Five charities have issued a joint call to action urging the next Welsh government to prioritise policies that address alcohol-related harm. The call, by Adfam, Adferiad, Alcohol Change UK, Barod and Kaleidoscope, comes six weeks ahead of the Welsh Senedd elections in May.
The most recent official figures, for 2023, saw the highest number of alcohol-specific deaths ever recorded in Wales, at 562, with almost 700 more deaths classed as alcohol-related. Alcohol-specific deaths in Wales have doubled in the space of two decades, including an ‘unprecedented’ 28 per cent increase during the COVID years of 2020 and 2021. Whatever the outcome of the May elections, Wales ‘needs a renewed focus on reducing alcohol harm’, the charities state.
Alcohol-specific hospital admissions are also increasing, with more than 12,000 in 2023, involving more than 8,000 people. Those in the country’s most deprived areas are almost three times more likely to be admitted for alcohol-specific conditions than people from the least deprived. Wales also recorded its highest ever level of drug misuse deaths in 2024.
The statement calls for eight key changes, including an updated substance use strategy focused on both prevention and treatment to provide ‘clear direction’, consistent support for families affected by alcohol use, and outreach work to identify and support vulnerable people with alcohol dependence. It also wants to see better joint working between treatment and domestic abuse services, access to safe detox for alcohol-dependent people, and an end to the requirement for sobriety before people are eligible for mental health support. Trauma-informed approaches are also vital, it says, as is consistent identification and treatment of people with alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD).
‘Charities are working hard to help people live happier, healthier lives, free from alcohol harm – delivering support when and where it’s needed,’ said Alcohol Change UK’s director for Wales, Andrew Misell. ‘Yet, as the figures show, there is still much more to do and the next Senedd has a real opportunity to reduce alcohol harm in communities across Wales. No single policy will solve every problem. That’s why our five charities have come together to set out some practical steps the next Welsh Government can take to prevent harm, support those who need help, and ensure momentum is not lost. Whichever way the May election goes, we stand ready to work with members of the next Senedd to turn these priorities into action across Wales.’Â
The Welsh Senedd voted earlier this year to retain minimum unit pricing and increase it to 65p per unit from October, bringing it in line with Scotland.
Action on alcohol during the next Senedd 2026-2030 is available here