WHO Regional Office for Europe has today published a new report highlighting the main outcomes of a first WHO workshop on the implementation of alcohol policies in the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). CIS countries can be seen as the "first movers" in implementing the most cost-effective policies to reduce alcohol consumption and alcohol-attributable harms in the WHO European Region. Their contribution is crucial to reaching the noncommunicable disease (NCD) target of a 10% reduction in the harmful use of alcohol by 2025.

On Wednesday 23rd September 2020, Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) held an online launch event for the publication of our new Rural Matters report. The event had around 90 people participating, and we were delighted to welcome Nick Smith (Alcohol and Drug National Support Manager, Scottish Government), Katie Spence (Orkney ADP Coordinator) and Becky Wood (Recovery Development Worker, Forth Valley) to give remarks prior to the presentation of the report by Jackie MacDiarmid (SHAAP).

SHAAP has joined forces with 9 health charities to launch a manifesto for action on preventing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) ahead of the 2021 Scottish Parliament election. NCDs include cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and lung disease, and cause almost 39,000 deaths every year in Scotland. However, many of these deaths are preventable through action that addresses risk-factors such as how much alcohol people drink. Ahead of the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, it is crucial that political parties take action to tackle these risk factors. The NCD prevention manifesto includes policy calls that rest on strong evidence, and that can help reduce the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and unhealthy food and drink. 

On Wednesday 9th September 2020, Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) and the Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS) held an online launch event for the publication of our final Men and Alcohol report: Men and Alcohol: Key Issues. The event was extremely well attended, and featured cameos by previous speakers from the highly successful 2019/2020 SHAAP/IAS Men and Alcohol seminar series.

SHAAP has prepared a briefing in advance of the Scottish Government debates on COVID-19, happening on June 2 (Next Steps: NHS and the Economy) and June 9 (Next Steps: Communities) 2020. The briefing covers the impact of COVID-19 on alcohol treatment and support for recovery, as well as alcohol consumption more generally, and includes recommendations for achieving long-term public health goals as we look towards a 'new normal' post-lockdown.

SHAAP have redesigned their guidance for heavy drinkers who are thinking about cutting back or stopping drinking alcohol during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has the same information as our advice published in April, but in a more accessible format. You can access the more visually engaging guidance document here. It is also available through the NHS inform website as part of their information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) and alcohol.

The World Health Organization have produced a new fact sheet debunking myths about alcohol 'preventing' corona virus.

The fact sheet provides very clear guidance about the risks of alcohol consumption to your health at any time, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, and includes tips about how to regulate consumption during the pandemic, to make sure that you are looking after your health.

COVID-19: What you need to know.

The Scottish Government has released tailored COVID-19 advice for people living with specific medical conditions. These include: cancer, diabetes, heart disease, IBD; chronic kidney and liver disease; dermatological, neurological (specific) opthalmic, respiratory and rheumatic conditions, chronic pain, and rare diseases. You can get up to date and read the guidance here.

The World Health Organization has published "food and and nutrition tips during self-quarantine" for individuals and families in contexts where self-quarantine has been recommended or required.

Eating well and taking care of your health is important, especially when you need your immune system to be at its best. It is also really important to remain physically active, even if you are staying at home. Read the guidance to help keep yourself and your loved ones fit and healthy throughout the corona virus outbreak!

Today, SHAAP has issued new recommendations for services supporting people with alcohol-related problems in the context of COVID-19.

Those who will find the new recommendations useful include Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs), Commissioners, Alcohol Service Managers, Community Services and Mutual Aid and Support Groups. The recommendations are aimed at enabling services to reduce risks whilst ensuring continued support in the context of COVID-19.