Croydon Council and Arclett ask residents to rethink their drinking before it becomes a problem, and point to a free 12-week programme to help cut down.
Croydon Council wants residents to think about their drinking earlier, well before it becomes something they would take to a specialist. Its public health team has teamed up with Arclett, an organisation that runs alcohol prevention campaigns, on a campaign called Think Differently About Alcohol, built around the “sober curious” idea (Croydon Council, 21 October).
Sober curious, the council says, “does not necessarily mean giving up alcohol completely”. It describes it as “taking a mindful approach to drinking, understanding the impact alcohol may be having on your health, wellbeing and relationships, and making informed choices about whether, when and how much you drink.”
The reasoning is that alcohol harm is “very wide-ranging, with many people experiencing negative impacts before they would consider themselves to need specialist support.” The campaign is meant to give people a “non-judgemental space” to ask whether their drinking “still fits with their health, wellbeing and priorities”, the council said. It lists the reasons people give for cutting back: better physical health, mental wellbeing, sleep, energy, and saving money.
What the Mayor and the public health director said
Executive Mayor Jason Perry said: “More and more people are taking a step back and reflecting on the role alcohol plays in their lives. Whether you’re considering cutting down, taking a break from drinking or stopping altogether, it’s important to know that support is available.
“You don’t need to wait until alcohol has become a serious problem. Speaking to someone early can help you make positive changes that work for you and your lifestyle.”
On the campaign’s own page, Ruth Hutchinson, the council’s Director of Public Health, says it “gives residents a chance to think about their drinking habits, whether they’ve noticed a change in their relationship with alcohol or are simply curious about cutting down or going alcohol-free.” She adds: “I encourage anyone in Croydon who is thinking about their drinking to visit the campaign. It can help you reflect on whether alcohol still fits with your health, wellbeing and what’s important to you” (Arclett campaign page).
Why start before the problem
The campaign page sets out the argument. Prevention work on alcohol “has traditionally focused on raising awareness of harm and supporting people once alcohol has become a significant problem. Both remain essential.” This campaign tries instead to reach people sooner, using real people’s experience of drinking and the “growing cultural shift towards sober curiosity, alcohol-free lifestyles and wellbeing” to make the subject easier to talk about.
Scott Woolley, Arclett’s founder and director, said: “Population health is shaped long before people reach treatment services. As conversations around alcohol evolve, from sober curiosity to low & no alcohol, more people are finding the language and permission to reflect on their drinking, whether driven by their mental wellbeing, finances or changing priorities.
“At Arclett, we believe prevention starts with making these conversations more accessible, relatable and less stigmatising.”
Arclett is clear that it does not offer treatment: “we are not a treatment or support service”, its page says, and it sends people who want help to local services instead.
Where to get help in Croydon
- Live Well Croydon is the council’s free 12-week programme for residents. Advisers help you “take a fresh look at your drinking and set goals” and give support face to face, by phone or by video call. You check whether you are eligible and refer yourself through a Live Well health MOT. Freephone 0800 019 8570 or email livewell@croydon.gov.uk.
- DrinkCoach in Croydon gives advice and support to help people drink less, the council’s Live alcohol aware page says. That page also has tips for anyone not eligible for the 12-week programme.
- Change Grow Live Croydon is for anyone worried about their own or someone else’s drinking or drug use. It offers free, confidential support for adults and a separate service for young people under 25. Call 0300 123 9288.
The campaign page also links to two short films from Change Grow Live Croydon, one from the adult service and one explaining what happens after a young person is referred.
The council says cutting down can bring “more energy, better concentration, improved sleep” in the short term, and in the long term lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and a lower risk of cancer and stroke.
The campaign is at arclett.com/arclett-croydon-campaign.
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