowledge and skills of the participating organizations. They are directed to politicians, programme planners and experts in public health and prevention of governmental and non-governmental organizations. A special Advocacy Tool Kit was developed and several advocacy training courses for policy makers and programme implementers were convened in order to build consensus in favour of health and social-minded reform.

Contact person

Gabriele Bartsch
Deutsche Hauptstelle für Suchtfragen
Westenwall 4
59065 Hamm (Westf.)
GERMANY
Tel : +49 (0) 2381 901521
Fax: +49 (0) 2381 901530
bartsch@dhs.de