South West

The Challenge

Alcohol is enjoyed by many people. It makes a positive contribution to social and cultural activities and occasions and plays an important role in the economy of the South West.

However a growing number of people in the region are regularly drinking above the recommended daily alcohol limits of 2-3 units for women and 3-4 units for men. This increases the risk of developing a number of serious health problems including high blood pressure, liver disease and a number of types of cancer.

Every year more people are being admitted to hospital as a result of their alcohol use and latest figures show that over 85,000 adults were admitted to hospitals across the South West during 2007/08. A worrying number of young people are also ending up in hospital as result of alcohol related accidents, injuries and illnesses.

Alcohol also contributes to levels of crime, road injuries and deaths and violence in communities across the region.

The South West Alcohol Improvement Programme

The South West Alcohol Improvement Team is funded by the Department of Health and has been set up to support action to reduce health harms and hospital admissions relating to alcohol. The team works with Primary Care Trusts and a range of other stakeholders to:

• Promote partnership action and leadership in tackling alcohol related harm
• Improve awareness and understanding of the potential risks of alcohol and encourage people to drink within recommended limits
• Improve the availability and quality of alcohol treatment services for people who need them
• Encourage innovation and sharing of evidence and good practice
• Provide learning and workforce development opportunities to a range of professionals involved in reducing alcohol related harm
• Influence relevant national policies and guidance

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