AN ALCOHOL advice project is still finding people "oblivious" to the health risks associated with excessive drinking as it expands its services further into communities across the Bradford district.

The Piccadilly Project, a branch of the Lifeline charity, offers free and confidential advice, information and support for adults concerned about their own or someone else's alcohol use.

Now with a team of about 25 volunteers providing more than 300 hours support a week, staff are using Alcohol Awareness Week, which ends on Sunday, to continue a process of direct interventions to assess people's drinking levels.

"The number of people using our services is continuing to increase, through both GP referrals, and self-referrals through things like our breakfast clubs," said project co-ordinator, Faz Hafiz.

"Getting out in the community has been an eye-opener for a lot of people, making them think twice about how much they're drinking.

"We get people from all walks of life, but we're still finding people who are oblivious to the health complications, especially around alcohol dependency.

"It's not about asking people to stop drinking completely, it's about being aware of the levels that could have an impact on their health.

"This week has been about getting out there and spreading the message of what we do, and promoting the guidelines of what is acceptable in terms of your health, that is the most important thing."

According to public health figures from Bradford Council, up to 92,000 people across the district could be drinking at "hazardous" levels, with 17,000 said to be drinking at levels likely to result in physical or psychological harm.

As part of this week's campaign, Piccadilly Project volunteers have been at various locations across Bradford - including the Interchange, City Hall, A&E departments, and various city centre retailers - conducting alcohol audits, where people answer a series of simple questions to gauge their drinking levels.

Alan Hassell, of Birstall, has been a volunteer for the past eight months, supporting people who attend the project's drop-in sessions at Auburn House in Bradford, which are regularly accessed by more than 100 people.

He turned to Lifeline after a period of heavy drinking following the death of his wife and loss of his job, and is now tee-total.

"This keeps my mind active, and it's really helping with my recovery," he said.

"I can relate to the people who come here, you tell them what you've been through and they open up more and ask for advice."

Mr Hafiz said having volunteers like Mr Hassell was "invaluable" to give an empathy to those seeking help.

"People really appreciate talking to someone who has been through the same thing as they have," he said.

"It gives them a light at the end of the tunnel at a time when they think they've reached rock bottom."

To conclude the week, the project has organised a community event at Kala Sangam, on Forster Court, Bradford, from 1pm to 4pm tomorrow.

Aside from a host of activities for children, including a bouncy castle and face-painting, volunteers will be on-hand to provide information and advice on alcohol use for parents and families.

For more information, contact 01274 735775.