Show Notes
Welcome to the **Somerset Emotional Wellbeing (SEW) podcast**!
In this special episode, **Alcohol and Mental Health** for **Alcohol Awareness Week 2020**, our hosts **Dr. Andrew Tresidder** and **Dr. Peter Bagshaw** are joined by **Carl Morrison from Public Health** to discuss the topic in detail.
During the conversation, they cover **how alcohol use can affect mental health**, **changing patterns of alcohol consumption during the pandemic**, **how you can get help for yourself or your loved ones when needed** and much more as they dig deep into their professional experience and their own lives to share their expert insight.
The **SEW podcast** is a **free weekly show** hosted by **Dr. Andrew Tresidder** and **Dr. Peter Bagshaw**. In each episode, the doctors discuss a different topic related to mental and emotional wellbeing and often invite **expert guests** to join them in conversation. The show is aimed at the people of Somerset and beyond; the advice and guidance provided should apply to anybody who needs it, whenever they need it.
All episodes of SEW are now available to listen to free through **Spotify**, **Apple Podcasts**, **Deezer**, **Google Podcasts**, **Amazon Podcasts**, [https://somersetemotionalwellbeing.podiant.co](https://somersetemotionalwellbeing.podiant.co)/ or wherever you get your podcasts!
Thank you for listening, see you next time!
Please note: The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the NHS or any other organisation unless expressly stated
[Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service](https://www.turning-point.co.uk/services/sdas) - Somerset Drug & Alcohol Service is run by Turning Point. We create individual recovery plans from a range of services, no matter what your situation is. We offer services for adults, young people and their family and friends - 0300 303 8788
[Alcohol Change](https://alcoholchange.org.uk/) - Alcohol Change UK is a leading UK alcohol charity, formed from the merger of Alcohol Concern and Alcohol Research UK.
Alcohol is a part of many of our lives. We use it for celebration, for comfort, to socialise, to wind down, to cope. We treat it differently to other drugs; it’s legal, socially acceptable, even encouraged.
Yet in the UK one person every hour dies as a result of alcohol. Alcohol harm – mental health problems, liver disease, one of seven forms of cancer, economic difficulties, and so much more – can affect any one of us, from any walk of life.
The harm doesn’t end with the individual; each of us who drinks too much is part of a family and a community who feel the effects too, whether through frequent use of emergency services, drink driving, violence or neglect.
We are Alcohol Change UK. We work for a society that is free from the harm caused by alcohol.
We are not anti-alcohol; we are for alcohol change. We are for a future in which people drink as a conscious choice, not a default; where the issues which lead to alcohol problems – like poverty, mental health issues, homelessness – are addressed; where those of us who drink too much, and our loved ones, have access to high-quality support whenever we need it, without shame or stigma.
The problem is complex, and so the solutions aren’t simple. But we’re ambitious. Driven by our belief that every person deserves to live a full life free from alcohol harm, we create evidence-driven change by working towards five key changes: improved knowledge, better policies and regulation, shifted cultural norms, improved drinking behaviours, and more and better support and treatment.
[Mindline Somerset](https://www.mindinsomerset.org.uk/our-services/adult-one-to-one-support/mindline/) - To help address the emotional health needs of the public, Mindline (run by Mind in Somerset) has extended their hours so people can call and talk to someone about their anxieties and worries. Call 01823 276892
