Latest news with #AlcoholAwareness
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Too many workplace cultures are putting alcohol at their heart, says Inverclyde MSP
It's Alcohol Awareness Week – and this year's theme is alcohol and work. Alcohol Change UK's website says that with longer hours, more stress, the blurring of lines between work and home, and too many workplace cultures placing booze rather than people at the centre of things, there are so many ways work and alcohol are linked. In many ways, there are already changes that have happened over time when it comes to work and alcohol. For example, it used to be commonplace for people to enjoy an alcoholic drink, or drinks, during their lunch break. That is much less common now. READ MORE: Councillor who went through prostate cancer battle urges others to seek support Inverclyde taxi driver shares dream of using his artistic talent to help others 'I lost a little bit of her every day': Greenock councillor on dealing with dementia 'No one took my pain seriously': Greenock woman waited years for endometriosis help Grassroots group for families affected by alcohol and drugs celebrate first year What is still commonplace for many workplace cultures, though, is going to the pub after work. That pressure to join in – not just to go along, but to drink alcohol – can be huge. For people with caring responsibilities, the majority of whom are women, this inability to take part or unwillingness to drink alcohol can feel like you're missing out or being a 'buzzkill'. This shows that alcohol is still deeply woven into our culture, and that many people use it to relax after a stressful day at work. This year's Alcohol Awareness Week theme is 'alcohol at work'. (Image: PA) Too often there is a conception that people living with drink dependency can't hold down a job – but when one in four people in the UK worry about their drinking, it's clear this is a myth. I'm not suggesting 25 per cent of the adult population in the UK have an alcohol addiction. However, these figures indicate that increasing numbers of people are concerned about the impact alcohol has in their lives. It's no wonder though, as alcohol is a causal factor in more than 200 medical conditions, including high blood pressure, liver scarring, and cancers. Other research shows that alcohol is the biggest risk factor for death, ill-health, and disability among 15-49 year-olds in the UK, and the fifth biggest risk factor across all ages. Research shows that alcohol is the biggest risk factor for death, ill-health, and disability among 15-49 year-olds in the UK. Governments across the UK therefore have a duty to help prevent alcohol-related harm, and many charities and community groups do fantastic work to help those affected by harmful drinking habits. For most of us, though, we don't need specialist support. But we do need to be more open about how alcohol impacts us, and try to foster healthier habits. The popularity of alcohol-free products shows that many people are looking for alternatives – whether that's alcohol-free beer, wine, spirits or mocktails. Locally, one idea that has been suggested to me is a 'sober bar' – which would give people a place to go that feels like a pub, but without the presence of alcohol. I would hope this can be successful, as it could also provide opportunities for more people to engage in their local area, and could reduce the sense of isolation some people in our community live with daily.
BBC News
08-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Alcohol advice in Wolverhampton after high number of deaths
Wolverhampton residents are being encouraged to consider the harmful effects of excessive drinking as part of Alcohol Awareness and hospital admission rates in the city for alcohol-specific conditions are both significantly above the national average, the council misuse service Recovery Near You and council services will be available at several locations in the city throughout the week offering advice and the harms caused by alcohol were a priority for the city, councillor Obaida Ahmed, cabinet member for health, wellbeing and community, said. "Many people like to drink alcohol from time to time, but it is important to do so in moderation because the harm caused by alcohol affects millions of people every year - leading not just to health problems but also causing financial worries, relationship breakdown and family difficulties," Ahmed data suggested that, of those living in the city who require support with their drinking, only about a quarter are currently engaged with support services, the authority 2023, it said it was reviewing its services after recording the highest rate of alcohol-specific deaths in the people died in Wolverhampton due to alcohol consumption in 2020, prompting the review, the council this year, the region's Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster reported almost 20,000 people were treated for drug and alcohol misuse in the West Midlands last and support locations:The Bob Jones Community Hub, Bromley Street - Tuesday 8 July from 10:00 and 14:00 BSTThe Hub, Railway Drive - Wednesday 9 July from 10:00 and 14:00 Recovery Hub Connaught Road - Thursday 10 July from 09:00 and 17:00 Duncan Street Primary Care Centre - Friday 11 July from 10:00 and 14:00Pennfields Medical Centre, Upper Zoar Street - Saturday 12 July from 10:00 and 14:00 Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, Wednesfield on Sunday 13 July from 10:00 and 14:00 Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
