Call for action as alcohol misuse rises in RBWM

The use and abuse of alcohol in the Royal Borough is on the rise – spurring the council to ‘call for action’ to tackle the problem.

One in four residents are drinking above the recommended national guidelines, and one in eight are binge-drinking.

A new report published by the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead shines a spotlight on the hidden harms of alcohol. It explores the need for health partners, voluntary sector, and communities to work together to tackle this growing challenge.

Alcohol misuse can cause increases in some cancers, heart and liver diseases and stroke. It also creates wider social issues such as domestic violence – and increased costs to policing and social care.

RBWM’s director of public health, Sara Blackmore, said: “Alcohol harm is often hidden but its ripple effects touch individuals, families, communities, and public services.

“This report is a call to action. By joining forces with our local NHS, voluntary sector, and residents we can focus on prevention to build healthier, fairer health foundations for everyone.

“We can’t control what’s happening nationally, but we can locally so have a real opportunity to make a lasting difference.”

RBWM’s Annual Director of Public Health Report updates residents about local health issues, guides decision-makers, sets out how to improve health and reduce inequalities, and typically focuses on one topic.

It highlights the impact of rising alcohol consumption – and sets out recommendations for how residents can better understand and manage their own drinking behaviour or access support.

The actions in the report include:
• setting up an Alcohol Harm Reduction Stakeholder Group
• strengthening partnerships across health, licensing, social care and voluntary organisations
• co-producing support directly with communities and targeting resources for the greatest long-term effects.

Cabinet member for adult services, heath and housing services, Councillor Catherine del Campo, said:

“The consequences of increased alcohol consumption extend far beyond health, it impacts housing, education, and job opportunities.

“Giving residents the right support at the right time is key to not only improving their wellbeing but also easing pressure on public services as well as strengthening our communities.”

‘Why the Building Blocks of Health Matter: Focus on the harm caused by alcohol’ is available to download at: tinyurl.com/rbwm-alcohol-help