The South Canterbury Rugby Football Union, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, New Zealand Police and South Canterbury Road Safety are together asking people to ‘Be a Hero: Try Zero’.

Throughout May, June and July, rugby club members and supporters will be encouraged to choose zero alcohol beverages in an initiative aimed at reducing alcohol related harm and a commitment to player and community wellbeing.

Competition packs will be delivered to South Canterbury rugby clubs and will include education and tips on how to check in on their mates’ wellbeing and the local and national support available. You can find out more about how to keep yourself and others safe at whataboutyou.co.nz (external link)

The Be a Hero: Try Zero campaign promotes non-alcoholic drink options in rugby clubrooms, encourages players and supporters to try zero-alcohol, and to show support for players and supporters who choose not to drink. The competition also aimed to encourage rugby clubs to stock a greater variety of non-alcoholic beverages in their bars. The intention is to get people talking, shift attitudes and behaviours and de-stigmatise zero alcohol choices.

The rugby club that consumes the most zero-alcohol beverages during the months of May, June and July will win a $1,000 towards club improvements or gear of their choice.

Tim Hyde-Smith, CEO of South Canterbury Rugby Football Union said that they wanted to build on last years Try Zero promotion and educate players and supporters about non-alcoholic options and are committed to player and community wellbeing.

“This means being able to have a good time but being prepared for their games and being positive role models in social environments on and off the field,” he said.

“We want our local players to be mentally, emotionally and physically healthy and have positive habits that support their relationships, finances and career.

THE WHY?

Alcohol-related harm affects the wellbeing of our communities in a multitude of ways. Alcohol is a larger contributing factor to deaths and serious injury crashes on South Canterbury roads compared to both Canterbury and New Zealand as a whole. Males are overrepresented in these statistics, and the highest number of alcohol-related crashes occur on Saturday and Sunday, between 6pm and 12am.

Nationwide data from Fire and Emergency New Zealand also shows a strong correlation between alcohol use and incidents, with 50% of all our fatal house fires involve drugs or alcohol – if you are Drunk or High, Stay off the Stove.

Ministry of Health research shows that nationally the annual cost of alcohol harm is estimated to be over $7 billion a year, with two in five violent interpersonal offences known to involve alcohol, as well as 11% of emergency department visits.

Dr Cheryl Brunton, Medical Officer of Health for the National Public Health Service, said that contrary to what some people believe, alcohol harm is not just a youth issue.

“Recent research based on hospital admissions to Christchurch Hospital is that alcohol presentations are increasing in both the 25-54 and over 65 age groups, however, presentations have declined in the 18–24- year age group.” She said.

“It’s also a misconception that alcohol is a harmless choice. A first of its kind piece of research on drug harm in New Zealand showed that alcohol is the leading cause of harm to others and self and it’s equal to the combined harm from all other drugs, except methamphetamine.”

Inspector, Aoraki Area Commander Vicki Walker says excessive and inappropriate consumption of alcohol is more likely to lead to harm-related incidents.

“Police continue to work alongside partner agencies to ensure people are able to enjoy themselves in a safe way.

“By eliminating impairment from alcohol consumption, we also eliminate the risk of drink driving, as well as taking steps towards removing alcohol-related harm from our community.”

Be a Hero: Try Zero is part of the “What About You” campaign to promote low-risk drinking, low drug use and support wellbeing in South Canterbury.