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Alcohol awareness charity Drinkaware has partnered with Paydens to roll out its free Drinking Check across the group’s 128 pharmacies in the south east of England. 

Pharmacists are using the tool to assess people’s drinking habits to see if they are seriously impacting their health.

The Drinking Check is a three-minute online quiz that provides a personalised drinking score. It helps people understand the potential impact of their drinking habits on their health and offers tailored support for those who may need help in moderating their drinking, says Drinkaware.

Once the Drinking Check is complete, pharmacists will offer advice based on their level of risk. For those who score as “high risk”, pharmacists will work with local GP and alcohol treatment services to ensure they get the care they need, the charity says.

The partnership with Paydens has involved Drinkaware providing training on how to use the Drinking Check to all participating pharmacies. The initiative has also seen posters and leaflets distributed across the group to encourage customers to check their drinking.

Karen Tyrell, chief executive of Drinkaware, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to reach into the heart of these communities through this exciting partnership. [It is] a step towards normalising the regular checking of drinking habits. People routinely visit the doctors to check their blood pressure or cholesterol, so why shouldn’t the same apply to alcohol?”.

Shameera Chandrarajah, professional services co-ordinator at Paydens, added: “From the January results, our stores have completed over 100 Drinking Checks and engaged with patients throughout the month with amazing displays. We are proud to be supporting our communities by providing this vital tool to help people understand their drinking habits and make informed health choices.”