08 September 2026
WithYou has launched a specialist alcohol treatment pilot in Wigan and Leigh, embedding the latest UK clinical guidelines and evidence-based therapies directly into its new treatment pathway - ensuring people get the right help, at the right time, where they are.
Alcohol-specific deaths in the UK remain at near-record levels. Every life lost to alcohol is a tragedy, and national charity WithYou is working with local partners to do something about it.
The pilot is introducing and expanding a range of treatments, including relapse prevention medication, ultrasound liver checks for all alcohol-dependent clients, and early screening for alcohol-related brain damage. Every client identified as at risk will receive thiamine - a critical treatment for preventing brain damage and death - whether they are detoxing or not.
Alongside clinical intervention, the service is investing in its workforce through training aligned with NHS England’s national framework, ensuring all staff have the specialist skills needed for alcohol-specific care, and working closely with local memory clinics, GPs and health teams to wrap support around every client.
“Alcohol-related harm is a serious issue that affects many people in our community,” says Ariella Williams, Director of Nursing and Safeguarding for WithYou.
“No-one should be expected to navigate complex systems when they are at their most vulnerable.
"We are using the newest clinical treatments and guidelines to ensure people get the help they need - and by working closely with local partners, we can ensure people are met where they are.”
