``FebFast is an excellent and timely initiative and a fun and enjoyable way to get some balance back in our lives after the excesses of Christmas and New Year,'' GCH Direct Care program manager Marianne Hendron said.

The challenge can be undertaken individually or as part of team.

Workplaces or groups of friends can form a FebFast team and get sponsorship for remaining alcohol free for the month.

Participants can buy a Time Out certificate for $25 if they want to have alcohol on any occasion during the month, for instance a wedding or birthday celebration.

Proceeds from the 2010 fundraising efforts will be shared amongst the Australian Drug Foundation, YSAS (Youth Substance Abuse Service) in Victoria, The Ted Noffs Foundation in NSW and the ACT, Mater Hospital's Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Service in Queensland and FebFast's grants program for smaller grass-roots organisations.

Grampians Community Health staff have set up a FebFast team and are busy collecting sponsorships.

``It's obviously very appropriate for an agency such as ours to be part of this challenge,'' community development manager Julie Walker said.

``While GCH doesn't preach abstinence and we take a harm minimisation approach to alcohol and drugs, we see the four weeks as a great opportunity to give ourselves a break and take stock of the way that alcohol consumption might have crept up and become a habit in our everyday lives.''

Ms Hendron said staff see on a daily basis the damage done and the negative impact of alcohol on people's lives.

``There is no doubt a seasonal spike, as this is more evident in the post Christmas period,'' she said.

``This month we have seen a noticeable increase in demand for family violence support services and more clients affected by alcohol related violence and other issues, including health problems and financial stresses.

`` GCH has a role not only in assisting these individuals and families but also in advocating for community and cultural change around alcohol use and binge drinking, so supporting FebFast is a very pro active way to do that.''

GCH provides free information, support and services for individuals and family members affected by alcohol and other drugs.

For confidential enquires, contact 5358 7400 (Stawell/Ararat) or 5362 1200 (Horsham).

People can find out more about FebFast on www.febfast.com.au.