Reducing alcohol-related harms is one of our top priorities and we're committed to creating a healthier, safer, and more prosperous community.
Alcohol misuse and dependency can have serious consequences, affecting individuals, families, and society as a whole.
It's also a known risk factor for various health problems, including mental and physical health issues, liver disease, heart problems, and certain cancers. Excessive drinking can also lead to emergencies like alcohol poisoning and injuries from accidents or violence.
Healthcare systems often struggle with the demand to treat alcohol-related conditions. By preventing these issues and intervening early, we can ease the burden on local healthcare providers and free up resources for other important needs. This not only saves money but also improves the quality of care for everyone in our communities.
Know your units
The current UK guidelines advise limiting alcohol intake to 14 units a week for women and men. This is equivalent to drinking no more than six pints of average-strength beer (4% ABV) or seven medium-sized glasses of wine (175ml, 12% ABV) a week.
You can learn more about units on the Alcohol Change website and use their helpful unit calculator.
Advice and support
There's lot's of support in Barnsley to help you reduce your alcohol consumption.
Barnsley Recovery Steps is our commissioned service which offers free and confidential support to people of all ages looking to change their relationship with alcohol or drugs. You can call them on 01226 779066, email brs.referrals@waythrough.org.uk or complete the Barnsley Recovery Steps referral form.
DrinkCoach
DrinkCoach is an online alcohol intervention tool designed to help people who want to cut down their alcohol intake by allowing them to identify how risky their drinking is, access personalised advice online and find local support in Barnsley.
DrinkCoach offers you multiple options, allowing you to access support in a way that you choose:
- Mobile app: The DrinkCoach app is free and allows you to track your drinking and identify where you could make changes. Download the DrinkCoach app.
- Alcohol test: A quick and confidential online test offers you advice about your drinking and information on local support. The DrinkCoach Alcohol Test is now available in Barnsley.
- Coaching service: After completing the alcohol test see if you qualify for free online coaching. If eligible, you could be offered up to six free sessions of virtual face-to-face support from a coach. Sessions are confidential and will work around you. There are daytime, evening and weekend appointments available.
Support groups
There are other support groups available, where you can share your experiences, and seek advice and support with your alcohol consumption.
- Alcoholics Anonymous (including Polish-speaking)
Telephone: 0800 917 7650
Email: help@aamail.org - Smart Recovery
Telephone: 0330 053 6022 - Narcotics Anonymous
Telephone: 0300 9099 1212
You can also find advice and support on the NHS website.
Don't let alcohol consume you
Many people often don’t see their alcohol consumption as a problem, but even a small amount of alcohol can be harmful and lead to serious health issues and addiction. Our alcohol campaign aims to raise awareness about the hidden risks of alcohol misuse and encourage conversations about the topic, also challenging the stigma around who are problematic drinkers.
As part of the campaign, we’ve spoken with three residents who have shared their personal experiences with alcohol and they’ve told us how they managed to overcome the challenges. You can listen to their stories below.