Alcohol Awareness Week 2012 kicks off with 'time to talk about drinking' theme

The week of 19-25 November has been designated Alcohol Awareness Week (AAW) 2012 by Alcohol Concern.

The theme of "It’s time to talk about drinking" is intended to stimulate discussion and local activity to promote understanding of the risks and problems associated with alcohol misuse. 

A Twitter hashtag of #alcoholaware2012 has been picking up and a set of conversation starter cards and a poster are available to download. Alcohol Concern have also been promoting 'Dry January', an initiative challenging social drinkers to stay booze free for the month - see press release.

AAW is also prompting further debate around minimum unit pricing (MUP) called on by many health groups as an important step to help reduce alcohol misuse - see recent Telegraph report. The Government will shortly consult on a MUP following a pledge in the national alcohol strategy.

Regional and local activity

Many areas will be carrying out activity as part of the week, just a few highlighted below.

DrinkWise North West have produced a YouTube video 'I've paid the price for alcohol' to raise awareness of alcohol misuse and its impacts in the North West.

A series of events and activities will be taking place in Haringey led by HAGA, including a local service user activity fundraiser, awareness raising stalls and more as outlined in the press release.

In Southwark, activity will be focusing on increasing awareness of alcohol and older people. At the Yalding Day Centre, London Fire Brigade will host discussion around safety at home while drinking, supported by local health checks and care. In neighbouring Lambeth, three public events will offer interactive activities, information and IBA.

In Nottinghamshire, a special screening of The Lost Weekend, the 1945 Academy Award winning film which follows the life of a dependent drinker, will be shown at The Broadway Cinema on Monday 19 November, 5.30pm. An expert led panel discussion will follow. Contact for more info.

If you have any any Alcohol Awareness Week activity you would like us to highlight this week please drop us a short summary.