Alcohol charity starts text line

A new text messaging service for those with issues over alcohol has been launched in Nottinghamshire.

The Alcohol Problems Advisory Service, which is based in the county, said the service was for those worried about their own drinking or a family member.

It was a response to requests from users for a discrete way of discussing problems, the charity said.

Managers added that using texts was simply a way of making their service as accessible as possible.

'No age limit'

Nick Tegerdine, from Alcohol Problems Advisory Service, said the key was to give people lots of ways to get in touch.

"Now they can text, a lot of people use email and talk to us that way, but it doesn't really matter.

"It is about making sure people can get in touch easily, quickly cheaply and without fear of making their situation worse because they are being overheard or overlooked."

He added that email and text also allowed people to stay in control of a conversation if they were not ready for the pressure of a full meeting.

But Mr Tegerdine played down any suggestion the service was aimed at younger drinkers.

"We are successful at getting our message to all age groups and that message is that the worse thing you can do about a drink problem is nothing.

"It's nothing to do with age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity - alcohol does not discriminate."