Regular readers will know that the His & Hers team have a lot of time for The Brink, Liverpool’s first dry bar and restaurant, which has amassed plenty of loyal fans since it opened in 2011 (including the Duchess of Cambridge, who famously got behind the bar during her first visit to Liverpool a few years ago). We also like sensible, easy to follow advice to feel a bit better, so when The Brink offered us their top tips, we couldn’t resist sharing them!
The team at The Brink is sharing its advice with the people of Liverpool to encourage a better lifestyle as part of World Health Day on Sunday, April 7th.
Part of national charity Action on Addiction, the venue offers a wealth of activity to support people affected by addiction whilst offering the general public an education on how to improve their general health.
As Liverpool’s only dry bar, The Brink has identified that making small changes such as taking up wellness classes or making alcohol-free days part of a weekly routine, could have a big impact on physical and mental health.
General Manager at The Brink Carl Bell said: “Health is at the heart of everything we do here at The Brink and we want to share this message with our community. Despite warnings and recommendations around our health, for many it can still feel difficult to put these changes into action and harder still to remove some of our bad habits altogether. We’re only months into the year, but I expect many of us have let those New Year’s Resolutions fall by the wayside and World Health Day is a good opportunity to reconnect with all those good intentions we had in January.”
“At The Brink we’ve created a community that is rooted in good health and wellbeing, we’re really proud of that. Just stepping through the front door is one giant leap towards healthier choices whether it’s simply for someone to talk to or if you’re looking to actively improve your lifestyle.
“When it comes to mental health or issues around loneliness, it can be difficult to take that first step and seek help – that’s why we have a big focus on social activities such as The Brink FC and weekly social groups which are accessible and free to attend. It means that anyone who visits us can find what they need, whether that’s a cup of tea or simply a friendly face. We’re here to help.”
The Brink’s Top Tips For World Health Day:
- Get your five-a-day, and then some
The World Health Organisation advise eating a minimum of 400g of fruit and veg every day which led to The NHS Five-a-Day campaign, but that figure varies elsewhere in the world. Canada and Japan recommend seven helpings of fruit and vegetables per day while the French are urged to consume 10 servings daily. Five 80g portions of fruit and veg are enough to meet the WHO guidelines but they do state that this should be considered a minimum so try and sneak a few more portions into your daily diet.
TOP TIP: Squeeze in up to three of your daily portions with one of The Brink’s 100+ healthy juice blends, priced at £2.95
- Drink less, drink responsibly but know that you don’t need to drink to have a good time
The UK’s ‘drinking culture’ has created a dangerous premise that going booze-free is boring but amid Liverpool’s bustling nightlife The Brink is challenging this national misconception that a night out, means a night drinking. As part of national charity Action on Addiction, The Brink works closely with Community Recovery Merseyside to provide vital support for those affected by addiction while creating a lively, welcoming space where everyone can enjoy great live music, poetry-readings, plays, performances and open mic evenings. The small changes you make to your lifestyle can have a great impact on your health and breakdown negative cultural attitudes to alcohol.
- Get active
Exercise really is something of a miracle – it can reduce your risk of major illness, extend your life expectancy, boost your self-esteem, improve your quality of sleep and it can be completely free. The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week which could include walking, swimming or cycling – anything which increases your heartrate. Taking part in team sports such as netball or football is a great way to get active and stay social and The Brink FC offers any budding footballers the opportunity to play five or 11-a-side football or just train every week if you prefer – get in touch to find out more.
- Don’t forget about your mental health
As a society famed for its stiff upper lip, we’ve come on leaps and bounds in the UK when it comes to talking openly and honestly about our mental health but there’s still lots to do. The Brink hosts weekly support groups and meditation sessions for those who want to make time for their mental health in a safe and supportive space.
TOP TIP: Follow The Brink on Facebook or Twitter for details on all weekly activities.
- Seek support
With addiction affecting thousands in the UK, The Brink provides a safe space for those suffering from the condition whilst offering support for their families. Seeking help is the first step to recovery and perhaps the most important stage in achieving a healthier and more fulfilled life.
The Brink offers a number of courses and support sessions for those looking to access abstinence-based treatment with its AD-PASS programme. AD-PASS is designed to investigate and understand problematic drinking and substance misuse behaviours, identify the possible causes and consequences of these behaviours, and to support positive lifestyle changes.
Similarly, the Brink of Change is a programme which offers confidential support, information and guidance to help members of the recovery community to prepare to take the first steps toward long-term change and becoming abstinent.
The Brink works closely with Community Recovery Merseyside to refer those in need to its structured treatment programme.
To find out more about The Brink visit www.thebrinkliverpool.com
You may also enjoy: 5 things that will (probably) make you feel happier
