Bristol charity launches choir among services to combat alcohol addiction

Sophie Wilsdon said people have formed friendships and recovered with BDP's support

A charity has launched a new service for people struggling with alcohol addiction.

Bristol Drugs Project (BDP) is offering a quiz which assesses how severe a person's alcohol dependency is, before offering them the right support.

The charity provides one-to-one chats, drama groups and a recovery choir.

A BDP spokesperson said: "We want to give people the opportunity to make really small changes where they can see a positive impact on their wellbeing."

Sophie Wilsdon, the creative community lead at the charity, said the new quiz is aimed at those who would not normally seek help, either because of the stigma around drinking or due to them not realising they have a problem.

"We know that Christmas and the winter period can be a really difficult time for people.

"It's so socially acceptable in our culture to drink; to say I want to cut down is still quite a challenging thing to say for some people," she added.

In 2014, BDP's Rising Voices recovery choir was formed.

Zoe Cormack's addiction impacted her mental health and wellbeing

Zoe Cormack, from Bristol, joined the choir in 2015 after she hit "rock bottom".

Speaking about the choir, she said: "It's one of those places where you can go and forget your troubles for a few hours.

"I've made some amazing friends and it's such a good community of people."

Ms Cormack has been sober for two-and-a-half years, following her involvement with BDP.

"Once you recognise that you need some help, then I think it's a step in the right direction."

"It's a long process. There are services that can be helpful, like BDP."

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