A NORTH Berwick man is offering free support to those who would like to take a break from alcohol during the coronavirus crisis and ongoing lockdown.

Ruari Fairbairns started One Year No Beer five years ago, a programme that offers support to people who struggle with alcohol and provides help to survive modern society alcohol-free.

He is offering his 28-day challenge for free – something he says is “the right thing to do” – to all key workers and anyone who needs additional help to take a break from alcohol.

The programme gives people access to tips, advice and a members’ area, including a Facebook group, to support them on their journey.

Ruari said: “We strongly believe that now, during this pandemic, is more important than ever to look after ourselves, and one of the ways we can do this is by reducing our alcohol intake.

“When the virus first started I was seeing people put all sorts of things up on social media and I thought, ‘this is not the time to be drinking more’.

“We are currently experiencing the worst global pandemic of our lifetime, which has caused more adults across the UK to experience anxiety.

“The major problem here is that people are using alcohol as a coping mechanism and this is probably the worst thing that they could do. We want to help people to look after their mental health and live a better life.

“It’s a huge opportunity to help a lot of people every day but I’m frustrated that we can’t help more people.

“We are trying to improve our technology so this can happen.”

He added: “The NHS is under increased pressure and the last thing we want people to do is incur any other alcohol-related health issues, resulting in an urgent trip to hospital.

“Reducing your alcohol intake and making positive decisions about your health are both great ways to help keep the NHS safe and protect others, all from the safety of your home.

“I don’t think people have an idea about the impact alcohol has on their life until they get rid of it.

“People should give it a shot, even though they might not drink much.”

Ruari started One Year No Beer after taking a break himself from alcohol for 90 days, and experiencing the benefits.

So far, more than 5,000 people have signed up since the offer started two weeks ago. One Year No Beer currently helps more than 80,000 people worldwide.

For more information, visit oneyearnobeer.com