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Cumberland Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) has been named the national winner of CAP of the Year (England) recognising its exceptional work to prevent alcohol harm and support young people across one of England’s largest and most diverse local authority areas.
CAPs are community-led partnerships which bring together local police, councils, schools, retailers, and community groups. Their primary goal is to reduce underage alcohol consumption and the resulting harms, improving health and well-being, and enhancing the wider community.
Formed following local government reorganisation, Cumberland CAP spans 46 electoral wards across a wide geographical area. Despite the challenges this presents, partners have worked tirelessly to build a strong, united approach to protecting young people and supporting healthier communities.
From delivering interactive alcohol education sessions in schools, to working alongside sporting role models and community organisations, Cumberland CAP has created opportunities to engage young people and families wherever they are - in schools, sports clubs, community spaces and the night-time economy.
A standout example of this work was the partnership’s involvement in the Whitehaven Wellbeing Festival in summer 2025, where the CAP team and partners engaged with over 2,000 residents, including more than 800 young people, sharing key messages around alcohol harm and wellbeing.
The partnership also led a creative anti-spiking campaign during the festive period, working with local sports clubs and mascots to raise awareness and distribute protective drink covers and safety advice in busy night-time areas. More than 200 women and girls were directly supported during targeted outreach, and over 500 anti-spiking devices were distributed alongside safety information.
In the past year, CAP partners across Cumberland have engaged more than 2,500 young people through education and diversionary activities.
Emma Thompson | Senior Manager, Community Safety and Resilience at Cumberland Council commented: “This award is a testament to the truly dedicated partnership working we have here in Cumberland. Partners have supported our Community Alcohol Partnership with innovative ideas, resources and community activities to achieve these results. A special thank you goes to the 2600 young people who completed our online survey and the amazing group of Young Leaders from St Josephs School Workington who have supported our CAP with their creativity and passion to make change”.
Commenting on the award, CAP Director Kate Winstanley said: “Cumberland CAP demonstrates exactly what can be achieved when communities work together with creativity, determination and a shared commitment to protecting young people. The partnership has successfully overcome geographical challenges to build a powerful network delivering education, prevention and community engagement at scale. Their innovative work, particularly through sport and community outreach, is already making a real difference and sets an inspiring example for partnerships across the country.”
The Cumberland CAP team received their award at a ceremony held in the House of Commons on 2nd March 2026.
