“Drink responsibly” is the message being highlighted during Alcohol Awareness Week from November 14 to 20.

The campaign, being supported by the Safer North Hampshire * Community Safety Partnership, is stressing the health risks associated with alcohol to encourage people to drink less.

The recommended alcohol limit is now the same for both men and women–not to drink more than 14 units a week, spread out evenly over three or more days – following an
update by the Government Chief Medical Officer in January 2016.

An Alcohol Harm Map reveals that across Hampshire 20 per cent of individuals are drinking at a level that increases the risk of damaging their health.

Alcohol is a causal factor in more than 60 medical conditions, including mouth, throat, stomach, liver and breast cancers; high blood pressure, cirrhosis of the liver and depression. It is also one of the three biggest lifestyle risk factors for disease and death in the UK, following smoking and obesity.

Cllr John Kennett, chair of the Safer North Hampshire Partnership, said: “We encourage all residents across the area to enjoy alcohol responsibly. This is important – not just in Alcohol Awareness Week, but all year round, and especially in the weeks preceding Christmas. If you are concerned about your drinking, or about a family member or friend, you can find advice and information at www.alcoholconcern.org.uk.”