As part of Alcohol Awareness Week 2023, we’re looking at the true cost of alcohol to us as individuals and wider society.
Running from Monday 3 July to Sunday 9 July, the week is run by the charity Alcohol Change UK and will explore how alcohol affects our finances, health and relationships with others, as well as the impact on the NHS, emergency services and the workplace.
As part of our activity, we’re hosting a drop-in event in Barnsley Market on Friday 7 July from 9am-2pm where services will be on hand to offer advice and signpost to support. Those attending include health trainers, social prescribers and representatives from Barnsley Recovery Steps, our More Money In Your Pocket campaign and our commissioned domestic abuse support service IDAS.
In addition, staff from Salt House will also be coming along to make some mocktails and show that you don’t always need to drink alcohol to have a good time.
Councillor Wendy Cain, Cabinet spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said: “Most of us will enjoy a drink from time to time but it’s important to remember that alcohol can come at a cost in different forms: the financial cost, the cost to our health and the cost to our relationships.
“Drinking regularly or heavily comes with serious health risks, such as heart disease, liver disease, stroke, increased blood pressure, and many forms of cancer as well as impacting on mental health. It can also be expensive and put a strain on friendships and relations with our loved ones.
“An alcohol-specific health needs assessment we did in 2021 found that around one in four adults in Barnsley were drinking more than the recommended 14 units of alcohol per week, so we want to use Alcohol Awareness Week to encourage our residents to take control of how much they drink as it can help them to save money, enjoy various health benefits and allow for better relationships with those around us.”
If you feel like you need help to cut down on your drinking, please contact Barnsley Recovery Steps or take DrinkCoach’s free and confidential two-minute test to see if you’re eligible for up to six free sessions with a specialist.
