January is a time for fresh starts, and for many people in Wirral, it’s been an opportunity to rethink their relationship with alcohol. Dry January, run by Alcohol Change UK, encourages people to take a break from drinking for 31 days. Since its launch in 2013, the campaign has grown rapidly, with over 175,000 people signing up in 2023.
As the month ends, services in Wirral are celebrating the positive changes made by participants and encouraging everyone to keep building on their success.
A Wirral-wide effort
Throughout January, Wirral Public Health, Wirral Ways – Wirral’s Drug and Alcohol Service, and local GP practices have been working together to share the benefits of reducing alcohol intake. Events and information sessions across the area have highlighted how small steps can lead to big improvements in health and wellbeing.
The work is especially important in Wirral, where the impact of alcohol on health remains a concern. Figures from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities show there were 430 hospital admissions for liver disease in Wirral in 2022 – that’s 127 for every 100,000 people. Tragically, alcohol-related deaths rose to 77 in 2023, up from 62 the year before – this is almost a 20% rise within 12 months.
Julian Eyre, Chair of the Wirral Alcohol Inequalities Support Group said, ‘I am proud of the work that our partners across Wirral are doing to support healthier relationships with alcohol, however we still have more work to do. Our plans for 2025 include promoting healthy approaches and alternatives to alcohol at the earliest opportunities, including schools, and building stronger linkages between services such as hospitals and mental health services’.
Why cutting back makes a difference
Even small reductions in alcohol can have big rewards. Cutting back improves sleep, boosts energy, clears your mind, and even helps your wallet. Over the long term, the benefits are even greater – better mood, improved memory, lower blood pressure, and reduced risks of serious conditions like stroke, cancer, and liver disease.
And with more alcohol free options available, including a growing range of mocktails and alcohol free drinks, there are plenty of ways to enjoy social occasions without the alcohol.
Keeping the momentum going
Dry January might be coming to an end, but the positive changes that have been made don’t have to stop there. If alcohol is a concern for you, Wirral Ways is here to help. The service provides free, non-judgmental support for anyone looking to build a healthier relationship with alcohol. For young people under 18, Response, Wirral’s under-18 drug and alcohol service, offers tailored support.
Digital tools like the Lower My Drinking app are also available, giving practical tips and personalised advice to help you stay on track. The app is designed to help you stay within the recommended 14 units of alcohol per week. It supports you to understand your drinking habits and set achievable goals, putting you in control of your progress.
The app is designed to help you stay within the recommended 14 units of alcohol per week. It supports you to understand your drinking habits and set achievable goals, putting you in control of your progress.
Dr Paul Richardson, Cheshire & Merseyside’s Clinical Lead for Alcohol Harm, Associate Clinical Professor of Hepatology, and Consultant Hepatologist at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said that, “The Lower My Drinking campaign and app are incredibly useful resources for those in Cheshire and Merseyside who would like some support in managing their drinking habits.
“There are many benefits to this, including the positive impact that drinking less has on both physical health and mental wellbeing. There are also significant benefits for the system, given the high costs of alcohol harm to the NHS, wider public services, and society.”
Getting the right support
If you’re thinking about cutting down or stopping drinking, help is always available. Speak to your GP for medical advice or get in touch with local services like Wirral Ways or Response for more specialised support.
For those whose alcohol intake is higher than the recommended 14 units per week, it’s important to seek medical help before making any changes. Suddenly stopping can be dangerous and may cause withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, sweating, or even seizures. If this sounds familiar, speak to a professional who can help you make the changes safely.
Looking forward
Dry January shows us that even small changes can make a big difference. As February begins, let’s keep this momentum going. Together, we can build healthier habits for a brighter, happier future.
More information about Dry January can be found at: The Dry January® challenge | Alcohol Change UK
More information about the Lower My Drinking App and how to download it can be found at: Home – Lower My Drinking
More information about Wirral Ways can be found at: Wirral Ways | Change Grow Live
More information about Response can be found at: Response — zillowirral