What’s your perspective?

Torbay Council, in collaboration with the NHS, is today launching an initiative to help drinkers across the Bay to consider their perspective on how much alcohol they drink and to take small, positive steps to improve their long term health.

As part of the initiative, residents are being encouraged to visit locations in Brixham, Torquay and Paignton between Tuesday 28 and Thursday 30 August. The locations include Union Street, Torquay (outside Primark); Victoria Street and The Esplande in Paignton; and Brixham Harbour. Here residents will see simple and eye catching 3D floor graphics and drinkers will be asked by staff trained from the NHS to consider their perspective on alcohol.

They will be given the tools (via an information leaflet, a dedicated website for further information and access to local support services) to help them make small changes that could make a big difference to their health.

A recent study, jointly commissioned by Torbay and ten other local authorities, revealed that 1 in 3 adults in the South West are unaware they are drinking too much alcohol and don’t recognise the health risks they are taking.

8 out of 10 ‘at risk drinkers’ underestimate their drinking and see themselves as moderate or light drinkers. Participants in the study were also shocked to understand the clear link between even low level, regular alcohol consumption and seven different types of cancer.

Executive Lead for Health and Wellbeing at Torbay Council, Councillor Jackie Stockman, 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.”

Kate Knight, Director of Public Health Action, part of NHS South Central & West 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.”

By visiting www.torbay-whatsyourperspective.nhs.uk people can find information on simple and achievable changes to help reduce their alcohol intake and find local support services.

For more information contact:  Joy Holt | Programme Lead, Behaviour Change, Public Health Action (part of SCW), 2 Rivergate, Bristol, BS1 6EH 

Tel: 07901 715 679 | Email: joyholt@nhs.net  | www.scwcsu.nhs.uk