Birmingham Community Safety Partnership and Birmingham Health and Wellbeing Partnership will be taking the lead in rolling out a number of events to raise awareness of the long and short-term impact of alcohol misuse on people's lives and the lives of their families and friends.
A series of alcohol awareness days will be taking place across the city during the week (see programme below) which will enable people to talk to professionals and get safe and sensible advice about their own alcohol consumption, or that of someone they care about.
Free liver tests will also be offered to anyone who is concerned about their health, along with the opportunity to discuss the results with a clinical practitioner. Counselling staff from locally based alcohol support services will also be in attendance at each of the events.
Hugh Tibbits, Birmingham’s Alcohol Co-ordinator said, ‘This is a great opportunity to showcase some of the excellent work being carried out across Birmingham. The city now has a dedicated alcohol strategy and our partners are signed up and committed to reducing the harms associated with alcohol misuse. I would encourage anyone who is concerned about their own, or someone else’s alcohol consumption to visit one of the events. We recognise that people may be reluctant to visit services, which is why we are taking this opportunity to bring our services out into local communities”.
'Cath Gilliver, Chief Executive of SIFA Fireside (a Birmingham-based charity) said, 'By the time people get to us, they may have lost their homes, their relationships or their health through alcohol misuse. We work alongside them to turn that around, but alcohol awareness is vital, not just this week but every week, to ensure that this damage isn't done
in the first place.'
Kerrang radio’s breakfast show presenter, Kate Lawler, is also showing her support for the campaign. Kate will have a liver test carried out and receive her results live on air during the breakfast show programme from 7.00am – 10.00am on Tuesday 8th April. Tune into to hear the results on 105.2FM.
Monday 7 April - Soho Road Health Centre in Handsworth. Tests taken between 8.30 - 10.00am with results available after 1pm
Wednesday 9 April - Warren Farm Circle car park, 108 Warren Farm Road, Kingstanding. Tests taken between 8.30 - 10.00am with results available after 3pm
Friday 11th April - One Stop Shopping Centre, Perry Barr. Tests taken between 8.30 - 10.00am with results available after 1pm
Monday 14th April - Victoria Square (outside the Council House). Tests taken between 12.00 - 2.00pm with results available after 4pm