Brighton & Hove has launched a new monthly campaign, Healthy Conversations – Let’s Talk…, with the first focus on drugs and alcohol. The idea is simple but important: to make health more human and less stigmatised by encouraging residents to talk openly, learn, and reach out for help if needed. Across four weeks the city is sharing real stories, new data, and practical advice, while also pointing people toward local services and support.

The campaign highlights some stark local insights. According to Health Counts 2024, one in five adults in Brighton & Hove used non-prescribed drugs in the past year, and nearly half of adults drink above low-risk levels. Both drug-related deaths and harmful alcohol use are higher than the England average. These figures underline why creating space for open conversation and reducing stigma is so essential.

Beyond statistics, the campaign explores how drugs and alcohol affect health, families, and the wider community. Even so-called “low-risk” drinking is not without harm, with evidence showing impacts on sleep, dental health, and higher use of health services. Messages on reducing harm, from staying hydrated to carrying naloxone, aim to give residents clear, practical steps to protect themselves and others. Just as importantly, the campaign confronts the stigma around substance use, recognising that silence and judgement can keep people from seeking the support they need.

To coincide with Alcohol Awareness Week in July, Brighton & Hove is offering online workshops and sharing recovery stories. Local services such as Change Grow Live, RUOK, Brighton Oasis Project, Cascade Creative Recovery, community pharmacies and GPs are all part of the network of support. Residents are invited to take part in the Healthy Conversation by joining events, sharing experiences, or simply reflecting on what substance use means for their community. Together, the campaign aims to build a safer, healthier city where everyone feels able to talk and listen without judgement.

Find more from Brighton & Hove City Council (UK, July 2025)