South West residents urged to rethink their relationship with alcohol during awareness week
Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
Communities across the South West are being encouraged to take a fresh look at their relationship with alcohol as a national campaign highlights the everyday role drinking can play in people’s lives.
Alcohol Awareness Week 2026, running from 6th to 12th July, is inviting people to reflect on the theme “Alcohol and me” - encouraging honest conversations about drinking habits, the pressures people face and the support available.
Supported by public health teams across the region, including Public Health Devon and Somerset Council’s Public Health team, the campaign aims to remind residents that checking in with their alcohol intake is just as much a part of looking after their health as monitoring other aspects of wellbeing.
For many people, alcohol is closely linked with everyday experiences - from birthdays and barbecues to socialising with friends, watching sport or unwinding after a busy day. But campaign organisers say these connections can sometimes make it difficult to step back and consider whether drinking habits are having an impact.
The message behind Alcohol Awareness Week is not about judgement, but about awareness, choice and making sure people know where they can find help if they need it.
Nationally, around 10 million people regularly drink alcohol in ways that could harm their health and wellbeing.
Excessive drinking can contribute to a range of issues, including poor sleep, anxiety, low mood and longer-term health conditions such as heart disease, liver disease and some cancers.
Health professionals recommend that adults follow lower-risk drinking guidance, with men and women advised not to regularly drink more than 14 units a week, spread across three or more days.
Across Devon, residents are being encouraged to use the free and confidential DrinkCoach Alcohol Test to better understand their drinking patterns and consider whether making changes could benefit their health.
The online tool allows people to reflect on their alcohol use, identify potential risks and explore possible next steps. Those who feel they would benefit from further support can access up to six free online coaching sessions with an experienced DrinkCoach.
Steve Brown, Director of Public Health and Communities, said: “Alcohol is often presented as the backdrop for celebrations, socialising or relaxing after a stressful day, which makes it difficult to step back and ask ourselves what role does alcohol really play in our life – and are we happy about that?
“We want to create space for more conversations about alcohol and encourage people to take a few minutes to check in with their drinking. For some people that might mean finding out more about their relationship with alcohol, cutting back a little, or getting some more support.”
In Somerset, the campaign is also being supported by Somerset Council and Somerset Drug & Alcohol Service (SDAS), with teams offering free, confidential advice and support to residents who may have concerns about their drinking.
Councillor Evie Potts-Jones, Somerset Council’s lead for SEND, Public Health and Qualities & Diversity, said: “Alcohol can play different roles in people’s lives, but understanding its impacts is essential.
“Alcohol Awareness Week is a chance to reflect on our drinking habits, support those who may be struggling and ensure people know where to find help if they need it.”
Joy Gamlin, Senior Operations Manager at SDAS, said alcohol can often be overlooked because it is so widely accepted in everyday life.
“When people think about substance use, they maybe don’t think about alcohol as it is so normalised; however, we are regularly approached by people who are seeking support for drinking and they come from all walks of life, it’s indiscriminate.
“In Somerset, we’re committed to supporting people to make healthier choices. Whether it’s a conversation with a colleague, a visit to an information stand, or reaching out to SDAS for advice, we want local people to know help is available and judgement-free.”
The campaign encourages people across the South West to take small steps that could make a positive difference - whether that means tracking drinking habits, cutting back, speaking to someone about concerns or simply finding out more.
Residents in Devon can access DrinkCoach resources and support options, while people living in Somerset can contact SDAS for free and confidential advice.
Communities are also being encouraged to share their experiences and activities throughout the week using #AlcoholAwarenessWeek.
( Photo: Unsplash 📸 )