New report highlights the value of everyday conversations, including those about alcohol, in improving public health and wellbeing

‘What are you talking about?’ highlights how everyday conversations can help to influence and promote healthy behaviours, including making changes to our relationships with alcohol, as well as signposting to further support and information.

Polling of nearly 2,000 adults found that across a range of settings where the public and staff are regularly talking, a large proportion of Brits would like to see more training to promote physical and mental wellbeing.

• 64% agree that employers or managers should be trained

• 69% agree that teachers and education staff should be trained

• 66% agree that staff in gyms or sports clubs should be trained

• 76% agree that community health care staff such as physiotherapists and pharmacists should be trained

Commenting on the report, Dr Richard Piper, CEO at Alcohol Change UK, said:

“Preventing alcohol harms, before they happen, offers huge potential to unlock a healthier, happier nation. This can bring immeasurable benefits to our lives, communities and society.

“This report from the Royal Society for Public Health highlights that there is so much value and opportunity in the everyday conversations that we all have as we go about our lives. From pharmacy counters to gym floors and classrooms to offices, it’s great to see a desire from the public for these conversations, alongside a push for training to equip public facing staff with the understanding, capability and confidence to talk about health – including alcohol – in more of these daily interactions.

“From our own Blue Light initiative, we know that making space for open, informal, and judgement-free conversations between staff and people experiencing serious alcohol harm is often the crucial first step toward getting them the support they need.

“Given the widespread nature of alcohol harm, we welcome its inclusion in this report, and some of the pragmatic suggestions, such as promoting alcohol-free and low-alcohol drink alternatives. From headaches and sleepless nights to high blood pressure, anxiety, and cancer, alcohol harm is affecting millions of us at all levels of consumption. Through sharing concerns, highlighting the health and wellbeing benefits on offer through addressing our relationships with alcohol and earlier signposting to information and support, we will prevent as many people as possible from experiencing the wide range of harm that alcohol causes.”