Mothers 'terrified' to seek help for alcohol abuse

Women struggling with alcohol issues in Blackpool have avoided getting help because they feared they might lose their children.

One mum said she was "terrified" she would lose her kids if she asked for help, according to the 2024/5 Healthwatch Blackpool report, delivered to Blackpool Council's Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny Committee.

The independent body, which acts as the champion for health and social care services in Blackpool, found "women, older adults and LGBTQ+ residents have little awareness of local alcohol services, stigma prevents access, and inclusive, person-centred support is needed".

Healthwatch said it now had a deeper understanding of alcohol issues for certain groups.

It said the Blackpool Alcohol Prevention and Harm Reduction Strategy (2024–2027) aims to improve access to alcohol support services, particularly for women, older adults (55+), and LGBTQ+ residents.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service writes that Healthwatch Blackpool engaged with 374 residents using surveys, focus groups, door-knocking and events, gaining vital insights into alcohol culture and "key barriers to support".

It found 40% of older adults use alcohol as a coping mechanism to manage stress, loneliness, or boredom. But 72% of women never used an alcohol support service in Blackpool.

A mum told the team: "I didn't access any services because I was terrified I'd lose my kids. I wouldn't even go to alcoholics anonymous."

The report said the research, "amplified the voices of underrepresented groups, gaining a deeper understanding of how alcohol support is provided in Blackpool.

"As a result, local strategies are now better aligned with community needs, prompting new service developments, shaping awareness campaigns, and ensuring that support feels more accessible for all."

The report said that over the 2024/5 year, 3,077 people shared their experiences of health and social care services with the Healthwatch Blackpool, helping to raise awareness of issues and improve care. 251 people came to the team for clear advice and information on topics such as communication with Blackpool Victoria Hospital and accessing NHS dentistry.

Amy Butler, Healthwatch Blackpool Manager, said: "Time and time again, they've told us what matters most to them and we've acted on it."

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