Be alcohol aware this Christmas
15/11/2013
With the Christmas party season just around the corner, safe drinking limits will be the focus of a campaign being launched next week.
As Alcohol Awareness Week gets underway from Monday 18 November, Hull City Council, the NHS CCG and the Community Safety Partnership have joined forces to raise awareness about how reducing alcohol intake can give positive health benefits.
Running alongside this, a new web campaign will go live from Monday 18 November 'Drink Less 2014'. The website www.drinkless2014.co.uk, will give people lots of great information and advice about alcohol and how reducing your intake can see your overall health improve.
Drink Less 2014 is largely aimed at people who enjoy drinking socially and encourages them to think and talk about their drinking habits, and to discuss any risks associated with alcohol.
People can also get face-to-face support on things such as how many units are in alcoholic drinks, and NHS recommended safe weekly limits from alcohol service officers at two events in the city centre next week:
Tuesday 19 November, 10am-3pm, Prospect Centre
Friday 22 November, 10am-3pm, Princes Quay Shopping Centre
Vicky Harris, Strategic Substance Misuse Manager at Hull City Council, said: "We want people to enjoy themselves and drink responsibly, but to also understand that if you are drinking more than the recommended NHS guidelines, by making some small changes and drinking less, you could bring could bring about positive changes to your health and wellbeing."
Councillor John Hewitt, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Communities, added:
"Drink Less 2014 and our alcohol awareness events next week are two great campaigns for people to get advice about safe drinking limits. This isn't about us lecturing people what their drinking habits, particularly in the run-up to Christmas. It's more about us being there to support and advice about the recommended amounts and how making small changes can give longer-term health benefits and keep them safe."
Patrick Mateer, Substance Misuse Development Worker, commented:
"If you are currently drinking over the recommended drinking guidelines, simply cutting down on your alcohol intake may help with better health, weight loss, increased energy and save you money too."
Some of the changes people could make to drink moderately and stay safe include:
Go for smaller sized drinks
Drink lower strength alcohol.
Alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks and drink plenty of water to rehydrate.
For more information about safe drinking levels, visit the campaign's information stands on Tuesday 19 November, 10am-3pm, Prospect Centre or Friday 22 November, 10am-3pm, Princes Quay Shopping Centre. Alternatively visit www.drinkless2014.co.uk from Monday 18 November, or call Action for Change on 01482 321 594.
