Alcohol Awareness Week this year is all about “alcohol and me”. Alcohol is often made to feel central to everyday moments – from birthdays and barbeques to celebrations with friends – and this year’s campaign invites everyone to pause and reflect on the role alcohol is playing in their lives.
The campaign running all next week (6 to 12 July), supported by Public Health Devon, aims to normalise keeping an eye on our drinking in the same way we monitor other aspects of our health and wellbeing, like checking our blood pressure or getting an eye test.
People are encouraged to try the free and confidential DrinkCoach Alcohol Test, to better understand their drinking patterns, alcohol risk level and what steps they may take next. If a bit of extra support would help, residents in the Devon County Council area can access up to six free online coaching sessions with an experienced Coach (a real person to chat to).
The campaign shines a light on the world around us and how it shapes our drinking habits. From sport, music and television to supermarkets, social occasions and sunny weekends, alcohol is often placed centre stage in the moments we love, which can often make us feel we are expected to drink. Alcohol Awareness Week invites honest, open and judgement-free conversations about these pressures, reflecting on the benefits many people experience when they cut back or rethink their relationship with alcohol.
Steve Brown, Director of Public Health and Communities, said:
“Alcohol is often presented as the backdrop for celebrations, socialising or relaxing after a stressful day, which makes it difficult to step back and ask ourselves what role does alcohol really play in our life – and are we happy about that? We want to create space for more conversations about alcohol and encourage people to take a few minutes to check in with their drinking. For some people that might mean finding out more about their relationship with alcohol, cutting back a little, or getting some more support.”
It’s easy to take part in Alcohol Awareness Week:
• Take the two minute DrinkCoach Alcohol test to see if your drinking could benefit from a reset
• Have a look at the DrinkCoach App and website – it helps people track drinking habits, set goals and reminders
• If you’d like extra support, Devon County Council area residents can book up to six free online coaching sessions with an experienced DrinkCoach
• Share your experiences, events and activities on social media using the hashtag #AlcoholAwarenessWeek
• Find out what other support is available on our Public Health website.