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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

2/2 Alcohol-specific deaths have risen accutely, including rising deaths from alcohol related liver disease among younger women. Kelly’s story shows how regular drinking can hide real harm – and how stopping can be life changing. Support matters. Help is available ReduceMyRisk.tv #ReduceAlcoholHarm

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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

2/2 When Chris cut down, the early days were tough. But he quickly noticed real benefits: more mental clarity, better judgement, and pride in small wins. His story is a reminder that cutting down is a process - support, patience, and permission to reset after slip-ups are important.

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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

2/2 With alcohol so cheap, heavily promoted and widely available, it’s no surprise this concern endures. Availability shapes harm — and communities are feeling the impact every day. Listen to the North East people 🔽 youtu.be/Rog0_6jqpCw

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The availability of alcohol. Public opinions.

YouTube video by BalanceNE

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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

2/2 The positive message is that this is one risk factor people can change. Cutting down on alcohol is a simple, achievable step that can help lower future bowel cancer risk. #BowelCancerAwarenessMonth #PublicHealth @ias.org.uk @aha-uk.bsky.social

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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

2/2 Alcohol is a direct cause of at least 7 cancers, including breast cancer. The risk increases with every drink - there is no completely safe level. People have a right to clear, honest information so they can make informed choices about their health. youtu.be/5fFqzH-FprM

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Sheridan: It was a big shock to be diagnosed with breast cancer.

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

2/2 “You’re not losing anything – you can gain so much.” Vikki’s experience reflects what many people notice when they take a break from alcohol: clearer mornings, better mood, and more headspace. More support at www.reducemyrisk.tv/

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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

...risk levels - often without realising that alcohol increases the risk of at least seven types of cancer and other health conditions, such as heart disease and stroke. The positive message: alcohol is a risk factor we can change. Read our press release here 🔽 shorturl.at/yMJ6m

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Bowel Cancer Awareness Month – alcohol is putting thousands at more risk in the North East - Fresh Balance

Alcohol is one of the causes of bowel cancer but simple, achievable steps can help lower cancer risk For Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, Balance is highlighting how cutting down on alcohol is one import...

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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

fresh-balance.co.uk

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

2/2 Support and early help can change lives, just as Carlie’s recovery shows. Nearly 200,000 people have visited our Reduce My Risk website in the last two years – real support for everyone who would like to cut down or cut out alcohol. shorturl.at/i3XAd

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Carlie: How leaving alcohol behind helped me reclaim my family life - Reduce My Risk

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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

2/2 Laurie from Newcastle nearly died from alcohol – she questions why alcohol is so available in our society? #ReduceAlcoholHarm @ias.org.uk @aha-uk.bsky.social

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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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