.png)
Upper Rhymney Valley Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) has been recognised as CAP of the Year (Wales) for its outstanding work educating young people about alcohol harm.
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.
Over the past year, Upper Rhymney CAP has delivered a series of innovative projects designed to respond directly to community needs while providing safe, positive opportunities for children, young people and families. Each initiative has combined messaging about alcohol harm with engaging activities that bring communities together.
One of the CAP’s highlights was the Community Christmas Movie Night, an alcohol-free festive event attended by around 150 residents, including approximately 100 young people. Families enjoyed a screening of The Grinch, craft activities and seasonal treats, alongside a visit from Santa and the playful “arrest” of the Grinch. Beyond the fun, the evening provided a valuable opportunity for local services, including Gwent Police and local authority teams, to engage with families in a relaxed setting, strengthening relationships and building trust during a period often associated with increased isolation and alcohol-related harm.
Road safety and risk-taking behaviours were addressed through the Young Driver’s Initiative, which provided interactive workshops and practical demonstrations to young people, equipping them with life-saving knowledge and encouraging responsible decision-making. In rural communities where transport and road safety present ongoing challenges, the initiative has helped reduce risk while also raising aspirations and confidence among young people.
Creativity also played a central role in the Little Cop Shop of Horrors event, a Halloween-themed engagement project combining fun activities with important safety education. Young people interacted with local policing teams in an imaginative and informal environment, helping break down barriers and strengthen trust. Safety challenges and crime prevention discussions were delivered in ways that were memorable and engaging, supporting positive relationships and community safety.
Across these initiatives, hundreds of children and young people have benefited from safe, positive and educational experiences that reduce risk factors and strengthen community resilience. The projects demonstrate the CAP’s ability to engage diverse groups while creating lasting positive memories and connections.
Cllr Leonard from Caerphilly Borough Council commented: “This national recognition is a fantastic achievement for Upper Rhymney Valley CAP and everyone involved. Their innovative, community-led work is helping young people understand the risks of underage drinking while strengthening relationships across the community. Congratulations to the whole team on this well-deserved award.”
Nick Smith MP said: “The Upper Rhymney Valley Community Alcohol Partnership team should be incredibly proud of the fantastic work they’re doing. They’ve managed to share important messages about alcohol harm while also creating enjoyable, welcoming events that bring local families together.
“Thanks to their creative approach, hundreds of local children and young people have taken part in activities that not only teach them valuable lessons but also give them fun experiences along the way. The team is doing great work.”
Commenting on the partnership’s success, CAP Director Kate Winstanley said:
“Upper Rhymney Valley CAP has shown how creative, community-led initiatives can successfully combine alcohol education with activities that bring families and young people together. By delivering prevention messages in ways that are engaging, inclusive and locally relevant, the partnership is helping young people make safer choices while strengthening community connections. Their work demonstrates how collaboration and innovation can create lasting positive change. Well done to the whole team for their great work.”
The Upper Rhymney Valley team received their award at a ceremony held in the House of Commons on 2nd March 2026.
