Torbay Council, together with the NHS, is launching a new initiative to help drinkers across the Bay consider their perspective on how much alcohol they drink.
The idea behind the initiative is to help people take small, positive steps to improve their long term health.
As part of the initiative residents are being encouraged to head to specific locations in Brixham, Torquay and Paignton between Tuesday 28th and Thursday 30th August.
At the designated locations visitors can expect to see simple yet effective eye-catching 3D floor graphics and drinkers will be asked by staff trained by the NHS to consider their perspective on alcohol.
What’s your perspective?
Whilst attending the event people will be given the tools including an information leaflet, access to a dedicated website and local support from across Torbay Support Services.
It is hoped that this event will help people make small psotivie changes which will make a big difference to their health.
Unhealthy drinking habits
In the South West alone, a recent study has been found that 1 in every 3 adults in the South West are unaware that they are drinking too much alcohol and do not recognise the risks they are taking.
8 out of 10 ‘at risk drinkers’ underestimate their drinking and see themselves as a moderate or light drinkers, how many of us can say that?
Participants of the study were completely shocked to understand that even low level alcohol consumption puts your body at risk of up to seven different types of cancer.
Executive Lead for Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Jackie Stockman at Torbay Council said:
Our Public Health team is committed to supporting the residents of Torbay in leading healthier, longer lives. This initiative is a key part of helping people to think differently about alcohol, and we look forward to engaging people and giving them the tools they need to consider their perspective on alcohol.
The Locations
From the 28th-30th August 2018, residents are encouraged to head to:
- Union Street, Torquay, outside Primark
- Victoria Street & The Esplanade, Paignton
- Brixham Harbour, Brixham
Kate Knight, Director of Public Health Action, part of the NHS South Central & Wet Commissioning Support said:
The results of the study we conducted into alcohol consumption in the South West showed a clear need for action. This simple but powerful initiative will help people consider how much they drink but far from telling anyone off, we want to encourage people just to stop and think about alcohol, and give them the tools they need to make small but positive changes that can improve their long term health.
Further details and to help change your perspective on alcohol can be found on the dedicated website.
