The Alcohol Service London

13/06/2026

We would like to thank all of our volunteers that make a massive difference to our service!

Our volunteers at The Alcohol Service bring all bring something valuable to the service,

Being that person a new client really connects to, and who makes them feel comfortable

Helping to organise appointments and bookings

Volunteers who are qualified to offer additional counseling sessions

Volunteers with lived experience

And loads more!

Often people talk about the big milestones in recovery. So much happens to get to those milestones, including a lot that relies on the contributions of volunteers.

Thank you!

17/05/2026

If you are supporting someone through addiction or recovery try not to put all the pressure on yourself.

You can support someone and still have boundaries

At CGL we have a Families and Carers Service specifically to those that support others. Contact us for more information.

16/05/2026

This week has been Mental Health Awareness Week, and the theme was action.

Action does not have to be big. It could be replying to a message, getting out of the house for a bit, or booking an appointment you have been avoiding.

Sometimes action is just being a bit more honest about where you are at. If things have been difficult recently, support is there.

More information can be found here:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week/take-action

10/05/2026

If you are drinking most days and want to reduce, you don’t have to change everything all at once. You could try one thing:

• Start an hour later
• Switch to a drink with a lower ABV (% of the drink)
• Skip a day – make a plan that means you have something else to do where you won’t be drinking

Making a small change and making it a habit can help it stick, before you introduce another change.

* If alcohol is something your body relies on, speak to us or to a GP before cutting down

09/05/2026

That point where it goes from one or two drinks to a few more....

It's hard to stay in control if you don't have a plan. Setting clear goals doesn't mean you can't change your plan at a later date, but deciding in advance means you are not making decisions in the moment, or when you've already had a few drinks.

You could try this:
• Have a number in mind before you go out or start drinking
• Decide how often and on what occasions you intend to drink
• How much is enough in those circumstances?

This enables you to act with intention instead of reacting to emotion.

* If you are physically dependent, get medical advice before making changes

26/04/2026

If you are thinking about making changes to your drinking, try writing down what you had yesterday.

Actually write it and be precise. Most people are a bit off when they guess or try to remember. Do this over the next week to get a good idea of how much you are drinking.

If alcohol is something your body depends on, check with a GP before cutting down.

19/04/2026

Are you an adult who grew up in a home affected by alcoholism?

ACA is a 12 Step recovery program for adults who grew up in homes affected by alcoholism or other family difficulties. The focus is not only on substance use in the household, but on the lasting emotional and behavioural patterns that can develop in response to instability, neglect, or trauma.

Many participants identify with common traits such as difficulty with trust, people-pleasing, fear of authority, or challenges with emotional regulation and relationships.

There are currently 138 meetings around the UK.

We currently have 138 ACA meetings in the UK. You can use the drop-down headings to refine your search, or click for a map of all in-person meetings, or a list of all online meetings.

19/04/2026

MEN MATTER is a Free Community Day for Men’s Wellbeing.

Tuesday 28th April 2026
3pm-7pm (Drop in at any time)
Kensington Leisure Centre, W10 6EX

Men Matter is a space to get active, have a bit of competition, and connect with support that can make a real difference all in a relaxed, no-pressure environment.

What to Expect

• Test your speed and focus on the Batak reaction challenge
• Step up and get involved in the Football challenge
• Join a Tai Chi session
• NHS Health Checks
• Real Conversations and Connections
• Opportunity to win Spa Access

Why Come Along?

• Take a positive step for your health and wellbeing
• Discover support and activities available locally
• Meet others in a welcoming, informal setting

Find Out More

For more information, please contact Dalgarno Trust on 0208 969 6300.

Delivered in Partnership With
Change Grow Live, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Open Age, Community Living Well, Dalgarno Trust and Fit For Life Youth

We provide support for men who might be struggling with difficult emotions, such as low mood, stress and anxiety.

12/04/2026

Cravings feel strong but they do pass. Next time one hits:

• Set a timer for 10 minutes
• Drink some water
• If you can, go to another room or for a walk

When the timer ends, check how it feels. If this is happening a lot, it's worth speaking to someone.

12/04/2026

If you're thinking about cutting down or stopping, try this today:

Write down
• When you usually drink or use
• How you feel just before
• What you could do instead

Keep it short, for example
After work → stressed → go for a short walk

This is about noticing patterns and interrupting them.

If you want help with this, contact us or speak to your GP.

[If you are physically dependent reducing too much or stopping suddenly can be risky. Please get advice first]