I am getting on my fave rave subject again. Abuse of alcohol. I have abused, probably more than most reading this posting would think possible, but am dry now, or nearly, sorry, one of the things recovering alcoholics must be is honest.

So we see the front page of the Star about problem drinking in Sheffield tied in with the extension of the opening hours. I have no problems with people that go out and enjoy a few beers, have a laugh, a kebab, and cant get up in the morning. This article was different, and a follow up article was printed later in the week.

About me. I was chairperson of a self help alcohol recovery group, SHARP, SHeffield Alcohol Recovery Project, for over a year. I left to start a new group locally that is called U-CAN, you can Control Alcohol Now. It is hoped to start a database of those people that could help potential alcoholics before they reached the levels I did. I hope to involve doctors, social workers, police, mental health professionals, Addiction counsellors etc.etc. This is unlike any other group in Sheffield.

If you are concerned about a loved ones drinking, or your own, or wish to gather information, U-CAN will help.

It is recognised by Alcohol Concern, the main charity that nationally helps those suffering from alcoholism. It is a model that it is hoped will be used thru-out the country.

So, I send this all to The Star and what happens, nothing. I know there is a Gung Ho attitude to front pages and straps but at least follow it up. A letter surely is not asking to much to let readers know we exist, and if so, would maybe like to take an active part.

Thank goodness for the Forum. If one person contacts me from this and understands their problem, then something is achieved.

You can always pm me if you would like further information.

You must realise that local newspapers print the news that they want the public to know about. Frequently that excludes anything that is a matter of concern to local people.

There are some local journalists who follow the forum and you have to hope they see the posting. The rest of the time the local rags are a waste of space.

You could always phone Rony....(!)

Write to Paul License - he deals with the letters page and the weekly local 'soap box' on a Thursday, when a local person gets to write an article giving their point of view.

i used to write regularly to the star. it's a numbers game, keep writing and something will go in.

Did you just send it to "letters" or have you tried talking to one of the editorial staff to do some column inches on it?

I've been mentioned in the Star once or twice, most notably when I was on the Prince's Trust back in 1998, I was "Site Foreman" during the renovation of Burton St School, and even though I was away on an interview for a voluntary job in Oxfam's campaigns office at Glossop Road, they still mentioned me as being the Gaffer..

Write another letter.

Use A4 paper and leave at least a 2" margin (for comments). Offer to provide further information or be available should they want to do a follow up article.

Good luck :thumbsup:

if you phone up and ask for a particular journalist, reception should put you straight through:)

0114 2767676

Wow all the letters I've written have been printed straight off....must be the 'schoolkid effect'!

On the subject of the Star I have written to them on many occasions but my letters never get published except on e which was about the police.
All the others have been political so they get ignored,I wrote after the last election to say thanks to all those thousands who had voted for my party ,mine was the only one of the parties thankyou not to get published? talk about one sided journalism.

Originally posted by pete_fcs
if you phone up and ask for a particular journalist, reception should put you straight through:)

0114 2767676

Everything that I have wanted to appear in the paper has arisen by speaking to a journalist.
Everything that i have wanted to appear.... has appeared.


Now... who wants to buy a baby dining seat, an infant musical mobile or a portable playpen/cot?

hey i've even fed the star a front page story in the past!:)

Originally posted by royjames
On the subject of the Star I have written to them on many occasions but my letters never get published except on e which was about the police.
All the others have been political so they get ignored,I wrote after the last election to say thanks to all those thousands who had voted for my party ,mine was the only one of the parties thankyou not to get published? talk about one sided journalism.

Well you know what the backlash would be like Roy.

Local papers are pretty politically neutral! Anyway all my letters have been political-type ones.

Yes Rosie but your not in the BNP we dont get ant good publicity from the star at all ,in fact its quite hostile.
Still I know from talking to voters who backed us they are not happy with the way the star treats us so they might lose a few people who would normally buy the paper.
I no longer buy it I simply look on line now,I wont give them a penny piece now.