Free support available for people worried about drinking
With Alcohol Awareness Week underway (Monday 15 to Sunday 21 November), Southampton City Council and its community partners are reminding residents that free and confidential telephone support is available for anyone who is worried or just has questions about their own or someone else’s use of alcohol
This year’s theme is ‘Alcohol and Relationships’ and aims to raise awareness of how our own or someone else’s use of alcohol can affect our relationships and impact other areas of our lives.
Research (source: Alcohol Change UK) shows that many of us have found ourselves drinking more to deal with feelings of loneliness and isolation during the pandemic. As we leave lockdown and return to normal life there will be new pressures too – pressures to drink, 'sober shaming', and pressures we put on ourselves to get back to ‘normal’ socialising.
In Southampton anyone aged 18 or over who would like advice about alcohol can call the free Southampton Alcohol Advice Line. Commissioned by Southampton City Council and run by Change Grow Live, the advice line provides confidential and non-judgmental support for anyone worried about their drinking. It’s easy to get in contact - just call t. 023 82 002 764.
Younger residents aged 24 or under can also access support from the DASH (Drugs, Alcohol Support and Health) service commissioned by Southampton City Council and run by No Limits for young people who would like support with drug or alcohol use. They can be contacted on 023 80 224 224 or advice@nolimitshelp.org.uk
Councillor Ivan White, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care at Southampton City Council, said: "It’s been a difficult period for many of us, and while we may feel that we can make sensible choices about alcohol consumption, it isn’t always easy to recognise when drinking may be starting to have an impact on our health and relationships. Our message is simple: if you’re feeling worried, have doubts or are even just thinking about how much or how often you or your loved ones have been drinking, please know that local, free and confidential support is available to you."
About Alcohol Awareness Week
Alcohol Awareness Week is coordinated by the charity Alcohol Change UK. Over 4,000 public health teams, workplaces, GP surgeries, pharmacies, hospitals, charities and other community groups across the country have signed up to take part, according to the charity.
