Alcohol Awareness Week in Chelmsley Wood

A SUPPORT team will be holding an event in Chelmsley Wood to coincide with Alcohol Awareness Week.
The "market place" will be visiting the Three Trees Centre on Friday, November 17.
It is one of several events being organised by the Solihull Integrated Addiction Service (SIAS).
A spokesperson for the group said: "We are using this opportunity to start a conversation with our local community, around problematic alcohol use to help break the cycle of silence and stigma that is all too often experienced by families."
Meriden's MP, Dame Caroline Spelman, has given her backing to the campaign.
"Whether on a night out, enjoying a meal or relaxing at home, it is important that alcohol is consumed responsibly," she said.
"For that reason, I am proud to lend my support to SIAS’s Alcohol Awareness Week campaign in order to highlight the risks associated with drinking too much alcohol and to raise awareness of the excellent support services they offer locally to help people beat alcohol and substance addiction."
While alcohol will be the main focus of the event, SIAS will also touch upon the help available to those struggling with drugs, gambling and other issues.
The session, which will include afternoon tea, is scheduled to run from 2-4pm.
Email the team to book your place.

Fact box:

• An estimated 595,000 adults in England are alcohol dependent and in need of specialist treatment. 
• Alcohol is linked to more than 60 medical conditions.
• Alcohol is estimated to cost the NHS £3.5 billion annually.