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Queen’s University, in cooperation with St. Lawrence College and the Royal Military College of Canada, is launching a campaign focused on reducing alcohol-related harms and educating post-secondary students about alcohol use.

The three partner institutions are launching to help people think about and engage in a conversation about the role alcohol plays in our lives and our communities. The launch is part of Kingston’s Safe and Sober Community Alliance partnership.

The campaign, which originated in Australia, aims to change the world’s relationship with alcohol – one Sunday at a time.  The campaign gives individuals an opportunity to take a break from alcohol and share their stories while they do.  Each person’s experience is a unique and essential contribution to a better drinking culture.

“Students often mention that seeking out alcohol-free recreational opportunities takes a bit of effort. This campaign is about encouraging them to do just that – to think about how they are spending their ‘Sunday mornings’, and decide if they are happy with those choices,” says Kate Humphrys, Queen’s University’s representative on the Safe and Sober Community Alliance, and Health Promotion Coordinator, Student Wellness Services, Queen’s University. “We always encourage students to consider what choices about alcohol work best for them, for their positive mental and physical health.”

The campaign was first implemented in Kingston in January 2016, and received positive feedback from students; student health educators on the three campuses will use it to continue to promote conversations and safe and smart choices about alcohol use. A strong social media component will also encourage students to engage with program materials online.

The Safe & Sober Community Alliance partners include Queen’s University, St Lawrence College, CFB Kingston, Addictions & Mental Health Services-KFLA, Sexual Assault Centre Kingston, Kingston: Partners for a Safe Community, Kingston General Hospital, KFL&A Public Health, Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), Kingston Police, and Kingston Fire and Rescue.