Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems

SHAAP was established in November 2006 by the Scottish Medical Royal Colleges and Faculties, through their Scottish Intercollegiate Group on Alcohol (SIGA). Members of SIGA were increasingly concerned about the escalating health damage caused by alcohol misuse. This advocacy group hopes to provide an independent medical voice on alcohol problems in Scotland which seeks to reduce the growing problems associated with alcohol realted harm.

Aims of SHAAP

• to raise awareness and understanding of alcohol-related health problems with health practitioners, policy makers and the public;
• to evaluate current research and identify strategies to reduce alcohol-related health damage based on the best available evidence;
• to work together with key organisations in the alcohol field in Scotland, the rest of the UK and worldwide, in tackling alcohol misuse.

SHAAP has received start-up funding from the Scottish Executive for three years. This funding covers core costs and an initial programme of work. SHAAP will be fundraising from other sources to continue its work in the future, and is currently looking at developing joint funding proposals with other organisations for specific projects to tackle alcohol-related harm in Scotland. SHAAP will not receive any funds from the alcohol industry.