Five charities supporting people in Wales have published a joint call to action on alcohol harm ahead of the 2026 Senedd elections, urging members of the next Welsh Government to prioritise policies that will save lives and support those affected by alcohol.
According to the latest available data, 562 people died as a direct result of alcohol in Wales in 2023 – the highest figure on record. A further 683 deaths were linked to alcohol, including conditions such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.
With six weeks to go until voters head to the polls, Adfam, Adferiad, Alcohol Change UK, Barod and Kaleidoscope are saying that, whatever the outcome, Wales needs a renewed focus on reducing alcohol harm. The publication outlines eight priorities that would help deliver a healthier and safer future for individuals, families and communities across Wales.
To back up the great work being done on the ground across Wales, the group say that commitment is needed from our elected representatives in the next Senedd term 2026-2030 to prevent further deaths and tackle the wide range of alcohol-related harms being felt by individuals, families and communities.
Andrew Misell, Director for Wales at Alcohol Change UK, said: “Charities are working hard to help people live happier, healthier lives, free from alcohol harm – delivering support when and where it’s needed. 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.”
The charities’ eight recommendations are led by a call for a renewed, evidence-based Welsh substance use strategy, following the expiry of the previous strategy in 2022. Further asks include trauma-informed and compassionate approaches across services, stronger outreach to vulnerable people with alcohol dependence, improved identification and treatment for alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD) and ending the requirement for people to be alcohol-free for a period before they can access mental health support.
The call also highlights the profound and often overlooked impact of alcohol on children and families and the need for them to receive consistent support, alongside forging closer partnership between alcohol and domestic abuse services, given the strong links between the two issues.
Misell added: “With decades of experience in alcohol harm, every organisation behind this call to action shares the same ambition - to save and improve lives through honest, informed conversations about alcohol and policies that prevent and reduce the wide range of harms it can cause. 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.”
The eight key changes to significantly reduce alcohol harm in Wales:
- Clear direction for reducing alcohol harm – through an updated Welsh substance use strategy that includes both prevention and treatment
- Trauma-informed approaches to alcohol issues, and respectful and compassionate language about people who experience them
- Outreach to identify and support the most vulnerable people with alcohol dependence
- Access to safe detox for alcohol-dependent people, to avoid life-threatening withdrawal symptoms
- Consistent identification and treatment of people with alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD)
- An end to the requirement for sobriety before being eligible for mental health support
- Consistent support for children and families affected by alcohol use
- More joint working between domestic abuse services and alcohol treatment services
