The charity formed by the merger of Alcohol Concern and Alcohol Research UK has taken the name Alcohol Change UK, it has announced today.
The two alcohol charities merged in April 2017, but the new charity's name, branding, website and strategy have been launched today to coincide with the start of Alcohol Awareness Week.
An Alcohol Change UK spokeswoman said the charities had merged to build on their successful campaigns, including Alcohol Concern’s Dry January campaign, and research into alcohol harm.
The new charity has 14 staff, new offices in London and an income of more than £925,000 in 2017/18.
The charity’s new strategy will focus on five areas:
- Improved knowledge
- Better policies and regulation
- Shifting cultural norms
- Improved drinking behaviours
- More and better support and treatment.
Richard Piper, chief executive of Alcohol Change UK, said: "Our new strategy being launIched today draws on the strengths and histories of our two predecessor organisations and an extensive consultation process involving hundreds of stakeholders, who generously shared their ideas to help shape our direction.
"This has resulted in an action-focused strategy designed to drive lasting change. Alcohol Change UK is committed to significantly reducing serious alcohol harm in the UK and to improving people’s lives."
Professor Alan Maryon-Davis, chair of Alcohol Change UK, said: "This is a truly exciting time to be launching our new merged charity.
"As trustees of Alcohol Change UK, we are determined to ensure our new strategy works towards coordinated change right across this spectrum. It’s quite an ambitious programme, but one we strongly believe is achievable and will help make a tangible difference to people’s lives throughout the UK."