| Survey on neurodiversity in entrenched dependent drinkers As part of our new multi-partner project, we have launched a new survey to identify local challenges and best practice in working with dependent drinkers with neurodiversity. In this survey, neurodiversity covers Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and other conditions such as Tourette’s Syndrome, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Dyscalculia. We are looking for information, experience, practical examples and case studies of both effective and ineffective practice with dependent drinkers who are also neurodivergent or appear to be neurodivergent. Please share your experiences. The survey should take no more than 6 minutes. Complete the survey Food and belonging – online learning event The role of cooking, eating and connection in reducing alcohol harm and promoting recovery is a central theme of the Blue Light Approach, and we are excited to announce that Alcohol Change UK will be running an online learning event on these themes on Thursday, 2 July 2026. Alcohol issues are rarely just about alcohol. Harmful drinking often goes hand-in-hand with social disconnection and disordered eating. You can join us on 2 July to find out how supporting people to cook and eat together boosts physical and mental health and builds the friendships and community that are the foundations of recovery. The speakers will be: Dietician Bally Parekh, on why drug and alcohol workers need to know more about nutrition Anna Preece, on the interface of alcohol dependence and disordered eating Claire Thomas, talking about the success of Barod’s lunch club in Swansea Chloe Casey, on using cookery and creative arts to support recovery for women in Bournemouth Plus, there will be an invitation to join a national network to promote food and nutrition in drug and alcohol treatment. Tickets are £70 (including VAT and booking fee). Contact us about discounted places for students and people with lived experience of the issues. Find out more and book your places The Casey Commission on Adult Social Care The Government has launched a review of the future of Adult Social Care under Baroness Casey. This is a welcome development and the Review is actively seeking the views of practitioners and people with lived experience. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to highlight the significant challenge to Adult Social Care posed by the management and care of people with entrenched alcohol dependency. Visit the website and share your views Pathways between probation and addiction treatment in England: a follow-up study In March 2026, the Ministry of Justice and Department of Health and Social Care published a follow up study looking at people sentenced to community orders (COs) and suspended sentence orders (SSOs) with an Alcohol Treatment Requirement (ATR) or Drug Rehabilitation Requirement (DRR). It examines engagement with alcohol and drug treatment and how engagement relates to reconviction outcomes. This report is important from the Blue Light perspective because the project has previously recognised the potential benefit of such structured approaches to treatment engagement. It also emphasises the centrality of maintaining service engagement in risk reduction. The findings show: “clear associations between treatment engagement and both individual characteristics and justice system factors. Individuals with ATRs and DRRs who completed or remained in structured treatment had better reconviction outcomes than those who dropped out of or had no identified structured treatment. This highlights the value of sustained engagement.” Read the study On a related theme, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities has released its most recent annual statistics on substance misuse treatment in secure settings. This looks at both treatment in prisons and linkage to treatment on release. It is positive to note that the statistics on the latter are improving. Read the report Alcohol-related liver disease training 9:30 am to 4 pm, Wednesday 10 June 2026 Delivered by a hepatology nurse, this training explores alcohol-related liver disease, including the stages of the condition, associated symptoms, and the impact on individuals and their families. The session also considers the barriers to change for people living with ARLD and aims to build confidence in having supportive conversations with patients and their families about the condition. Book your place today Alcohol Related Brain Damage 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, Wednesday 24 June 2026 Alcohol-related brain damage affects up to 1.5% of the population and as many as 35% of the heaviest drinkers. This course is designed for frontline practitioners to deepen their understanding of ARBD, recognise signs and symptoms, explore rehabilitation, and build skills to improve outcomes for the adults and carers affected Book your place today Alcohol Change UK training We can deliver our award-winning Blue Light course, our safeguarding vulnerable dependent drinkers course and our cognitive impairment online along with a host of other courses either in-person or online, depending on your needs. If you think that would be of use to your workforce or local area, do contact us. Get in touch |
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