Alcohol and midlife women's health in North Yorkshire

Healthwatch North Yorkshire is launching a new survey to better understand how alcohol fits into the lives of women in midlife – whether it’s for relaxing, socialising, coping, or something else entirely.

This short, anonymous survey aims to gather honest views about drinking habits, emotional wellbeing, and whether local support services are meeting your needs.

We know that alcohol can play many different roles in people’s lives – and we’re not here to judge. We simply want to better understand the lived experiences of women across North Yorkshire and make sure support is relevant, compassionate and accessible.

Alcohol and midlife women's health - share your experiences

Why this matters

Alcohol use among women aged 40 to 60 is rising, with many using it to manage stress, anxiety or life pressures. National data shows that midlife women drink more frequently than younger groups—and face greater health risks due to hormonal and physiological changes. (Source: Office for Health Improvement and Disparities: Women and alcohol).

According to the Office for National Statistics, between 2019 and 2022, alcohol-specific deaths among women in England rose by over 30%, with those aged 50–59 most affected. In North Yorkshire, hospital admissions linked to alcohol remain above the national average in several areas, particularly among women aged 45 to 64 (as reported by the Department of Health & Social Care).

Yet despite these figures, midlife women’s voices are often missing from conversations about alcohol.

We want to change that.

Your story—whether you drink often, occasionally or have cut back—can help shape support that’s truly relevant. At Healthwatch, we’ve heard how people seeking help often feel treated as a group, not as individuals. Services that listen, understand, and respond to people’s real lives lead to better outcomes.

By taking part, you’ll help us understand how midlife women in North Yorkshire can be better supported—not just around alcohol, but overall wellbeing.

How we'll use your feedback

Your responses are completely anonymous, and you don’t have to answer anything you’re not comfortable with.

We’ll use what you share to build a clearer picture of how alcohol affects the lives of women in midlife—and whether local support services are meeting your needs. Your insights will help us:

• highlight gaps in care or support
• raise awareness of overlooked issues facing women aged 40–60
• make evidence-based recommendations to improve services across North Yorkshire, encouraging more empathetic, flexible locall services

As your local Healthwatch, we listen to real experiences and use them to influence decision-makers in health and care. When people speak up, services can improve—and your voice can help shape more understanding, relevant and compassionate support in our communities.