News

Work-based alcohol support scheme launched

A PROGRAMME designed to support people and their families across Northern Ireland to reduce the harmful impact of alcohol - Drink, Work & Me - is under way. Funded through the Big Lottery and delivered by means of a partnership between Addiction NI, Business in the Community, Fasa and the Social Research Centre, Drink, Work & Me is a workplace-based initiative which has been designed to look at the role alcohol plays in our lives, how it can be enjoyed responsibly and to provide information and support on alcohol related issues. "Alcohol is the world's most widely used non-medical drug and many people use it to celebrate, socialise and relax. Unfortunately, many also experience its harmful effects - sometimes physical, but in more instances the effects are seen in relationships, finances or employment," Addiction NI director, Thelma Abernethy said. "With the right information and support, the negative impacts of alcohol can be reduced or avoided. Using the workplace as a setting to provide individuals with the right information is a great way to support people to better understand their alcohol use - thus, improving the lives of people and their families. "In Northern Ireland we have a higher number of individuals who exceed their recommended daily alcohol limit and, startlingly, alcohol-related deaths are higher than in the United Kingdom." Among the first businesses to sign up are Asda, Converygs, Michelin and Triangle Housing Association. The scheme is working in partnership with these businesses to create a supportive work environment where the impact of alcohol is openly discussed, recognised and where employees and their families feel confident about accessing information and support.