PARTICIPANTS in a scheme to cut booze intake were found to nearly half the days on which they drank.

Those who took part in Glasgow’s Drink Wise, Age Well programme cut the number of days they drank in the previous month from 15 to eight, according to data released by the programme.

The National Lottery Community funded programme was first established in 2015 in response to 1increasing alcohol harm in the over 50s, with initial research showing that older adults were facing particular challenges when trying to get help with alcohol problems.

Drink Wise, Age Well Glasgow Locality Manager Graeme Callander said: "It’s no secret that Scotland has a dreadful record for alcohol harm with latest figures showing that the over 50s are increasingly at risk.

"Our programme is showing that providing services tailored to this age-group is having a tremendous effect and we’d like to see it continue.

"Our peer support meetings are a great source of inspiration to participants and the social activities result in people noticing a marked increase in their emotional health and sense of purpose. Importantly, all these activities result in a reduction in people’s drinking and – for those who we followed up with – that that was maintained six months later."

At a follow up session, six months after being discharged from the project, participants reported the average number of drinking days in the last 28 days was nine.

This is slightly up from the number reported at discharge, but still significantly below the level reported at initial assessment.

The new data also shows how many of the programme participants struggled with isolation and loneliness, with 82 per cent of people surveyed drinking mainly at home alone.

The most common reason older adults in Glasgow gave for increasing their drinking was bereavement followed by loss of sense of purpose, such as through retirement or children leaving home, and relationship problems.

Drink Wise, Age Well Glasgow is now into its final year of operation, ending in March 2020.

It is hoped that the most effective elements of the programme will carry on through being embedded in general alcohol services, or, where required, the development of age-specific services.

A marriage breakdown triggered Willie McCarthy’s drinking, leading to him sitting at home with only cans of lager and bottles of vodka for company.

Willie’s "kick", as he calls it, was staggering home from the pub one night and passing out in a ditch in a park near his home.

It was only when he woke up next morning with filthy clothes and mystery aches and pains that he remembered three ‘lost’ hours in the elements.

But he took up one-to-one support and began attending Mutual Aid Partnership (MAP) meetings – now he's a MAP member of staff.

Willie was initially very sceptical about going to MAP meetings, having preconceived notions that he would have to stand up in front of everyone and declare himself an alcoholic.

But he started to relate to other people in the group.

Willie said: "I don’t think it’s overstating it to say that without Drink Wise I’d be dead."

Mr Callander added: "Alcohol use and harm is increasing in our older population and it is crucial that we have a targeted approach to this.

"Whilst ensuring that alcohol treatment and support is accessible to people of all ages, it is also important to explore the underlying reasons for drinking including isolation and life transitions.

"The holistic approach of our programme has allowed us to address the problem while working with people to build their own resilience and connections within their communities."

For more information on Drink Wise, Age Well visit www.drinkwiseagewell.org.uk