Alcohol

In September 2009, West Cheshire Together established a multi-agency West Cheshire Alcohol Strategy Group to produce an Alcohol Strategy and Action Plan that would focus on real outcomes for the people of West Cheshire.  The new group recognised the fact that whilst alcohol plays an important and positive role in local culture, alcohol related health problems and use of health services has been increasing year on year.  Key facts include:-

• It is estimated that nearly 8,000 people across West Cheshire are dependent on alcohol, whilst just over 64,000 people drink alcohol in sufficient quantities to put their health at risk.
• A third of attendances at Accident & Emergency departments are alcohol related.
• There is a well established link between crime & disorder and alcohol:  across West Cheshire there were 2,199 assaults with injury between April 2008 and March 2009.

It is clear that addressing this issue will require greater co-ordination between our local public services and a clear understanding of how alcohol affects our local community.

Rethinking Drinking: Cheshire West and Chester Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy 2010 - 2013

The strategy aims to reduce the harm caused by alcohol, including harm associated with chronic and acute ill-health, crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour.  Objectives are to:-

• reduce the impact of alcohol on ill-health and life expectancy;
• ensure that those who drink alcohol in West Cheshire do so safely and responsibly;
• reduce alcohol related crime and anti-social behaviour; and
• reduce the harm caused to children and young people by alcohol use.