Figures Reveal Scale of Alcohol Harm as Liverpool Commits to Action

Figures Reveal Scale of Alcohol Harm as Liverpool Commits to Action

Liverpool City Council is currently engaged in a collaborative effort with partners to combat the detrimental consequences of alcohol abuse, as recent data unveils that alcohol-related issues are the leading cause of death and illness among individuals aged 15 to 49 in Liverpool. This critical information has prompted the council to shine a spotlight on the impact alcohol consumption has on individuals, families, and communities, while also reaffirming its dedication to enhancing health and wellbeing through the implementation of a new Alcohol Strategy.

The prevalence of alcohol in society is undeniable, yet its effects are cause for concern. In the year 2022, more than 4,450 individuals in Liverpool were hospitalized due to alcohol-related conditions, with a tragic loss of 97 lives. These figures surpass the national average significantly. Furthermore, the broader social implications are equally distressing, with the city witnessing over 8,000 alcohol-related crimes in the year 2022/23, along with 594 children’s social care referrals and assessments linked to parental alcohol usage.

To address these pressing issues, Liverpool City Council is spearheading the formulation of a comprehensive new Alcohol Strategy by collaborating with various stakeholders from entities such as the NHS, Merseyside Police, and universities to guide and propel its development. This innovative strategy will concentrate on six key areas, including prevention and early intervention, treatment and recovery, community safety, protection of children and families, regulation through licensing, and advocacy for national measures like mandatory health warnings and minimum unit pricing.

Noteworthy progress has already been made through the examination of local data on alcohol-related harms and collaboration with stakeholders to delineate crucial priorities. A public consultation on the strategy is slated to take place in autumn 2025, leading up to its anticipated launch in January 2026. For individuals concerned about their alcohol consumption or that of someone else, support is readily available through ‘River,’ Liverpool’s drug and alcohol treatment service, offering free and confidential assistance. Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing, and Culture, emphasized the importance of raising awareness, understanding risks, and providing support to foster a healthier, more informed relationship with alcohol within the city. In alignment with this sentiment, Professor Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council, underscored the necessity for immediate action to avert a bleak future scenario of increased major illnesses exacerbated by alcohol misuse. Through the implementation of the new Alcohol Strategy, Liverpool aims to reverse this trend, forging a healthier and more equitable community where the adverse effects of alcohol harm are mitigated, enabling individuals to lead longer and healthier lives supported by their communities

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