Charities provide support through Alcohol Awareness Week events
An east Kent charity is running a series of event during Alcohol Awareness week to offer advice for those with an alcohol problem.
Forward East Kent’s drug and alcohol service are holding regular coffee mornings to help people on the road to recovery and to come to terms with how much alcohol they consume. As well as, local charity ‘Addaction’ who will be raising awareness through online blogs and talks.
Communications manager, Amy Williams, said: “People can come and talk in confidence to a member of the team about any concerns they have about the amounts of alcohol they drink.’’
Alcohol Awareness week runs between the 19th-23th November and events are taking place all over Kent. These include: Ashford, Canterbury, Dover and Folkestone, Swale and Thanet.
‘Addaction’ is one of the UK’s leading mental health, drug and alcohol charities. In 2017 they supported 140,000 people. Last year they engaged 27,084 for structured treatment with drugs and alcohol problem.
Alcohol Awareness week is an effective way of raising awareness for anyone that suffers. Emma, aged 38, advised people: “Don’t drink on your own and if you’re lonely talk to someone, there’s always someone to listen at Addaction. Taking that first step is very scary, but once it’s done it’s done and you’ll unlock support, help and encouragement.”
Any front-line worker will tell you that alcohol problems are almost never just about alcohol. There are often multiple issues, and the root cause is frequently pain and trauma.
Our @steve_moffatt10 explores some of these issues. https://t.co/znojnpFbyP pic.twitter.com/rBteSWEtom
— With You (@WeAreWithYou) November 20, 2018
Manager, Agnes Aynsley, described how they help individuals with alcohol abuse.
She said: “Young Addaction supports young people aged 10-24 who are misusing substances. They will be offered one to one support which is non-judgemental, confidential and based on the young person’s needs and goals.”
Addaction are raising awareness through online blogs and they will be holding a conference on Thursday. Ms Aynsley described the talk by saying: ‘”This will focus on increasing access to alcohol treatment and support for older adults.’’
Jane Simons, Director of Nursing, wrote an article on how to start a conversation with someone with an alcohol problem: “It’s not about getting it exactly right, and you shouldn’t worry too much about saying the wrong thing. Let your loved one know you care, that you’re worried, and you’re there to help.”
Public Policy manager, Steve Moffat wrote a piece on the ripple effects of alcohol. These blogs have been read by over 1,200 people.
Call Addaction on 01934 427940 or visit www.addaction.org.uk