A new Alcohol Toolkit for Primary Care has been launched to help healthcare professionals confidently identify, discuss and respond to alcohol-related harm in everyday practice.
Developed through a collaborative programme led by the North East and North Cumbria Alcohol Harm Prevention Programme, the toolkit brings together practical resources, evidence-based guidance, training and support in one accessible location. It has been designed to help primary care teams have consistent, effective conversations about alcohol and connect people with the right support at the right time.
Alcohol remains a significant public health challenge, particularly across the North East and North Cumbria, where rates of alcohol-related harm are among the highest in the country. Yet many healthcare professionals report feeling uncertain about when or how to raise the subject with patients. The toolkit aims to address this by providing clear guidance, resources and learning opportunities that build confidence and support best practice.
The resource covers the full pathway of care, from screening and assessment through to delivering brief advice and making referrals to local support services. It includes:
The toolkit also reflects the importance of addressing health inequalities and creating supportive, person-centred approaches to care. By bringing together resources from local and national partners, it provides a practical starting point for primary care teams looking to strengthen their response to alcohol-related harm.
James Crosbie (GP, Gastroenterologist and Clinical Lead for Alcohol Harm Prevention in North East and North Cumbria) introduced the new resource during a recent Boost Lunch & Learn session. The session explored the evidence behind alcohol harm prevention, highlighted the role of primary care in early intervention, and demonstrated how the toolkit can support staff in delivering effective conversations and interventions. To learn more about the toolkit and hear directly from James Crosbie, you can watch the Lunch & Learn session recording here: https://boost.org.uk/lunch-learn-recording-introducing-the-alcohol-toolkit-for-primary-care/
The toolkit is now available and free to access: https://boost.org.uk/improve/alcohol-toolkit-for-primary-care/
You can also access learning from the Programme for Alcohol Studies here: https://academy.boost.org.uk/programmes/north-east-and-north-cumbria-programme-for-alcohol-studies
