Brighton and Hove has the highest level of male alcohol-related hospital admissions in the South East of England.
Estimates suggest that more than 50,000 people in the city are drinking at levels that may risk their health.
About 12,500 of these people are considered to be at high risk with more than 7,500 likely to have an alcohol dependency.
Yet, according to NHS Brighton and Hove, from April last year to March this year just 509 people used free local and confidential treatment services.
NHS Brighton and Hove – the city’s primary care trust – said that men aged 35 and over account for about 45 per cent of all alcohol-related hospital admissions – almost 7,000 a year.
And the average Brighton and Hove man dies just over a year prematurely due to alcohol-related illness.
In response the primary care trust is going to run a year-long campaign called Save Dave, starting on Saturday 21 August.
The trust said: “Everyone knows a ‘Dave’. Everyone knows someone that drinks more than is good for them.
“Our research shows that friends and family are very important to Dave.
“This is one of the main reasons he will seek help with his drinking problem.
“We are asking friends, family, colleagues and professionals who know a ‘Dave’ to encourage him to get help before his life gets out of control.”
The awareness campaign is intended to curb hospital admissions and improve residents’ health and wellbeing.
Dr Tom Scanlon, director of public health for Brighton and Hove, said: “Alcohol is a serious health issue in Brighton and Hove.
“Too many lives are being cut short and it’s not just the person having the drink who is affected.
“There is a real chance to help high-risk drinkers if they can be persuaded to change in time.
“Friends and family can play a very important role in encouraging people to seek help.”
The campaign has its own website at www.savedave.org.uk and a telephone advice line on 01273 680714.
Help is also available through your GP.
One-to-one alcohol advice walk-in sessions will also be available at the following times and places.
- Tuesdays 9.30am to noon at Mile Oak Medical Centre in Chalky Road, Portslade
- Wednesdays 8.30am to 11.30am at St Peter’s Medical Centre, 30-36 Oxford Street, Brighton
- Fridays 4pm to 6pm at Lewes Road Surgery, 188-189 Lewes Road, Brighton
To arrange an appointment outside these hours call 01273 680714 or email bis@sussexpartneship.nhs.uk.
