DRINKERS are being offered specialist support to help them manage their alcohol consumption.

The Oxfordshire University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has formed a new alcohol care team, featuring two trained nurses.

The team will offer services ranging from an informal chat to help with accessing community support.

Some of its aims include reducing the stigma surrounding people talking about their drinking and reducing repeat admissions to hospital as a result of alcohol-related complications.

One of the nurses, Victoria Reeves, said: “A really important part of our job is making sure people feel comfortable and able to talk about their alcohol consumption.

“There’s still a stigma about drinking in this country, especially around discussing our own habits, but illnesses such as liver disease are on the rise and over-consumption of alcohol is one of the main contributors.

“It’s very easy to over-consume alcohol without realising it – both men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units a week, but a single bottle of wine is 10 units and a pint of regular beer or lager is two units. These soon all add up when they’re left unchecked.”

The team has been launched to coincide with Alcohol Awareness Week and is holding a stand at the Churchill Hospital today and the Horton on Friday.