Alcohol Focus Scotland
@alcoholfocus.bsky.social
Scotland's national charity working to prevent and reduce the harm caused by alcohol.
Website: https://www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/
Alcohol Free Childhood Campaign: https://www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/Alcohol-Free-Childhood/
Website: https://www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/
Alcohol Free Childhood Campaign: https://www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/Alcohol-Free-Childhood/
Pinned
We're delighted that First Minister John Swinney recently pledged his support to our Alcohol-Free Childhood campaign ✍️
The campaign aims to ensure that children and young people grow up free from the harmful effects of #AlcoholMarketing
Read more 🔽
www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/news/news/al...
The campaign aims to ensure that children and young people grow up free from the harmful effects of #AlcoholMarketing
Read more 🔽
www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/news/news/al...
We're recruiting!
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Financial Controller (18 hours)
£43,000 pro-rata
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/9PbTQK
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Financial Controller (18 hours)
£43,000 pro-rata
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/9PbTQK
February 17, 2026 at 3:53 PM
We're recruiting!
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Financial Controller (18 hours)
£43,000 pro-rata
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/9PbTQK
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Financial Controller (18 hours)
£43,000 pro-rata
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/9PbTQK
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
"Was it simple? No. Was it powerful? Absolutely."
@FreeInRecovery's Jit Chauhan reflects on the journey to create culturally responsive recovery pathways for Black & Asian communities in Scotland. From doubt to hope to action.
Read his story & the full event report: www.shaap.org.uk/9030-2/
@FreeInRecovery's Jit Chauhan reflects on the journey to create culturally responsive recovery pathways for Black & Asian communities in Scotland. From doubt to hope to action.
Read his story & the full event report: www.shaap.org.uk/9030-2/
What a journey: Cultivating Cultural Recovery Pathways for Black and Asian Communities in Scotland - Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems
What a journey. Was it simple? No. Was it powerful? Absolutely. Cultivating Cultural Recovery Pathways for Black and Asian Communities in Scotland culminated in a session at the Royal College of…
www.shaap.org.uk
February 17, 2026 at 8:30 AM
"Was it simple? No. Was it powerful? Absolutely."
@FreeInRecovery's Jit Chauhan reflects on the journey to create culturally responsive recovery pathways for Black & Asian communities in Scotland. From doubt to hope to action.
Read his story & the full event report: www.shaap.org.uk/9030-2/
@FreeInRecovery's Jit Chauhan reflects on the journey to create culturally responsive recovery pathways for Black & Asian communities in Scotland. From doubt to hope to action.
Read his story & the full event report: www.shaap.org.uk/9030-2/
Great to see our #AlcoholFreeKids campaign being covered auf Deutschland!
Vielen dank @alkoholpolitik.bsky.social!
Vielen dank @alkoholpolitik.bsky.social!
3/5 @alcoholfocus.bsky.social hat sich mit der Scottish Health Action on Alcohol (SHAAP) und über 60 anderen Organisationen zusammengeschlossen, um den schädlichen Auswirkungen der Alkoholwerbung auf Kinder und Jugendliche in Schottland ein Ende zu setzen.
👉 www.alkoholpolitik.de/aktuell/euro...
👉 www.alkoholpolitik.de/aktuell/euro...
Kinder haben ein Recht auf eine Kindheit ohne Alkoholwerbung
Alkoholkonsum führt dazu, dass junge Menschen früher mit dem Alkoholkonsum beginnen, mehr trinken, wenn sie bereits Alkohol konsumieren, und zu viel oder problematisch viel Alkohol trinken.
www.alkoholpolitik.de
February 17, 2026 at 11:39 AM
Great to see our #AlcoholFreeKids campaign being covered auf Deutschland!
Vielen dank @alkoholpolitik.bsky.social!
Vielen dank @alkoholpolitik.bsky.social!
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
UK Gvt announced their online safety plans for children and they're missing a major piece of the puzzle...
🧩We need to protect u-18s from alcohol marketing via influencers and social media sponsors
👇SHAAP Chair, Dr Alastair MacGilchrist, comments on the proposal
www.shaap.org.uk/news/shaap-c...
🧩We need to protect u-18s from alcohol marketing via influencers and social media sponsors
👇SHAAP Chair, Dr Alastair MacGilchrist, comments on the proposal
www.shaap.org.uk/news/shaap-c...
SHAAP calls for alcohol marketing restrictions in online safety plans - Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems
16/02/2026 Commenting on the UK government’s plans to protect children online, SHAAP (Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems) are calling on the government to seize this opportunity to address the...
www.shaap.org.uk
February 16, 2026 at 4:00 PM
UK Gvt announced their online safety plans for children and they're missing a major piece of the puzzle...
🧩We need to protect u-18s from alcohol marketing via influencers and social media sponsors
👇SHAAP Chair, Dr Alastair MacGilchrist, comments on the proposal
www.shaap.org.uk/news/shaap-c...
🧩We need to protect u-18s from alcohol marketing via influencers and social media sponsors
👇SHAAP Chair, Dr Alastair MacGilchrist, comments on the proposal
www.shaap.org.uk/news/shaap-c...
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
New study concludes that "the current US alcohol warning fails to actively engage many alcohol consumers" and should be replaced with new, rotating warnings.
The study found only 27% of alcohol consumers read the warning label in the past month.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
The study found only 27% of alcohol consumers read the warning label in the past month.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Consumer engagement with the US alcohol health warning: A nationally representative study
The US has had the same health warning on alcohol containers since 1989. We sought to estimate consumer noticing, reading, and recall of the current U…
www.sciencedirect.com
February 13, 2026 at 10:10 AM
New study concludes that "the current US alcohol warning fails to actively engage many alcohol consumers" and should be replaced with new, rotating warnings.
The study found only 27% of alcohol consumers read the warning label in the past month.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
The study found only 27% of alcohol consumers read the warning label in the past month.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
With alcohol deaths at record highs in Northern Ireland, The Irish News calls for minimum unit pricing.
"If it is still the case that DUP voices are those blocking agreement, as reported in this paper last year, then they should come forward and explain...
www.irishnews.com/opinion/no-r...
"If it is still the case that DUP voices are those blocking agreement, as reported in this paper last year, then they should come forward and explain...
www.irishnews.com/opinion/no-r...
No reason for Executive to delay on minimum alcohol pricing - The Irish News view
Despite having the highest rate of deaths of the four UK regions, Northern Ireland has failed to follow the example of Scotland, Wales and the Republic in clamping down on cheap booze
www.irishnews.com
February 16, 2026 at 9:36 AM
With alcohol deaths at record highs in Northern Ireland, The Irish News calls for minimum unit pricing.
"If it is still the case that DUP voices are those blocking agreement, as reported in this paper last year, then they should come forward and explain...
www.irishnews.com/opinion/no-r...
"If it is still the case that DUP voices are those blocking agreement, as reported in this paper last year, then they should come forward and explain...
www.irishnews.com/opinion/no-r...
We're recruiting!
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Financial Controller (18 hours)
£43,000 pro-rata
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/9Pa2wd
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Financial Controller (18 hours)
£43,000 pro-rata
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/9Pa2wd
February 15, 2026 at 10:29 AM
We're recruiting!
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Financial Controller (18 hours)
£43,000 pro-rata
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/9Pa2wd
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Financial Controller (18 hours)
£43,000 pro-rata
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/9Pa2wd
We're recruiting!
AFS currently has vacancies for a Senior Co-ordinator (Policy).
Full time, £32,000
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/9Pa2yL
AFS currently has vacancies for a Senior Co-ordinator (Policy).
Full time, £32,000
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/9Pa2yL
February 13, 2026 at 1:29 PM
We're recruiting!
AFS currently has vacancies for a Senior Co-ordinator (Policy).
Full time, £32,000
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/9Pa2yL
AFS currently has vacancies for a Senior Co-ordinator (Policy).
Full time, £32,000
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/9Pa2yL
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
With news that alcohol-specific deaths continue to rise to record levels in Northern Ireland, the BMA's Dr Clodagh Corrigan says this is why minimum unit pricing is needed.
"Alongside MUP, it is essential that there is help available for those who want to address their drinking."
"Alongside MUP, it is essential that there is help available for those who want to address their drinking."
“Minimum unit alcohol pricing legislation is needed in Northern Ireland. It is a cost-effective way to tackle alcohol-related harms and reduce health inequalities.”
BMA NI Council deputy chair, Dr Clodagh Corrigan, comments on latest stats on alcohol-specific deaths.
www.bma.org.uk/bma-media-ce...
BMA NI Council deputy chair, Dr Clodagh Corrigan, comments on latest stats on alcohol-specific deaths.
www.bma.org.uk/bma-media-ce...
Comment on latest alcohol-specific death statistics for Northern Ireland - BMA media centre - BMA
Press release from BMA Northern Ireland.
www.bma.org.uk
February 12, 2026 at 9:21 AM
With news that alcohol-specific deaths continue to rise to record levels in Northern Ireland, the BMA's Dr Clodagh Corrigan says this is why minimum unit pricing is needed.
"Alongside MUP, it is essential that there is help available for those who want to address their drinking."
"Alongside MUP, it is essential that there is help available for those who want to address their drinking."
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
🏉 Scotland v England this weekend...
❤️ Passion!
🎉 Atmosphere!
🤔 Alcohol marketing?
SHAAP Chair Dr Alastair MacGilchrist shares what 11-17 yr olds told us: they see alcohol advertising at almost every match, recognise the tactics, and one even said "it just feels wrong"
❤️ Passion!
🎉 Atmosphere!
🤔 Alcohol marketing?
SHAAP Chair Dr Alastair MacGilchrist shares what 11-17 yr olds told us: they see alcohol advertising at almost every match, recognise the tactics, and one even said "it just feels wrong"
February 12, 2026 at 3:45 PM
🏉 Scotland v England this weekend...
❤️ Passion!
🎉 Atmosphere!
🤔 Alcohol marketing?
SHAAP Chair Dr Alastair MacGilchrist shares what 11-17 yr olds told us: they see alcohol advertising at almost every match, recognise the tactics, and one even said "it just feels wrong"
❤️ Passion!
🎉 Atmosphere!
🤔 Alcohol marketing?
SHAAP Chair Dr Alastair MacGilchrist shares what 11-17 yr olds told us: they see alcohol advertising at almost every match, recognise the tactics, and one even said "it just feels wrong"
We're recruiting!
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Financial Controller (18 hours)
£43,000 pro-rata
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/9Pa2yA
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Financial Controller (18 hours)
£43,000 pro-rata
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/9Pa2yA
February 12, 2026 at 12:31 PM
We're recruiting!
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Financial Controller (18 hours)
£43,000 pro-rata
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/9Pa2yA
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Financial Controller (18 hours)
£43,000 pro-rata
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/9Pa2yA
It's #LGBTHM 🏳️🌈
#LGBTQIA people experience higher levels of alcohol harm than their hetero/cis peers
It is crucial that alcohol treatment & support services are fully #LGBTQIA inclusive
Watch our short video for more 📽️
#LGBTQIA people experience higher levels of alcohol harm than their hetero/cis peers
It is crucial that alcohol treatment & support services are fully #LGBTQIA inclusive
Watch our short video for more 📽️
www.youtube.com
Pride Month: Why alcohol services must be LGBT+ inclusive
twp.ai
February 11, 2026 at 7:32 PM
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
When They Stop Trying To Fix It, Everything Changes... | Listen UP Episode 6 - Marie McGuire - LISTEN NOW!
In Listen UP Episode 6, therapist Marie McGuire shares why compassion is the key to helping young people in recovery.
EPISODE 6 - LISTEN NOW - lk2.app/luep6
#addictionrecovery
In Listen UP Episode 6, therapist Marie McGuire shares why compassion is the key to helping young people in recovery.
EPISODE 6 - LISTEN NOW - lk2.app/luep6
#addictionrecovery
February 11, 2026 at 11:26 AM
When They Stop Trying To Fix It, Everything Changes... | Listen UP Episode 6 - Marie McGuire - LISTEN NOW!
In Listen UP Episode 6, therapist Marie McGuire shares why compassion is the key to helping young people in recovery.
EPISODE 6 - LISTEN NOW - lk2.app/luep6
#addictionrecovery
In Listen UP Episode 6, therapist Marie McGuire shares why compassion is the key to helping young people in recovery.
EPISODE 6 - LISTEN NOW - lk2.app/luep6
#addictionrecovery
Record #AlcoholDeaths in Northern Ireland
It is particularly concerning to note delays in Northern Ireland implementing minimum unit pricing #MUP
The NI Executive should move at pace to introduce MUP as part of wider measures to reduce alcohol deaths
It is particularly concerning to note delays in Northern Ireland implementing minimum unit pricing #MUP
The NI Executive should move at pace to introduce MUP as part of wider measures to reduce alcohol deaths
Alcohol deaths in Northern Ireland reach another record high, with 397 alcohol-specific deaths in 2024, up from 341 in 2023
📈81% increase since 2014
♂️Double the deaths among men vs women
💷Four times the deaths in most deprived areas compared to least
datavis.nisra.gov.uk/vitalStatist...
📈81% increase since 2014
♂️Double the deaths among men vs women
💷Four times the deaths in most deprived areas compared to least
datavis.nisra.gov.uk/vitalStatist...
February 11, 2026 at 12:27 PM
Record #AlcoholDeaths in Northern Ireland
It is particularly concerning to note delays in Northern Ireland implementing minimum unit pricing #MUP
The NI Executive should move at pace to introduce MUP as part of wider measures to reduce alcohol deaths
It is particularly concerning to note delays in Northern Ireland implementing minimum unit pricing #MUP
The NI Executive should move at pace to introduce MUP as part of wider measures to reduce alcohol deaths
Fantastic quote at the @scvo.scot session on #TheGathering
"15 years on from Christie it's too late for incremental change. We need full on transformation."
"15 years on from Christie it's too late for incremental change. We need full on transformation."
February 10, 2026 at 11:47 AM
Fantastic quote at the @scvo.scot session on #TheGathering
"15 years on from Christie it's too late for incremental change. We need full on transformation."
"15 years on from Christie it's too late for incremental change. We need full on transformation."
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
Today is Safer Internet Day 2026.
There is significant association between exposure to alcohol ads & drinking behaviour, particularly among children. Social-media & video sharing platforms are ideal spaces for marketing, allowing alcohol companies to reach young people
www.webwise.ie/news/safer-i...
There is significant association between exposure to alcohol ads & drinking behaviour, particularly among children. Social-media & video sharing platforms are ideal spaces for marketing, allowing alcohol companies to reach young people
www.webwise.ie/news/safer-i...
Safer Internet Day 2026 -
Safer Internet Day will take place on 11th February, with the theme, “Prepare / Protect / Thrive: Navigating Algorithms and Influencers.”
www.webwise.ie
February 10, 2026 at 11:42 AM
Today is Safer Internet Day 2026.
There is significant association between exposure to alcohol ads & drinking behaviour, particularly among children. Social-media & video sharing platforms are ideal spaces for marketing, allowing alcohol companies to reach young people
www.webwise.ie/news/safer-i...
There is significant association between exposure to alcohol ads & drinking behaviour, particularly among children. Social-media & video sharing platforms are ideal spaces for marketing, allowing alcohol companies to reach young people
www.webwise.ie/news/safer-i...
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
It’s #COAWeek 2026!
Let’s break the silence around growing up with a parent who drinks too much.
The theme this year is helping ‘the next generation’.
Join the movement for change!
💙 COAweek.org.uk.
Let’s break the silence around growing up with a parent who drinks too much.
The theme this year is helping ‘the next generation’.
Join the movement for change!
💙 COAweek.org.uk.
Home - COA Week
COA Week 2024 | Together we can break the silence and help children affected by their parent's drinking know they're not alone.
COAweek.org.uk
February 8, 2026 at 8:36 AM
It’s #COAWeek 2026!
Let’s break the silence around growing up with a parent who drinks too much.
The theme this year is helping ‘the next generation’.
Join the movement for change!
💙 COAweek.org.uk.
Let’s break the silence around growing up with a parent who drinks too much.
The theme this year is helping ‘the next generation’.
Join the movement for change!
💙 COAweek.org.uk.
#TodayAtAFS we're at the @scvo.scot #TheGathering
Staff attending sessions right now on prevention & tackling health inequalities and AI.
Staff attending sessions right now on prevention & tackling health inequalities and AI.
February 10, 2026 at 11:15 AM
#TodayAtAFS we're at the @scvo.scot #TheGathering
Staff attending sessions right now on prevention & tackling health inequalities and AI.
Staff attending sessions right now on prevention & tackling health inequalities and AI.
We're recruiting!
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Senior Co-ordinator (Policy)
Full time, £32,000
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/9Pa3zb
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Senior Co-ordinator (Policy)
Full time, £32,000
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/9Pa3zb
February 10, 2026 at 9:32 AM
We're recruiting!
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Senior Co-ordinator (Policy)
Full time, £32,000
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/9Pa3zb
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Senior Co-ordinator (Policy)
Full time, £32,000
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/9Pa3zb
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
How can recovery orientated services empower communities to thrive?
Join @healthimprovescot.bsky.social, Harbour Ayrshire, Professor David Best & SHAAP's Dr David McCartney for insights on frameworks bridging harm reduction & recovery.
📅 3 March, 11am-1pm
Join @healthimprovescot.bsky.social, Harbour Ayrshire, Professor David Best & SHAAP's Dr David McCartney for insights on frameworks bridging harm reduction & recovery.
📅 3 March, 11am-1pm
February 9, 2026 at 3:26 PM
How can recovery orientated services empower communities to thrive?
Join @healthimprovescot.bsky.social, Harbour Ayrshire, Professor David Best & SHAAP's Dr David McCartney for insights on frameworks bridging harm reduction & recovery.
📅 3 March, 11am-1pm
Join @healthimprovescot.bsky.social, Harbour Ayrshire, Professor David Best & SHAAP's Dr David McCartney for insights on frameworks bridging harm reduction & recovery.
📅 3 March, 11am-1pm
Similar picture in many communities in Scotland.
Watch this space for a new project delving into this in the coming months...👀
Watch this space for a new project delving into this in the coming months...👀
Deprived areas have 70% more vape shops, bookmakers, off-licences and takeaways than in prosperous areas.
They also have half the number of childcare facilities and 25% less social infrastructure such as gyms, cafes and pubs.
For years IAS has...
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
They also have half the number of childcare facilities and 25% less social infrastructure such as gyms, cafes and pubs.
For years IAS has...
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
England’s poorest areas have 70% more vape shops and bookmakers than wealthier ones
Data shows deprived communities have more off-licences and takeaways and fewer childcare facilities and gyms
www.theguardian.com
February 9, 2026 at 12:11 PM
Similar picture in many communities in Scotland.
Watch this space for a new project delving into this in the coming months...👀
Watch this space for a new project delving into this in the coming months...👀
We're recruiting!
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Senior Co-ordinator (Policy)
Full time, £32,000
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/4iuonI
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Senior Co-ordinator (Policy)
Full time, £32,000
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/4iuonI
February 8, 2026 at 10:29 AM
We're recruiting!
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Senior Co-ordinator (Policy)
Full time, £32,000
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/4iuonI
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Senior Co-ordinator (Policy)
Full time, £32,000
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/4iuonI
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
ICYMI: New @StirUni research discovers the insidious impact of alcohol marketing on young people. @RickPurves explains more below
More info 👉 brnw.ch/21wZG85
More info 👉 brnw.ch/21wZG85
February 6, 2026 at 3:53 PM
ICYMI: New @StirUni research discovers the insidious impact of alcohol marketing on young people. @RickPurves explains more below
More info 👉 brnw.ch/21wZG85
More info 👉 brnw.ch/21wZG85
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
Approaching the end of my first week as CEO of @alcoholfocus.bsky.social. So impressed by our highly dedicated, knowledgeable and supportive team and the breadth of work going on, all underpinned by constant efforts to involve people affected by alcohol. I have lots to learn, but a great start.
February 6, 2026 at 3:51 PM
Approaching the end of my first week as CEO of @alcoholfocus.bsky.social. So impressed by our highly dedicated, knowledgeable and supportive team and the breadth of work going on, all underpinned by constant efforts to involve people affected by alcohol. I have lots to learn, but a great start.