Bath & North East Somerset Council and B&NES Drug and Alcohol Service are working together to encourage people to think about their own drinking and go alcohol-free for January.
Dry January is a campaign from Alcohol Concern that is supported by Public Health England.
It encourages people to take a month out from alcohol and enjoy the benefits of having a break from drinking.
The campaign highlights that taking a break from alcohol can boost your finances, lower your calorie intake and improve your general health.
Research from Alcohol Concern has shown that cutting out alcohol for a month can help people re-evaluate their drinking levels long term.
Dr Bruce Laurence, Director of Public Health B&NES, said: “Christmas is a time of year when many people feel like they have over indulged and therefore many people make New Year’s resolutions to drink less or to not drink for a period of time.
“Dry January ties in with people’s motivation to make changes and therefore encourages drinkers to take a month off and feel the benefits. I did it last year and felt great.
“A successful short break gives you a sense of greater control and the chance to rethink your drinking habits for the rest of the year. So I’ve signed up again for 2015.”
Cllr Simon Allen (Lib-Dem, Radstock), Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, said: “By working in partnership, we want to get everyone talking about Dry January and as many people as possible to consider their drinking and take a 31 day break from alcohol. I will certainly be signing up.”
The Royal United Hospital (RUH) is just one of many workplaces in Bath and North East Somerset which is taking part. It is encouraging employees to sign pledge posters in the staff rooms and online.
Other things happening throughout the month include a Dry January Martini evening to mark the start of the month; Dry Jan Martini promotions at participating bars in Bath and North East Somerset throughout January and a Dry January stand at the Council’s One Stop Shop in Bath – where you can pop in and sign up.
For more information and to sign up to Dry January visit: www.dryjanuary.org.uk.
