A new service in Croydon helps residents to track how many alcohol units they are drinking and where to get advice and support to cut back if they need it.
DrinkCoach offers free digital tools to encourage self-assessment, monitoring and help to change drinking habits to have a positive effect on residents’ health. It supports the Executive Mayor’s priority to create a cleaner, safer and healthier borough.
Any adult can start the service by taking a two-minute alcohol test to find out how many units they are drinking and if the consumption levels could affect their health. Participants will receive personalised advice and get signposted to support, dependent on the score and risk category.
There are also online coaching sessions to discuss drinking habits and receive expert guidance on how to cut down from alcohol treatment specialists.
Men and women are advised to drink no more than 14 units a week, with a break of two to three days. DrinkCoach offers helpful tips to cut back, like swapping 9% lager for a 4% beer to save 2.5 units and 210 calories. A large glass of wine swapped for a small one, saves 1.6 units – that’s 113 calories.
Residents can also get advice to drink alcohol safely and be healthier from Live Well Croydon.
“We are continuing to offer residents more options to help them to look after their health and wellbeing. Many people enjoy alcohol, and drink responsibly, but too much alcohol can have a negative impact on your physical and mental health.
“The free and confidential DrinkCoach digital service supports people to drink alcohol safely and sensibly, and it offers early intervention to anyone who could be drinking at risky levels.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon