Public experience of local alcohol_services report, Stockton on Tees

Purpose:

To investigate public awareness and experiences of local alcohol services, alcohol-related services (such as advice/counselling), alcohol-related hospital admissions and A&E attendances.

Objectives:

• To research and gain an understanding of the views of a cross section of Stockton-on-Tees residents regarding local alcohol services and the equivalent service provision.

• To work collaboratively with the Joints Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) to capture intelligence to support and ensure commissioning strategies are cohesive. This will enable better provision of services, for those in areas of greatest need.

Healthwatch designed a questionnaire to information which was circulated via email, social media, face-to-face at the Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees annual event and to local service-user groups. In addition feedback was obtained via its Information and Signposting Service and during general public engagement. 75 completed surveys analysed.

Findings:

• Two thirds of respondents were female.

• Only 5 completed surveys were received directly via Change Grow Live (CGL) clients.

• Almost half of respondents did not know what services were available to them should they need advice or support around alcohol issues.

• 44% of respondents said they would ask for information via their GP and 33% online.

• Asking for information on behalf of someone else, 35% of respondents would go to their GP, 24% on line and almost 10% said Lifeline.

• 65% of the 20 people who had accessed alcohol services, stated that the service did not meet their needs.

Recommendations:

• New promotional campaign of all available services could be written into the JSNA.

• Public Health to target the views of more males.

• Target the views of under 25 years olds

• Public Health work closely with the people using these services to ascertain how they found the help and information they needed and to see if the service meets their needs.