RESIDENTS and organisations in Purbeck are being urged to give up or cut down their alcohol consumption for October.

Community leaders and medical experts are urging people to make the Purbeck Pledge and vow to change their drinking habits for the 31 days, or even go a bit longer.

Cllr Bill Pipe, local communities spokesperson for Purbeck District Council said: "By signing up to the Purbeck Pledge, people are thinking about how much they are drinking and making a decision to do something about it.

"For some, it’s just seeing if they can stick to the challenge for the month and others may continue with their new reduced alcohol regime for longer.

"It’s entirely up to the individual, but hopefully by the end of October one thing will be certain, the Pledgers will be feeling and looking better!”

Dr Alastair Ward, GP at Wareham Surgery, said: "I am delighted that so many residents are making the pledge and putting their health first.

"We hope that this campaign will help people to better understand how much they drink and learn about the practical ways to make it easier to cut down. Simple guidance is available via the Purbeck Pledge web pages and our colleagues at LivewellDorset are also offering assistance for those who want more support."

Get involved by signing up at dorsetforyou.com/Purbeck-Pledge to take the Purbeck Pledge or for more information call 0772 451 0367.

Everyone who signs up will receive a ‘Tips, Tasters and Tales’ newsletter to keep them motivated and on track during October.

They will also receive a directory highlighting local opportunities that could help them replace drinking with healthier habits.

Pledgers can also share their progress and support each other towards making a positive change on social media, using the Twitter hashtag #PurbeckPledge.

For further support and guidance on reducing alcohol visit livewelldorset.co.uk or call either 01305 233105 or 0800 8401628 to speak to someone in confidence.

The Purbeck Pledge is led by the Purbeck Integrated Health, Wellbeing and Social Care Forum which brings together a number of organisations including health organisations, Dorset County Council, Purbeck District Council, patients; and representatives from the community to engage and work together on issues relating to health and social care needs in Purbeck.

The Forum is supported by funding from the NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group.

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