BARNSLEY Council is supporting Alcohol Awareness Week and residents are being urged to get involved.

This year’s theme is alcohol and relationships and so the council is encouraging residents to look at how it impacts themselves and those around them.

Statistics show that people have been drinking more since the pandemic began but there’s a lot of support locally for those who need it.

Residents can get involved with Barnsley Recovery Steps, the Umbrella service, Young People’s Substance Misuse Service and IDAS - all of the details for these organisations can be found on the Barnsley Council website.

Coun Jim Andrews, cabinet spokesperson for public health, said: “Alcohol is often the focal point of our relationships with others, but our own relationship with alcohol can come with and cause its own problems.

“We know there are links between alcohol and mental health and other issues, such as domestic abuse, and alcohol has also been linked to cancers, so it can affect our physical health too.

“Opening up about problem drinking is so important and can lead to making positive changes.

“It’s vital that people know there is help and support available if they need it in Barnsley.”