Al-Anon Family Groups UK & Eire is for anyone whose life is or has been affected by someone else’s drinking. Al-Anon members provide one another with mutual support, by sharing their experiences with each other at an Al-Anon meeting. Al-Anon meetings are a safe place where you can talk about your own concerns and feelings or just listen to others until you are ready to share yourself. Whatever your relationship with the drinker, even if they have stopped drinking, left the family or passed away, you are welcome to attend Al-Anon. The groups are free to attend and completely confidential.
Al-Anon Family Groups UK & Eire have now launched their ‘You Are Not Alone!’ national campaign to highlight the powerlessness and isolation of many families living with alcoholism.
In a 2024 survey, 92% of individuals admitted to feeling isolated whilst living with a problem drinker prior to attending Al-Anon. Out of those people 98% felt that Al-Anon gave them a community of people to talk to. The campaign aims to raise awareness and provide vital support to individuals who are affected by someone else’s drinking, offering a beacon of hope and a reminder that help is available.
The You Are Not Alone! campaign is designed to reach those who may feel isolated or powerless due to the impact of someone else’s drinking. The core message is that you do not have to face this alone. Al-Anon Family Groups offers understanding, support, and shared experience for family members and friends who are affected by someone else’s drinking. Anyone seeking help can call their confidential Helpline 0800 0086 811 (UK), 01 873 2699 (Eire) 10am-10pm or by visiting their local meeting, of which there are a number throughout Essex.

The Al-Anon podcast episode
I recently had the pleasure of meeting with Graham and Kaurina who both received support from Al-Anon, and now give their time to assist others through the charity. The podcast can be listened to on Spotify or YouTube, and you can watch videos of their experiences on TikTok. There are approximately 700 support groups in the UK and Eire. By attending Al-Anon Family Group meetings, individuals discover that they didn’t cause the problem and cannot control or cure it. They also learn how best to cope with their situation by switching their focus from the alcoholic to themselves.
The campaign will include a variety of initiatives such as online and in-person support groups, educational resources, social media outreach, and a dedicated website page with information and case studies – visit Al-Anon UK & Eire’s campaign page. With Dry January 2025 having focused on promoting sobriety, You Are Not Alone! will complement this by offering support to families, friends, and loved ones who may be navigating the challenges that come with someone else’s drinking.
You Are Not Alone! is an important reminder that no one has to face the emotional, psychological, or practical challenges of alcohol misuse in isolation. Whether you are a partner, parent, child, sibling, or friend, Al-Anon’s confidential support groups are here to help. With over 65 years of experience, Al-Anon Family Groups provides a safe space for individuals to share their stories, learn from others, and discover ways to improve their own well-being. Anonymity is a key principle in Al-Anon meetings to protect the person attending along with their family and their Alcoholic.
For more information, please visit Al-Anon UK & Eire website.
If you would like to speak to a member of the Healthwatch Essex Information & Guidance Service about your own issues with alcohol, or that of someone you care for, please call us on 0300 500 1895 or email [email protected].
Sharon Westfield de Cortez, Information & Guidance Manager