£25m lottery fund for alcohol projects

The Big Lottery Fund (Big) is looking for a lead partner to manage and deliver a series of projects which will aim to tackle alcohol misuse among older people.

Big will award £25 million to the successful partner to help develop a the programme, as part of the UK-wide Rethink Good Health programme.

Peter Ainsworth, Big’s chair said: “Most older people drink moderately and nobody is suggesting for a moment that older people should be discouraged from enjoying a well earned pint or a glass of wine relaxing with family or friends.

“There is a lot said about young people and binge drinking, but evidence is emerging about the problems of older people as they experience life changing events such as retirement, redundancy or bereavement.

“Today’s Big Lottery Fund £25 million investment will help call time on this trend by supporting evidence based preventative approaches to alcohol misuse amongst older people.”

It is hoped the projects will influence and inform policy and practice to help prevent late onset alcohol misuse by people aged 50 and over.

Alcohol misuse in older generations is a growing concern with health professionals, with an estimated 1.4 million older men and women in the UK drinking over safe limits.

The successful partner will be expected to develop an overall strategy and manage a portfolio of around 15 to 20 individual projects across the UK, with applications being accepted until 24 October.