More than 10,000 conversations helping people living in Glasgow make healthier choices

Thousands of short conversations taking place across Glasgow are helping people reflect on their drinking and make positive changes to their health and wellbeing.

Alcohol Brief Interventions (ABIs) are short, evidence-based conversations that support people to consider their alcohol consumption and make healthier choices. Delivered in a supportive and non-judgemental way, ABIs are a long-established Scottish Government priority aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm and improving health outcomes.

Every year, Health Boards and their associated Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) commit to delivering an agreed number of ABIs and alcohol screenings. In Glasgow City, local teams have significantly exceeded their target for 2025 to 2026.

Laura Kemp, Health Improvement Lead, said: “From 2025 to 2026, Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) Health Improvement colleagues worked with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde's Central Alcohol and Drugs Team and City partners to support the delivery of ABIs in Glasgow City. The team delivered 10,929 ABIs in Glasgow, more than double the target of 5,066 ABIs."

A key contribution came from Glasgow City HSCP's commissioned service, Murray's Initiative, formerly Glasgow Council on Alcohol, which continued to reach people in communities across the city.

Over the past year, the service delivered 1,047 alcohol screenings and 548 ABIs to members of the public in a variety of community settings, including libraries, health centres, supermarkets and hospitals.

In addition, Murray's Initiative delivered seven ABI direct delivery training courses, equipping 54 staff members across Glasgow City with the confidence and skills to have meaningful conversations about alcohol consumption with patients and clients.

Laura added: "Many clients who have had an ABI are then referred to local support services such as alcohol counselling within Murray's Initiative, if required. The impact of this for some clients is life changing. Clients who have accessed these services regularly report significant reductions in alcohol consumption, improved emotional and mental health, feeling better within themselves and being able to take part in activities they previously were unable to.

“Thank you to everyone across NHSGGC and our HSCP and community partners whose conversations made these results possible.”

The positive impact of the programme is reflected in feedback from those who have accessed support. One client said: “This has been a fantastic service, very welcoming. There is no judgement, they were understanding and offered such helpful support.”

To build on this success, Glasgow City staff are being encouraged to take part in ABI training and help reach even more patients and clients. ABI direct delivery training is free and takes place regularly across the city through Murray's Initiative, formerly known as Glasgow Council on Alcohol.

Training can also be delivered directly to teams and staff groups.

For further information about ABI training or support, please contact Graeme Mathew at graeme.mathew@nhs.scot or Laura Kemp at laura.kemp3@nhs.scot