Alcohol Awareness Week this year (Monday 16 – Sunday 22 November), focuses on the relationship between drinking and mental health.
Dr Lisa McNally, Sandwell’s Director of Public Health, said: “Over the last few months we have all been under heightened stress and anxiety due to the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s vital we all take care of our mental health.
“While many people can enjoy alcohol without any problems, there are still risks to our mental and physical health and the best way to keep a healthy, happy relationship with alcohol is to look after our mental health.
“I want to remind everyone that there are plenty of resources and organisations, including the Lower My Drinking app, which can help if we are worried about our drinking or a loved one’s.”
The free app: ‘Lower My Drinking’, is available to anyone who lives or works in Sandwell.
The app provides easy access to information and advice, helps users understand how much they are drinking, highlighting drinking patterns and behaviours to be aware of and provides practical tips to cut down drinking if needed.
The app can be personalised so users can set their own goals, while protecting users privacy.
Those who require more intensive support can refer themselves to Cranstoun, the local alcohol support service, through the app.
The Lower My Drinking website has more information and the app can be downloaded on Google Play or the App Store.
For those who would like more support or more information visit the Healthy Sandwell website or the Cranstoun website.
