Attitudes to Alcohol and Alcohol Services

This is a report by Healthwatch Blackpool. The project looks at the effects of alcohol on health for a wide range of groups.

A mixed methodology of surveys, focus groups and door knocking was used. Healthwatch Blackpool implemented this approach between September 2024 and February 2025 engaging 218 residents through the online surveys. We also engaged with a further 156 residents within 23 focus groups, 6 community events, and face-to-face interviews. Focus groups provided deeper insights into themes emerging from the survey data. Posters featured contact details, a project overview, and a QR code to access the survey directly on smart phones or other devices. These were distributed to key stakeholders, GP waiting rooms, pharmacies and community centres. Postcards were also distributed at events and displayed in other community locations. The project was further promoted through the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector, local healthcare partners, and social media via sponsored ads (detailed below). 

There are recommendations in this report:

Recommendations for women

1.eAdequately develop and promote women only groups and increase availability of these for women across the town. 

Availability of this support should be wide reaching, discreet where possible, and available both in person and online to provide flexibility of support. 

2.eDevelop awareness campaigns specifically targeting women, which aims to
reduce the normalisation of wine consumption and the wider stigma surrounding women and alcohol.

Recommendations for older adults 55+

3.eCreate targeted outreach within communities and residential areas where older adults are more prevalent, aiming to raise awareness of alcohol-related risks and the available support in Blackpool.

4.eExpand support to tackle social isolation with interventions based within community settings, including an increase in social activities, incorporating education regarding loneliness and the links this has with increased alcohol consumption within these initiatives. 

Recommendations for LGBT+

5.eDevelop dedicated LGBT+ specific alcohol support. This support needs to be shaped and led by members of the LGBT+ community in an environment where individuals feel safe.

6.eProvide staff training on LGBT+ experiences within all alcohol services, including the specific challenges related to alcohol use within this community, incorporating trans acceptance within this.