Let's talk about alcohol: Midlife women's health in North Yorkshire

Healthwatch North Yorkshire has launched a new survey to better understand how alcohol fits into midlife women’s lives - whether to relax, socialise, cope, or for other reasons. 

The short anonymous survey explores drinking habits, emotional wellbeing, and how well local support services meet 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 midlife women is rising, often as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or life pressures. Yet their voices are often missing from the conversation.

The rate of alcohol-related NHS hospital admissions continues to rise across England.

In 2023, there were 10,473 deaths from alcohol-specific causes were registered in the UK (as reported by the Office for National Statistics). This is the highest number on record.

In relation to women, there are some worrying statistics.

Key facts

• Midlife women drink more frequently than younger age groups and face greater health risks due to hormonal and physiological changes.
  Source: Office for Health Improvement and Disparities: Women and alcohol
• Women account for 39% of alcohol-related hospital admissions in England.
  Source: Institute for Alcohol Studies
• In North Yorkshire, alcohol-related hospital admissions are above the national average in several areas — particularly for women aged 40 to 64.
  Source: Department of Health & Social Care
• Between 2019 and 2022, alcohol-specific deaths among women in England rose by over 30%, with those aged 50 to 59 most affected.
  Source: Office for National Statistics

Despite these figures, midlife women’s voices are often missing from conversations about alcohol and support services.

We want to change that.

Whether you drink regularly, occasionally, or have cut back, your story can help shape support that truly reflects real lives.

At Healthwatch, we’ve heard how people seeking help often feel treated as a group, not as individuals. Support organisations and healthcare services that listen, understand, and respond to real experiences 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.

What will happen with 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. What you tell us will help us:

• spot gaps in care or support
• raise awareness of overlooked issues affecting midlife women
• help us make evidence-based recommendations to local services, promoting more empathetic and flexible support

After the survey has closed, we will use what you tell us to write a report and share them with local decision-makers, the National Health Services (NHS), and community groups. We will make this available to you.

Questions about the survey? Get in contact

If you have any questions about the survey or how to take part, we're here to help.
Please note: Healthwatch North Yorkshire does not offer medical advice or individual health support, but we can signpost you to relevant services where needed.

As your local Healthwatch, we listen to real experiences and use them to influence people who make decisions in healthcare. When people speak up, services can improve - and your voice can help shape more understanding, relevant and compassionate support in our communities.