People are being encouraged to reduce their alcohol consumption in January and have a healthy start to the new year Wiltshire Council is encouraging local people to stay off alcohol for at least two days a week throughout January and beyond to see the positive effects this can have.

The council wants to build on the success of Alcohol Awareness Week in November, when hundreds of people visited road shows and signed up to commit to two alcohol-free days each week.

This will help people in their efforts to improve their general health, lose weight and save money.

To sign a pledge and commit to not drinking alcohol for at least two days a week during January people should visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/alcoholanddrugsadvice.

Keith Humphries, cabinet member for public health, said: “There is no better time to launch this campaign.

“At the start of the new year, resolutions are made and people look to improve aspects of their life. Staying alcohol-free, even for just a couple of days a week in January, will be a great way for people to start the year as they mean to go on.”

Maggie Rae, corporate director of public health, said: “If people can manage to stop drinking for only one or two days a week this will really make a difference. A great idea is for people to choose an alcohol-free drink they enjoy and see how they get on.”

For advice, information and guidance on alcohol or drug use call 0845 603 6993 if over 18 years old, and 0800 169 6136 if under 18.