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A scheme educating young people in the Upper Rhymney Valley about the dangers of alcohol has earned national recognition for its work.

The Upper Rhymney Valley Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) has been named CAP of the Year for Wales at the 2026 CAP Awards.

CAPs are partnerships between police, local authorities, schools, and retailers who work together to highlight the risks of underage drinking.

Over the past year, Upper Rhymney CAP has delivered a range of projects aimed at children, young people and families. Each initiative has combined alcohol‑harm awareness with engaging activities that bring people together.

Projects have included a community Christmas movie night, which welcomed more than 150 residents, and the Young Drivers’ Initiative, which offered interactive workshops and demonstrations on road safety and responsible decision‑making.

Huge praise for exceptional work

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.”

Their “fantastic work” was also praised by Nick Smith, the Labour MP for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney.

Mr Smith said: “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.”

‘She’s had an incredible impact’

Meanwhile, community safety officer Jamie Burgess received an Outstanding Contribution Award for her work across Caerphilly.

CSO Burgess played a key role in establishing and expanding CAPs across borough, launching partnerships in four areas and building strong connections between schools, councils, police, retailers, and community organisations.

She has engaged more than 1,100 children and young people through a wide range of initiatives.

Councillor Philippa Leonard, Caerphilly Council’s cabinet member for public protection, praised CSO Burgess’ contribution and said: “Jamie’s award is thoroughly deserved and recognises that she’s had an incredible impact on young people across Caerphilly County Borough.

“Her leadership, dedication and ability to bring partners together have strengthened early intervention and prevention work in our communities.”

CAP director Ms Winstanley highlighted CSO Burgess’ “extraordinary contribution” and said: “Her determination to build strong partnerships, deliver innovative projects and ensure prevention work continues despite challenges has created lasting change in communities.

“Jamie’s work shows the real impact that committed leadership and collaboration can have, making her a thoroughly deserving recipient of the Outstanding Contribution Award.”

Caerphilly’s Labour MP Chris Evans said CSO Burgess’ efforts “have a real, visible and noticeable impact”.

He continued: “Jamie has been selfless and collaborative in her approach and has continuously put young people in the community first.”