User:Helen Herd

Our Life
Our Life is the North West England’s wellbeing and health campaign. It works with people across the North West to identify the barriers to better wellbeing and campaign for change. Our Life is a social enterprise and works with the NHS, local government, local communities, business and voluntary organisations to deliver lasting changes that make it easier for everyone in the North West to make healthier choices.

Big Drink Debate
On Monday 12 May 2008 Our Life launched 'the Big Drink Debate' - the largest survey of its kind ever to be undertaken in North West England. It was completed by more than 30,000 people across the North West.

Key findings
General issues

In terms of demographics, 57% of respondents were female, 33% were male and 10% did not state their gender. 23% of respondents had not drunk alcohol in the last week (including 9% who never drank. 22% had drunk at hazardous levels in the last week, while 6.6% has drunk at harmful levels.

Type of alcohol consumed was linked to gender and income. Male drinkers consumed on average 23 units per week (including 14 units of beer/larger/cider and 5.4 units of wine). Female drinkers consumed on average 12 units (the majority of which was wine, 7 units)

Where alcohol was purchased and reasons for consumption

Most drinkers purchased alcohol from the supermarket (71% of hazardous drinkers, 68% of harmful drinkers and 64% of sensible drinkers). 73% of those buying from supermarkets said they did so to help them to relax and unwind. 45% of drinkers bought alcohol from pubs. This rose to 53% among hazardous drinkers and 56% among harmful drinkers. 18% of drinkers used off licences. Again, this rose to 34% among hazardous drinkers and 37% among harmful drinkers.

Community perceptions

11% of respondents thought that drugs were responsible for more deaths that alcohol (in fact, alcohol is related to far more deaths than illegal drugs) Those aged between 18 and 24, aged 65 and over or who were harmful drinkers were most likely to hold these views. 75% of respondents expressed concerns over children drinking in public 72% of respondents expressed concern over the drunken behaviour of others. 45% of respondents avoided town centres at night because of drunkenness

What increases consumption of alcohol?

80% of respondents thought that low prices and discounts increased consumption. 75% of respondents felt that large measures increased consumption. 68% of respondents felt that allowing street drinking increased consumption. 56% of respondents felt that advertising increased consumption. 54% of respondents felt that extended drinking hours increased consumption.

The Debate Continues
Big Drink Debates have subsequently been held in Surrey, the North East

External Links

Our Life

Big Drink Debate