Sonia Kumar MP has praised the dedicated work of staff at Russells Hall Hospital after visiting the hospital’s Alcohol Awareness Week event, highlighting the importance of tackling stigma, encouraging early support and improving understanding of alcohol-related harm.
Organised by the Alcohol Care Team, this year’s event was centred on the national theme “Alcohol and Me”, encouraging people to reflect on their own relationship with alcohol and the impact it can have on physical health, mental wellbeing and family life.
During her visit, Sonia met members of the Alcohol Care Team, took part in a number of interactive activities designed to demonstrate the effects of alcohol on the body, and spoke with local charity Alternat+ives, whose volunteers Dave and Tina Jones shared powerful personal experiences of supporting families affected by alcohol and substance misuse.
Visitors were able to experience activities including “drunk goggles” to simulate the effects of alcohol on coordination, a challenge to understand alcohol units and serving sizes, an alcohol awareness quiz and an exercise demonstrating the impact of alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy.
Sonia also discussed the importance of making support available without judgement and ensuring people know where to turn if they or a loved one need help.
Sonia Kumar MP said: “It was a pleasure to visit Russells Hall Hospital during Alcohol Awareness Week and see first-hand the fantastic work being carried out by the Alcohol Care Team. This year’s theme, ‘Alcohol and Me’, was a powerful reminder that taking time to reflect on our relationship with alcohol can have a positive impact on our health and wellbeing.
I was particularly impressed by the interactive activities, which helped explain the effects alcohol can have in an engaging and accessible way. They encouraged important conversations while helping to break down the stigma that can prevent people from seeking support. It was also inspiring to meet Dave and Tina from Alternat+ives and hear about the invaluable support they provide to families and friends of people affected by alcohol and substance misuse.
Addiction affects entire families and communities, and events like this show that help is available and recovery is possible. I would like to thank everyone involved for their dedication and for the warm welcome.”
Sonia paid particular tribute to Samantha Fisher, Lead Alcohol Clinical Nurse Specialist (RMN), Joanne Ravenscroft and Hannah Darby for organising the event and for their continued commitment to supporting patients and raising awareness across the Dudley borough.
Samantha Fisher, Lead Alcohol Clinical Nurse Specialist (RMN), said: “Alcohol Awareness Week gives us an opportunity to start conversations, challenge misconceptions and help people understand that support is available. By creating a welcoming and interactive environment, we hope more people will feel confident seeking help for themselves or someone they care about.”
Sonia encouraged anyone concerned about their own drinking, or worried about a family member or friend, to seek advice early and make use of the support available through local NHS services and organisations such as Alternat+ives.
