Pharmacy Group Paydens has introduced a free drinking check service across 128 stores in the South East of England in partnership with Drinkaware.
The initiative aims to help individuals assess their drinking habits and understand the potential impact on their health.
Using Drinkaware’s online tool (Drinking Check), Paydens pharmacists will guide customers through a quick, three-minute quiz that provides a personalised drinking score.
Based on the results, pharmacists will offer tailored advice and support who may need help moderating their drinking.
For those identified as high risk, they will work with their local GP and alcohol treatment services to ensure they get the care they need.
The partnership comes as new data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals a record high 10,473 alcohol-specific deaths, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness and intervention.
As part of the partnership, Drinkaware would train participating pharmacists on using the Drinking Check tool effectively. Posters and leaflets will also be distributed across all 128 store pharmacies to encourage customers to check their drinking.
Shameera Chandrarajah, professional services co-ordinator at Paydens, shared that over 100 Drinking Checks were completed in January alone, with stores engaging with patients throughout the month through informative displays.
“We are proud to be supporting our communities by providing this vital tool to help people understand their drinking habits and make informed health choices,” Shameera said.
Karen Tyrell, CEO of charity Drinkaware, stressed the importance of normalising the regular checking of drinking habits.
“With the latest ONS alcohol-specific deaths statistics taking us to a depressing new high, it underscores the need for people to understand how drinking is impacting their health.”
“By Paydens offering the Drinking Check to its customers, it’s a step towards normalising the regular checking of drinking habits.
“People routinely visit the doctors to check their blood pressure or cholesterol, so why shouldn’t the same apply to alcohol.”
The Drinking Check is based on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), a globally recognised tool used by healthcare professionals to assess alcohol-related risks, including dependency.
Graeme Duncan 
