Somerset Council’s Public Health team have joined forces with Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS) to offer free health checks across the county from 1st – 5th July 2024, as part of Alcohol Awareness Week.
The theme of this year’s campaign is ‘Understanding Alcohol Harm’, exploring how the effects of alcohol can extend far beyond the individual, impacting families, relationships, physical and mental health, and even professional lives.
Throughout the week, the team will be visiting Musgrove Park and Yeovil Hospitals, as well as community settings in Minehead, Chard, Street, Frome and Bridgwater. SDAS’s dedicated team of Nurses, Health Care Assistants and Harm Reduction Key Workers will be offering health checks, along with valuable advice on reducing alcohol harm.
Additionally, Peer Mentors, who are past SDAS clients with lived experience and now in recovery, will be there to share their own recovery journeys and talk about how SDAS can offer support.
SDAS’s Peer Mentor Judith said:
I grew up in a loving family where drinking was the norm—to celebrate or commiserate. My dependency quickly spiralled out of control after the loss of my husband, bringing severe consequences to my health and fear for my family.
Judith continued: “I understand the feelings of shame and guilt, but I also know the importance of moving forward. When we stop stigmatising people struggling with alcohol addiction, they can admit their challenges without fear of judgment. With support like that from SDAS, they can start to take responsibility for their lives, learn from their past and grow. The shame and guilt will fade, replaced with a new confidence and self-respect.”
There are a range of support services available in Somerset for those struggling with their substance use, whether alcohol or drug related. Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS), delivered by the leading social enterprise Turning Point and commissioned by Somerset Council, provides free and confidential support for people looking to change their relationship with alcohol and other substances.
Professor Trudi Grant, Executive Director of Public and Population Health, joint appointment between Somerset Council and NHS Somerset said:
Alcohol Awareness Week is always an opportunity to reflect on your drinking habits and the impact it may have on your health and your family. There is fantastic non-judgemental support available in Somerset that is just a phone call or a click away.”
For further updates from SDAS, please sign up to receive ‘Your Health’ the new monthly e-newsletter: www.turning-point.co.uk/services/somerset/newsletter
For access to support or advice call 0300 303 8788 (24/7 phone line), visit http://www.turning-point.co.uk/services/sdas.
| Monday 1st July | Musgrove Hospital
9.00 to 17.00 (Further dates tbc) |
Yeovil Hospital
9.00 to 17.00 (Further dates tbc) |
| Tuesday 2nd July | The Hope Centre, Minehead, TA24 8BS 10.00 – 13.00 |
Chard Community Hub, TA20 1QA 12.00 – 16.00 |
| Wednesday 3rd July | Westfield Church, Bridgwater 9.30 – 11.30 |
The Gateway, Yeovil Community Church, BA20 1QN 10.00 – 16.00 |
| Thursday 4th July | Turning Point, 1st Floor, Touts Pharmacy, 82 High Street, Street, BA16 0EN |
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| Friday 5th July | Taunton Open Door, 1A Mount Street, TA1 3QB 9.30 – 13.00 |
Routes, 1A Palmer Street, Frome, BA11 1DS. 9.30 – 13.00 |
