Multi-component programmes


An approach to prevent and reduce alcohol-related harm
Betsy Thom and Mariana Bayley

This report reviews international experience of community-based prevention programmes to
address alcohol-related harms at local level.

Debate following the publication of the Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for England
(2004) and the implementation of the Licensing Act (2003) raised concerns about the cost of
alcohol misuse to individuals and communities. A key part of national strategy is a focus on
local responsibility for policy implementation and an expectation that stakeholders – local
authorities, professional groups, the alcohol trade and ‘communities’ – will work together to
reduce the problems.

The report describes a ‘multi-component’ model to prevent and reduce harm, with evidence
from programmes in the USA, Australia and Scandinavia. The approach typically requires
a programme of multiple, co-ordinated initiatives rather than ‘stand-alone’ projects, and an
emphasis on encouraging change in local policies, structures, systems and drinking cultures.
The involvement of local communities is central to most programmes. The report reveals
problems in implementing and sustaining this approach as well as the advantages it offers.
Discussions with a small group of professionals showed widespread use of ‘partnership’
approaches and suggested that the use of a more explicit multi-component model would be
helpful to map alcohol-related problems and design local strategies.

Multi-component programmes will be of interest to policymakers, researchers and professionals
working at local level.

Download the report free of charge (PDF, 438KB)