Alcohol Awareness Week is a national campaign that takes place in July every year. This year’s theme is a prompt for people to consider their alcohol intake. During the week, Walsall Council is encouraging residents to take a few minutes to reflect on their alcohol use and their relationship with alcohol.

In Walsall, there are around 650 alcohol-related hospital admissions each year, highlighting the impact alcohol can have on people’s health and the wellbeing of friends and family. Drinking alcohol can contribute to anxiety, low energy, poor sleep and can put a strain on relationships with the people around them. Over time, it increases the risk of cancer and other health problems such as liver disease and heart disease. Drinking less alcohol is one of the best ways to reduce these risks.

National guidance recommends drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol in a week (equivalent to approximately six pints of beer), spread across several days, with some alcohol-free days.

Residents who would like to cut down on alcohol can take steps. This can include choosing alcohol-free options, staying hydrated and talking to someone they trust about the changes they are making. Small changes to drinking habits can have a positive impact on physical and mental wellbeing.

For those thinking about cutting down or stopping drinking, who feel they may be dependent on alcohol, it is important to seek advice from a healthcare professional, as stopping suddenly can be unsafe for some people.

“ Alcohol Awareness Week is a chance to examine the role alcohol plays in our lives. Cutting back or quitting alcohol can improve your mood, energy and prevent serious health problems. If you need support with this, we encourage you to reach out to our local services including The Beacon, based in Walsall town centre. Starting with small steps today can positively impact your health and wellbeing long term. “

Councillor Matt Eason, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Health and Wellbeing
Walsall Council

“ We are proud to provide an inclusive space at The Beacon, where anybody in Walsall can access confidential, non-judgemental support around alcohol use for free. Our team are committed to working with you and maintaining your health and safety throughout treatment.

In the past year, around 830 people in Walsall received support for alcohol use, with many going on to make positive changes and move into recovery. If you are struggling to control your alcohol use or feel you might benefit from our services, please get in touch. We are always happy to help. “

Anne Brunozzi, Service Manager
The Beacon - Change Grow Live

The Beacon will be running a series of sessions during Alcohol Awareness Week which are open to all. 

• Tuesday 7 July from 11am to 12pm – Coffee and Connection – Alcohol awareness open group at The Beacon for all, as well as clients, past and present to socialise, engage and take part in a quiz and creative activities. A nurse will be present to discuss about alcohol treatment, advice and information available.
• Thursday 9 July – Women’s Coffee and Connection – Alcohol and Me at St Matthew’s Centre, St Matthew’s Close, Walsall, WS1 3DG – a female only group for all, as well as clients, past and present to socialise, engage and take part in a quiz and creative activities. Alcohol advice and information will be available.
• Friday 10 July – SMART Recovery from 1pm to 2:30pm at The Glebe Centre. SMART Recovery helps people decide whether they have a problem, builds up their motivation to change and offers a set of proven tools and techniques to support recovery.

If you or anyone you know needs support; The Beacon provides free and confidential support for individuals and families experiencing alcohol and drug use issues. Residents can refer themselves, or professionals can refer clients to the service online via the Change Grow Live website. For more information, please contact thebeacon.walsall@cgl.org.uk or call 01922 669840. 

People who are experiencing homelessness or sleeping rough can access support through the YMCA The Glebe Centre.

• The latest data on alcohol can be found on the Fingertips website.