Map shows huge rise in alcohol-related deaths in areas across Merseyside

Record numbers of people are dying in Sefton from drink-related causes.

Data shows deaths relating to alcohol have surged by approximately 33% since the covid pandemic and Sefton has the 6th highest number of deaths in the UK. In the ten year period between 2012-2022, alcohol-related deaths in the UK have increased by more than 50% with 10,048 people dying in 2022 alone.

In the years between 2021 and 2022, alcohol-related deaths in Sefton soared by almost 25%. In comparison, deaths in Wirral, Liverpool and Knowsley actually fell.

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Information sourced from the Office for National Statistics reveals a further widening of the North-South divide which sees alcohol killing people in Scotland and the North East of England at twice the rate of those living in London and the South East.

The North West of England had 1334 deaths whilst London recorded 837 alcohol-specific deaths.

Closer to home, Sefton has one of the highest alcohol-specific death rates with 23.8 people dying per 100,000 residents. This translates to sixty seven people losing their lives to alcohol in 2022.

It’s estimated around 4,250 Sefton residents are dependent drinkers, but only around 16% of them are in treatment. A report in November 2022 warned 25% of Sefton's adult population have increased risk of harm through excess alcohol consumption.

Additionally, alcohol related admissions for under-18s in Sefton rose to 71 per 100,000 between 2018 and 2021.

Alcohol-specific deaths only include those health conditions where each death is a direct consequence of alcohol, such as alcoholic liver disease. It does not include all deaths that can be attributed to alcohol.

A spokesperson from the Department of Health said: “We are working to prevent alcohol deaths by ensuring people are given clear and accurate advice about the potential risks that are posed by drinking above the guidelines, including encouraging people to try more low and no-alcohol drinks.

“In addition, through our 10-year alcohol and drug strategy, supported by £532 million, we are helping up to 54,500 more people receive drug and alcohol treatment, and we are also funding specialist alcohol care teams at one in four hospitals in England.”

Dr Richard Piper, Chief Executive of Alcohol Change UK, said: “There were 10,048 deaths from alcohol in 2022 in the UK – an all-time high, up 4.2% on the previous year, and 32.8% higher than when compared to 2019.

"Each one of those deaths is a tragedy, representing a person who has had their life cut short and has left behind people who are grieving and miss them every day. We send our deepest sympathies to all those families and friends who have lost a loved one.

“Years of inaction on alcohol harm has led to this, and the heartbreaking thing is these deaths were totally avoidable. Our government has the responsibility and the power to put preventative measures in place, including proper regulation of alcohol marketing, clearer alcohol labelling, and a minimum price for a unit of alcohol.

"As part of a clear, long-term strategy to improve our health, these measures can prevent alcohol harm, protecting individuals, family members, communities and society – and crucially save lives in the future.”

In January this year, Sefton councillor Mhairi Doyle spoke movingly about her own experiences with alcohol dependency. Cllr Doyle is keen to raise awareness around the dangers of alcohol and is committed to facilitating the changes in alcohol policy which will save lives. She said: "With support, I've broken the cycle of alcoholism within my family.

"Recovery is not easy but it can be done. People can look at me. Things can change. I am change."

The Labour councillor for Norwood ward is currently working with Sefton Council as they call on the Government to establish a National Alcohol Strategy.

The aim of this proposal is to acknowledge the difference between alcohol dependency and social and casual consumption whilst creating further support for the borough’s dependent drinkers and establishing more treatment provision for people who need it.

Cllr Doyle said: "The call for a National Alcohol Strategy is all about raising awareness of the risks of alcohol, providing education around use and advocate for more resources to treat those suffering from alcohol dependency.

"I will always be shouting about this because people don't know where to turn to and that needs to change today."

People can find support and advice HERE.

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