GIVE yourself a break: That’s the message to people in the New Forest as a campaign to reduce health problems related to drinking begins.

The Safer New Forest Partnership will be holding an alcohol awareness roadshow on the village green – or public car park if wet – at Milford-on-Sea from 10am to 3pm on Monday, November 26.

Stephanie Bennett, New Forest District Council community safety co-ordinator and Sue Wilks, NFDC Health Policy Development Manager, will be handing out information about safe drinking and complementary items, such as an alcohol measuring cup, an alcohol calorie convertor, drink diaries and ‘know your limits’ scratch cards.

Cllr Di Brooks, NFDC portfolio holder for Health and Leisure, said: “Milford-on-Sea has been chosen because of the large numbers of older people. Some older people find themselves becoming more isolated, possibly through bereavement or infirmity, and often drink above the recommended limits on a regular basis.

“We want to promote alcohol-free days and remind people of the damage that drinking can do. Nationally, there is evidence of increasing alcohol-related illness in older people for a range of conditions, including falls, cardiac arrhythmias and hypertensive disorders.”

For more information visit www.hants.gov.uk/drink-less