AHA members publish advice on alcohol and COVID-19
Humankind has published a COVID-19 page on their website for people who use alcohol and drugs, which includes information on how to keep safe and specific advice for alcohol users. As dependent drinkers will be particularly vulnerable at this time they have produced an information leaflet for managing alcohol dependency during the pandemic.
The Centre for Perioperative Care (CPOC) based at the Royal College of Anaesthetists is encouraging the public to exercise, stop smoking and reduce alcohol consumption during the epidemic to increase their ability to cope if they contract the virus. Their advice was first published on the BBC news website. Find out more here.
On the request of the Scottish Government, SHAAP have issued advice to people working in services supporting people with alcohol-related problems during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Alcohol Change UK have set up a coronavirus and alcohol information hub on their website with signposting to services, information and advice for the general public and for professionals. Please get in touch if there is anything you think should be added. Contact Maddy Lawson at maddy.lawson@alcoholchange.org.uk
Scottish families affected by alcohol connect online
Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs (SFAAD) is hosting mini half hour Zoom chats on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3.30pm – 4.00pm for people to connect with each other and talk about what they have been doing to keep themselves and their families well.
Each chat will have a different topic and they are inviting people to suggest new topics to explore so that everyone has an opportunity to talk about something they are doing.
Join the meeting:
Meeting ID: 292 700 547
Password: 013800
Alcohol Change UK launch safeguarding project
ACUK launched the Safeguarding Vulnerable Dependent Drinkers project in early March. This project aims to bring together experts and interested parties to collate evidence of the challenges and best practice in safeguarding this client group. We have 16 partners signed up to the project from local authorities and other agencies across the UK.
For more information and updates, contact Mike Ward at mike.ward@alcoholchange.org.uk
Drink-driving study searches for new volunteers
The Universities of Stirling and Dundee are conducting a new study that aims to understand the circumstances that lead to driving after drinking alcohol. They are particularly interested in speaking with people who have may or had alcohol dependence or addiction issues, as they are interested in the preventative measures that can be put in place to stop them from drink-driving.
Is your organisation able to help with recruitment by displaying their publicity ad on your website, in your newsletter or sharing it on your social media feeds? They are interested in people from England and Wales who are willing to share their stories. Everything including a person’s identity, will be kept confidential – they ask potential participants to get in touch with them, rather than their personal information being sent to us through a third party.
Any help that you can provide will be appreciated. If you have any further questions about this study, please do get in touch with Andrea Mohan at amohan001@dundee.ac.uk.
Research by Alcohol Change UK reveals impact of MUP on the alcohol market in Wales
Field research by Alcohol Change UK in Wales at the beginning of March has revealed something about the real-world impact of MUP on the alcohol market. A survey of supermarket and off-licence shelves and websites indicated that the biggest impact has been on strong ciders, with some significant changes in spirits too. There is also some possible good news about apparent reductions in container sizes.
Courses, grants and opportunities
Now open: Small grants scheme
The Institute of Alcohol Studies launched its 2020-23 Strategy on 1 April. The new strategy describes IAS’ values and core activities, as well as four priority areas for the next three years.
As part of the new strategy, IAS is delighted to announce the launch of a new Small Grants Scheme. The scheme will fund innovative research ideas that can help inform public policy debates on how to tackle alcohol harm.
Applications are invited from UK researchers – especially early career researchers – for projects between £500 and £10,000. The deadline for outline applications is 15 May 2020.
Funding for successful projects will be available from September 2020, with a flexible start date. Priority will be given to proposals that align with IAS’ organisational objectives, as outlined the 2020-23 Strategy.
Information on what we will fund and how to apply is available here. All pre-submission enquiries should be directed to Dr Sadie Boniface at sboniface@ias.org.uk
Funding available for research projects linked to COVID-19
UKRI have opened up a funding call for research projects which address the health, social, economic, cultural and environmental impact of COVID-19. We encourage researchers to apply with any alcohol-related projects, for example, looking at the impacts on alcohol treatment services. Please also contact ACUK to discuss ways they can support your project.