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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

Alcohol harm isn’t just local. Large producers extract significant profits from low income countries, while communities are left with the health and social costs - including ongoing concerns about human rights within parts of the supply chain. A must watch from @ias.org.uk 🔽

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Global South short human rights 33 South Africa

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Last year the North East saw the largest reduction in England in alcohol-specific deaths. Some green shoots but deaths remain well above 2019 levels. Awareness of risks combined with national action on price, promotion and availability is still essential. @ias.org.uk @aha-uk.bsky.social

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

1/2 Alcohol causes serious liver damage – often before people realise. Kelly, 40, from Washington, was drinking daily by her twenties. In 2019, doctors told her liver was close to failing. She had developed fibrosis, early scarring that can progress to irreversible cirrhosis.

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

1/2 For many people, cutting down on alcohol intake starts with a moment of clarity. For Chris, it was a radio advert about alcohol units that made him pause and realise how much he was drinking - before also encouraging him to reduce his intake.

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

1/2 New blog from @ias.org.uk highlights the importance of closing the price differential between the on and off trade. Dr Damon Morris sets out the importance of alcohol paradox: reducing shop (off‑trade) alcohol sales could add £2.5bn to UK GVA ...

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

It’s Stroke Awareness Month - a reminder that drinking alcohol regularly increases blood pressure and damages blood vessels, raising the risk of stroke. Reducing how much you drink lowers that risk. Find out more at ReduceMyRisk.tv @thestrokeassoc.bsky.social @ias.org.uk @aha-uk.bsky.social

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

A&E isn’t just where violence is treated -it’s where it can be prevented. This powerful blog explores how Violence Prevention Teams are reaching people at moments of acute vulnerability,improving outcomes & reducing pressure on the NHS. A must read by Prof Simon Moore 🔽 www.ias.org.uk/2026/04/21/h…

ias.org.uk

How Violence Prevention Teams in A&E are supporting patients, improving access to healthcare for vulnerable groups, and saving the NHS money - Institute of Alcohol Studies

Violence Prevention Teams in A&E are transforming care for patients affected by violence - improving access for vulnerable groups while reducing repeat visits. New research shows they not only…

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

1/2 Public concern about alcohol in the North East remains consistently high. Around ¾ of people say alcohol is a big problem – nationally and locally.

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

Alcohol harm isn’t just about health. Production uses huge amounts of water and damages land and food systems - often in poorer countries - while Big Alcohol extracts profit, reframed as “culture” or “tradition. A must watch from @ias.org.uk 🔽 youtu.be/Rwzz1p1P1Kw

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Global South short CSR water and farming

YouTube video by BalanceNE

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

1/2 April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. Alcohol causes at least 7 types of cancer, including bowel cancer. Medical evidence shows that the cancer risk from any level of regular drinking is higher than many people realise. Dr James Crosbie explains how alcohol causes cancer 🔽 youtu.be/uhovmH9_J3c

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Alcohol use is rising rapidly in many low and middle-income countries - and so is the harm. What industry calls “growth”, public health recognises as a growing crisis. A concise and important watch from @ias.org.uk 🔽 youtu.be/C5zV8wXb5UI

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Global South short human rights abuses 13

YouTube video by BalanceNE

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

1/2 Sheridan from Jarrow was diagnosed with breast cancer. After her diagnosis, she began reading more about risk factors – and was shocked to learn that alcohol causes breast cancer. Like many people, she hadn’t previously been told this.

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Evidence shows alcohol is a carcinogen. When it’s broken down in the body, it produces acetaldehyde - a toxic chemical that damages DNA. Over time, this raises cancer risk, even with regular low-level drinking. #AlcoholIsToxic 🔽 www.reducemyrisk.tv @ias.org.uk @aha-uk.bsky.social

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

Alcohol causes at least seven types of cancer, including breast cancer. Macmillan Lead Cancer Nurse Caroline Tweedie explains that drinking alcohol - even at low levels, increases breast cancer risk. People have the right to know this information. youtu.be/wdiKgb89hEE #ReduceAlcoholHarm

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Alcohol and breast cancer - A nurse's perspective

YouTube video by BalanceNE

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

1/2 In difficult moments, alcohol doesn’t solve the problem- it often adds to it. After losing her mum, Vikki from Newcastle found herself drinking to cope with grief. She chose to stop - and says going alcohol-free has transformed her overall wellbeing.

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Alcohol harm is not confined to the UK. Big Alcohol draws significant profits from low-income countries, exporting alcohol related harm while wealth flows out. Alcohol brands sometimes draw upon local culture and tradition, masking commercial exploitation. A must watch from @ias.org.uk 🔽

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

1/2 April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. Alcohol causes at least seven types of cancer, including bowel cancer. There is no “safe” level of drinking - risk rises with consumption. Cutting back can help lower future cancer risk. In the NE, people in midlife are more likely to drink at higher...

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

1/2 Eight in ten North East adults say alcohol is a big problem regionally and nationally. Cheap, high strength alcohol from shops continues to drive harm - from cancers and liver disease to crime, disorder and rising dependence.

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Alcohol harm affects families, services and communities across the North East - but earlier support can make a real difference. Clear information and honest conversations help people recognise risk and seek help sooner. Read more here 🔽 www.fresh-balance.co.uk/balance

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Tackling alcohol harm in the North East of England

Balance uses an evidence-based approach to tackle alcohol harm and reduce consumption in the North East of England.

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

Alcohol harm is global.Big producers extract huge profits from low-income countries, while communities are left with the health & social costs - & reports continue to highlight ongoing concerns about human rights issues in parts of the supply chain.A must watch from @ias.org.uk youtu.be/C5zV8wXb5UI

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Global South short human rights abuses 13

YouTube video by BalanceNE

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

1/2 Alcohol causes at least seven types of cancer- but the right policies could change that. A powerful new blog from @ias.org.uk, with Keegan Lawrence and Dr Adam Sherk (@uviccisur.bsky.social) exploring how health warning labels and minimum unit pricing could prevent thousands…

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

1/2 Despite the largest fall in alcohol deaths, the North East continues to have the highest rates in England. Reducing alcohol harm means easing pressure on health services and strengthening communities. Carlie’s story shows that positive change is possible 🔽

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 11/04/2026

The problems are clear. Alcohol is too cheap, too heavily promoted and too readily available. This drives consumption and harms, with the North-East of England suffering disproportionately 🔽

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

The self-regulatory system for alcohol marketing isn’t protecting people. Research shows alcohol advertising can normalise drinking and is linked to earlier uptake among children. Karen from Newcastle has lived experience of alcohol dependence - and believes these ads should be restricted 🔽

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

The NE is affected more by alcohol harms than any other English region. Alcohol is linked to over 200 medical conditions - People have a #Righttoknow about the risks of alcohol – this is why alcohol health labelling is so important 🔽

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. Alcohol is a key risk factor - yet only 1 in 3 people in the NE associate alcohol with cancer. Dr James Crosbie explains how alcohol can cause at least 7 types of cancer youtu.be/uhovmH9_J3c #BowelCancerAwarenessMonth #PublicHealth

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Dr James Crosbie on alcohol and cancer risk (short)

YouTube video by BalanceNE

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Alcohol does not just cause harm in the UK. Alcohol companies draw vast profits from low-income countries, meaning that alcohol harms accrue in those nations, while the profits flow out into the hands of Big Alcohol. This is a must watch from @ias.org.uk 🔽 www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwtM...

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Global South short colonial history

YouTube video by BalanceNE

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

Alcohol advertising sells a lifestyle – glamour, success, fitting in. For Dom, 25, that pressure showed up in the DJ scene, where drinking felt expected. His story shows how easily that can spiral, and what taking back control looks like 🔽

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Dom: From Daily Drinking To A life I Enjoy. - Reduce My Risk

Dom from Newcastle is 25 and has a passion for DJing. He’s approaching five years alcohol-free and now enjoys music and DJing in a way that doesn’t rely on alcohol. However, this wasn’t always the…

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

83% of people drinking at risky levels in the NE still class themselves as “responsible” drinkers. But what does “drink responsibly” actually mean? It’s a term pushed by the alcohol industry to shift blame and distract from harm.

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

1/2 Alcohol is hard to avoid. Availability drives harm and alcohol related hospital admissions, deaths and crime rates. 80% of alcohol is shop-bought - addressing off-sales and online supply are key to protecting communities.

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. Alcohol is a key risk factor - yet 1 in 3 people in the North East don’t associate alcohol with any health risks. This gap matters. People need clear info to make informed choices. Awareness is vital. It’s about a right to know.

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Cheap alcohol – usually bought from shops is fuelling harm - from cancers and liver disease to crime, disorder and alcohol dependence, affecting families and communities. It places pressures now on emergency services like police, paramedics and A&E wards 24/7. Watch views from people in the NE.

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

The alcohol industry spends millions on promotion to relate drinking to glamour, but the reality is often different. Crime and domestic abuse are just some of the harms. Evie from Newcastle quit drinking after realising that the ‘escape’ it offered was actually a trap making her feel dreadful.

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

Alcohol harm in England remains deeply unequal, with the greatest impacts falling on disadvantaged communities. National measures that reduce affordability, availability and promotion remain key to prevention and long-term health protection.

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

Pink bottles and “empowerment” aren’t accidental - they’re part of how alcohol is marketed to women while harms continue to rise. Dr Amanda Atkinson’s new blog cuts through the tactics and the impact on women’s health. A must-read for anyone working in prevention. 🔽 shorturl.at/e0j0D

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It’s time to call time on the use of gender stereotypes in alcohol marketing - Institute of Alcohol Studies

It’s time to call time on the use of gender stereotypes in alcohol marketing

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

Alcohol hits people facing stress, anxiety and deprivation the hardest. Reducing affordability, availability and promotion are proven to reduce alcohol harms and must be at the centre of national prevention policies. #ReduceAlcoholHarm @ias.org.uk @aha-uk.bsky.social

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Alcohol is widely available in supermarkets and local shops, and this has a direct impact on how much people drink. With more than 8 in 10 people in the NE viewing alcohol as a big problem, national action on affordability, availability and marketing remains essential to reducing harm.

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

The latest @aha-uk.bsky.social bulletin is out – a useful roundup of current alcohol policy and research. This includes: 1. New insights on young people & alcohol sports sponsorship 2. A new “Conversations about Alcohol” podcast 3. Upcoming events and resources for partners shorturl.at/NzpAM

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AHA Bulletin - March 2026 - Alcohol Health Alliance

Stay up-to-date with the latest in alcohol policy news from the Alcohol Health Alliance and its members. March 2026

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Reposted by Balance North East

Alcohol Health Alliance UK @aha-uk.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

📢Northern Ireland's Health Minister has announced Minimum Unit Pricing will not be introduced during this assembley, despite much support for the policy. Hugely disappointing news that will have grave implications for the most vulnerable in our society. Our full response: ahauk.org/news/mupnoti...

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

1/2 Breast cancer remains the UK’s most common cancer, with around 56,000 people diagnosed in the UK each year. Yet public understanding of alcohol as a risk factor is still low, and this gap in awareness limits prevention. #AlcoholIsToxic #ReduceAlcoholHarm @crukpolicy.bsky.social

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 22/03/2026

Alcohol is everywhere – and it’s causing serious harm. More than 8/10 North East adults see it as a big problem regionally & nationally. Thousands of lives are lost to alcohol each year. We need a national alcohol strategy based on evidence and effective action. Read our Blueprint 🔽 bit.ly/3TNh4er

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Flipbook

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 21/03/2026

Alcohol labels should tell people the truth. Right now, they don’t include information about the health risks – omitting the fact alcohol causes cancer. People have a right to know the facts so they can make informed decisions about their health. Listen to these NE people 🔽#RightToKnow

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

A must read. This roadmap from @ias.org.uk sets out the evidence-based policies the UK Government should take to reduce alcohol harm and save lives. Without stronger action, too many families and communities will continue to feel the impact. Read it here 🔽 www.ias.org.uk/report/a-hea...

ias.org.uk

A Healthier Future: A long-term vision to tackle alcohol harm in the UK - Institute of Alcohol Studies

Alcohol harm is a serious and growing concern in the UK, impacting people’s health and wellbeing, the NHS, social services, criminal justice, and our economy. These impacts are felt most by people on ...

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

Many people feel pressure to drink alcohol - at work, with friends, at celebrations. And people also recognise the harm. 8 out of 10 NE adults say alcohol is a problem regionally and nationally. We need evidence-based action on price, promotion and availability. @ias.org.uk @aha-uk.bsky.social

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Balance North East @balancene.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

Real lives. Real change. 💛 Our Reduce My Risk website is a hub of tips, advice, free tools like the Drink Free Days app, and local support, as well as inspiring stories. 🔽 www.reducemyrisk.tv

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