Rotherham Council has partnered with DrinkCoach to help residents to get tailored alcohol advice and support on their phone, tablet or laptop.
Rotherham residents will be able to access free online coaching sessions which will connect them with a DrinkCoach via video call. Sessions are confidential and convenient with daytime, evening and weekend appointments available.
DrinkCoach, an online commissioned service, allows people to assess how risky their drinking is and receive personalised advice online. The website also helps residents access local advice and support options.
In Rotherham, an estimated 31.1% of residents drink above the recommended guidelines on 14 units of alcohol per week. (1) Latest estimates, based on 2018/19 data, indicate that 1.75% of Rotherham adults are living with an alcohol dependency.
By using the DrinkCoach service, the Council is intending this be a more accessible way of getting support. Public Health England (now Office for Health Improvement and Disparities) estimates that for every increasing and higher risk drinker that receives brief advice there is a £27 cost saving to the health and social care economy. (2)
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, Cllr David Roche, said: “Alcohol dependency can have devastating effects on people’s lives, affecting their health, their jobs, and their financial situation. However, there is support available – whatever your background or dependency level, you can get tailored and compassionate advice and support through DrinkCoach. Please, take the DrinkCoach online test to see how you track and change your drinking habits, and access the support that is right for you.”
The DrinkCoach Alcohol Test is a quick and confidential way for residents to find out how risky their drinking is. By answering 10 simple questions, the test taker receives advice and, where appropriate, information on local face-to-face support options.
Residents can Take the 2-minute Alcohol Test online at https://drinkcoach.org.uk/alcohol-test or search drinkcoach on Google.
While many people enjoy alcohol responsibly, it can also have a negative impact. The Department of Health estimate that 83% of people drinking above the recommended guidelines do not know they are putting their health at risk. (3)
To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level the Chief Medical Officer advises it is safest not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis. For people regularly drinking as much as 14 units per week, it's best to spread drinking evenly over three or more days.
DrinkCoach is delivered by Humankind Charity and offers the tools you need to track and change your drinking, including a free app available on iOS and Android.
Further information about DrinkCoach can be found online at https://drinkcoach.org.uk/.
Notes:
(1) Data from weighted estimate from the Health Survey for England (2015-2018 combined, via LAPE, PHE). Compared to England average of 22.8%.
(2) Public Health England (2016). Local Health and Care Planning: Menu of preventative interventions, p.13. Full article available: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-health-and-care-planning-menu-of-preventative-interventions