Guernsey Charity Launches Alcohol Consumption Scorecard

A Guernsey charity has introduced a new tool to help residents track their alcohol consumption and understand potential health impacts. The Health Improvement Commission has launched an alcohol consumption scorecard designed to provide a clearer picture of individual drinking habits.

The initiative follows findings from the 2023 Wellbeing Survey, which indicated that 35.2% of adults in Guernsey aged 16 and over who consume alcohol reported drinking more than 14 units per week. This exceeds the low-risk drinking guidelines set by the UK Chief Medical Officers, which recommend no more than 14 units weekly, spread over at least three days, with a minimum of two alcohol-free days each week.

Recognizing that estimating alcohol units can be challenging, the scorecard offers a practical method for individuals to calculate their weekly intake. The commission states that the tool is "tried and tested" and allows users to compare their results against the official guidelines. "The scorecard is about helping people get a clearer picture of where they are today and giving them the confidence to think about where they would like to be tomorrow," said a representative from the commission. "Small changes really can add up to a big difference, and for many people, simply knowing their number could help them consider whether any changes might benefit their health and wellbeing."