South Lakes young people twice as likely to end up in hospital due to alcohol abuse

New figures show that the proportion of young people in the South Lakes admitted to hospital due to excessive alcohol consumption is more than double the national rate. Local MP Tim Farron is calling for the government to give more funding to alcohol awareness and support schemes targeted at young people.

The figures, published yesterday by public health England, show that the proportion of young people under-18 in South Lakeland who are admitted to hospital due to alcohol-specific conditions is 78.5 per 100,000, compared to an equivalent rate of 37.4 nationally.

Tim said: "It is extremely worrying that such a high proportion of our young people locally are ending up in hospital due to alcohol abuse. This is not only a burden on our NHS, it will also take a long-term toll on the health of these young people.

"I am calling on the government to give more funding to alcohol awareness schemes targeted at young people, so that the dangers of alcohol abuse are better understood.

"It is also vital that young people are able to access the support services, particularly mental health services, that they need. I would also encourage all parents to talk with their children about responsible drinking."