Relationships in the spotlight during Alcohol Awareness Week

People are encouraged to talk about their drinking and relationships during Alcohol Awareness Week.

The week runs from 15 to 21 November and is co-ordinated by the charity Alcohol Change UK, with the aim of getting people to think about the role that alcohol plays in their life.

Most people know the risks that alcohol can pose to their health, but alcohol can also affect relationships in many ways and have a negative impact on us and on those we love.

If you are concerned or feel that alcohol is affecting your relationships or emotional wellbeing, there is a lot of support available locally.

Alcohol Awareness Week provides an opportunity to talk and listen, and consider making some changes for a healthier and happier life.

There is a range of events for people to join online or face to face, and hear the inspirational stories of people who have struggled with alcohol and made a change for the better.

During the week:

• Have a chat with Bury’s Health Trainer from the Live Well Service, along with children, young people and families partner Early Break who will be on hand at Bury Leisure Centre during the week offering friendly advice, support and information.
• Tuesday 16 November at 2pm – Achieve, the local service for people seeking support with drugs or alcohol use, will host their regular online Kaleidoscope group with a focus on alcohol awareness. You can join on the day by clicking here
• Wednesday 17 November from 10am until 2pm - Drinkaware in conjunction with partners are hosting an awareness stand with lots of information, resources and giveaways in the Mill Gate centre, Bury.
• Friday 19 November at 11am - Achieve have also organised an online drop-in session with a focus on alcohol awareness, support and carers. You can join on the day by clicking here
• Also on Friday 19 November, at 2pm - local community group Collaborate Out Loud, as part of their #BonnetToppers campaign, will be hosting a virtual drop-in session to find out about and get involved in the campaign which aims to raise awareness of the risks of drinking during pregnancy. Book your place by clicking here
• The Collaborate Out Loud team will also be visiting community groups and businesses across Bury during the week to raise awareness about the risks of drinking during pregnancy and leaving their Bonnet Toppers as a little reminder about the campaign and for people to pick up and keep. You can also access the community pack and start to get involved in the #BonnetToppers campaign by clicking here

Billy Durkin, senior health trainer taking a lead on alcohol support for Bury’s Live Well Service, said: “Alcohol Awareness Week is an opportunity to take a fresh look at our relationship with alcohol, and in turn how alcohol is impacting on our relationships.

“Most people know about the impact of drinking too much too often on our health; but, as well as causing serious health problems, long-term alcohol use can lead to social problems including on our relationships.”

Councillor Andrea Simpson, Bury Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “If you feel you are relying on alcohol more than you should, there is lots of confidential support available locally. Getting help and support is key and we hope Alcohol Awareness Week will break down any barriers to enable us to have those conversations and check in on our own relationship with alcohol.”