People in Somerset are challenged to ditch the booze and ‘Try Dry’ this January  

People in Somerset are challenged to ditch the booze and ‘Try Dry’ this January  

Just thirty-one days without alcohol can positively impact on health – improving sleep, boosting energy, reducing anxiety, and saving money, to name just a few of the benefits.
That’s why this year, Somerset County Council is encouraging residents and employees to sign up to Dry January and discover the many benefits of going alcohol-free, including the financial, physical, and medical benefits this can bring.

Drinking alcohol is linked to more than 60 health conditions, including liver disease, high blood pressure, depression, and seven types of cancer. Every day in the UK, 20 people die as a result of their drinking. Alcohol misuse is the biggest risk factor for death, ill-health and disability among 15-49 year-olds in the UK, and the fifth biggest risk factor across all ages.

Annually, it is estimated that alcohol costs the NHS £3.5 billion in England alone. People can download an app to track their units, money and calories saved, plus many more features. Or they can sign up for regular support emails with tips and tricks from experts and others taking part.

Cllr Adam Dance, Executive Lead Member for Public Health, Equalities and Diversity said: “Dry January is a really good opportunity for many people to give their body a chance to recover and feel healthier after the festive period. “It is far too easy for regular drinking to creep up and turn in to a daily habit, and taking some time out can have a really positive impact on our health and wellbeing. Drinking less has many benefits including improved sleep, better skin and weight loss all while saving money. “I would encourage everyone to join me in giving Dry January a go, perhaps with family or friends for support, so they can experience these benefits first hand and consider reducing the amount of alcohol they drink in the future.”

With many families put under tremendous strain during Covid-19 and the ongoing challenges with the cost of living crisis, many people have turned to increased drinking. However, as well as the short term benefits, research shows that Dry January can help people to drink more healthily year-round. If you drink very heavily or regularly Dry January may not be for you, so check with your GP or local alcohol service before you start. Where an individual is experiencing physical symptoms when they stop drinking (which may include but are not limited to: shakes, sweating, restlessness, insomnia, nausea, stomach cramps or hallucinations) they should seek medical help urgently. The Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS) delivered by the charity Turning Point, provides free and confidential support for people wanting to make changes to their relationship with alcohol. For support speak to your GP, call SDAS 0300 303 8788 or visit www.turning-point.co.uk/sdas.

Other News

Armistice Day

The Armistice was an agreement to end the fighting of the First World War as a prelude to peace negotiations and began on the 11th November 1918 at 11am. On Monday 11th November 2024 at

Categories

Categories

Archives

Archives

Newsletter

Have our newsletter delivered direct to your inbox.

Be the first to hear our latest news.

Burnham-on-Sea & Highbridge Council Logo

Thank You

Please check your inbox for any email verifications to ensure you complete the signup process.

Records Retention Schedule

Financial Risk Management Policy - March 2023

Grant Application Kings Coronation Form

The Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III will take place on Saturday 6th May 2023, with an additional bank holiday on Monday 8th May 2023.

We are keen to hear from groups/organisations in Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge that are looking to celebrate the Coronation. The Town Council has £1500 available to allocate to events being organised to celebrate the Kings Coronation. The maximum grant to be allocated per event will be £500.

You must meet the following criteria for your application to be considered:

– The event will be open to all members of the public

– The event will be free of charge

– The event will take place within the Coronation weekend

– The event will take place within Burnham on Sea or Highbridge

 

Applications will close on Monday 6th March at midday. 

Your organisation and contact details

What happens next....
Applications will be considered at the Finance and Resources Committee Meeting on Monday 13th March 2023. You will be notified after this date whether your application has been successful.
Burnham & Highbridge Town Council takes your privacy seriously and will only use your personal information for the purposes of contacting you about this grant. The Council’s privacy notice can be found here.

We use cookies to help make this site better. Read more about our cookie policy.

Skip to content