The alcohol, drug and mental health charity ‘With You’ recently commissioned a poll that found one in two adults aged over 50 are drinking at a level that could cause them health problems now, or in the future. The poll also found more than four million adults aged over 50s are binge drinking at least once a week during lockdown. In this population factors such as retirement, bereavement, isolation and loss of sense of purpose can lead to increased alcohol use and this may be exacerbated by the pandemic.
In response, ‘With You’ has launched an over 50s Alcohol Helpline providing support and advice to individuals aged over 50 worried about their drinking and their concerned others. This will be available seven days a week: Monday to Friday from 12:00 – 20:00 and weekends from 10:00 to 16:00.
The number is 0808 801 0750. The helpline is supported by the National Lottery Community Fund.