Beer goggles give insight into dangers of drink

The goggles, which cost £85 a pair, give young people the chance to experience what it is like to be intoxicated and to highlight the problems drinking can cause.

Currently, the Royal Borough's drug and alcohol action team (DAAT) has two pairs of the goggles, but has received £300 from Rotary clubs in both Windsor and Maidenhead and plans to buy another four pairs that can be loaned to schools and youth centres for alcohol awareness sessions.

The Rotary clubs got involved after hearing about an anti-binge drinking DVD produced by a media studies student at Altwood School in conjunction with the DAAT and police. They were keen to support the development of further materials that can be used alongside the DVD to make young people aware of their vulnerability when drunk.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for adult and community services, said: "The goggles show the effects of being under the influence of alcohol. They are a very simple but effective way of showing young people how disorientated and vulnerable you become when drunk.

"I would like to thank the Rotary clubs for supporting the work of the DAAT as the goggles will help complement our work with schools and youth centres."

Catherine Williams, alcohol lead for the DAAT, said: "The beer goggles work extremely well with the DVD and we are really pleased to be able to make them available for alcohol awareness sessions in the borough."

Schools and youth centres who would like to borrow the goggles should call the DAAT on 01628 793632 or email daat@rbwm.gov.uk

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