Today (11 May 2026), the ONS published its annual report on alcohol-specific deaths in the UK. The report finds:
- 70 deaths in Stoke-on-Trent, raised from 60 in 2023
- Between 2022 and 2024 a rate of 25.8 deaths per 100,000
- In the UK, 9,809 deaths from alcohol-specific causes were registered, the lowest number since 2021 (9,641 deaths)
- The North East had the highest rate of alcohol-specific deaths of any English region (21.1 deaths per 100,000)
Vicki Nash, Head of Service Delivery at CDAS, said:
“Today, our thoughts are with the families and loved ones who are living with alcohol-related bereavement. These losses are deeply personal, and they are felt across communities.
“Alcohol harm often stays hidden because people worry about being judged or feel their drinking isn’t ‘bad enough’ to ask for help. By the time support is reached, the risks can be much higher. But change is possible. When support is visible, accessible, and non-judgemental, people do come forward earlier, and harm can be reduced. We see that in our work every day.
“We are committed to making support for drugs and alcohol more visible and accessible across the city. Last year, we opened the doors to our new location in Hanley, launched a drop-in service where people can speak to a trained recovery worker without an appointment, and created a new website designed to make it easier to find information and access help.
We want people in Stoke-on-Trent to know that free, confidential, non-judgemental support is available to them at any time. We’re not here to judge. We’re here to empower people to take control of their own journey.”
Support from CDAS is available for free to anyone in Stoke-on-Trent who may be concerned about their own drinking, or someone else's.
No referral is needed to access support. Adults aged 18 and over can attend the drop-in service in Hanley, or anyone can call 01782 283113 during opening hours to speak to a trained recovery worker.
Drop in opening hours:
Monday to Wednesday: 9.30 am – 2.30 pm
Friday: 9.30 am – 12.30 pm
Address: Unit 2, Whittle Court, 5 Town Road, Hanley, Stoke On Trent, Staffordshire, ST1 2QE
Adult referral:
referrals@sotcdas.org.uk
Young persons referral:
ypreferrals@sotcdas.org.uk