EFFORTS to drive down alcohol-related deaths are continuing in Clacks, amid concerns that Covid-19 restrictions may be having a further impact.

Fresh figures from the National Records of Scotland show that there were 15 alcohol-specific deaths across Clackmannanshire in 2019.

And while the picture across Scotland has shown a 10 per cent improvement, the figure for the Wee County has nearly doubled from 2018.

On average, between nine and 11 people have been dying as a direct consequence of alcohol misuse in the Wee County since 1998, with annual figures fluctuating between five to 16.

And there are fears that coronavirus and safety restrictions could mean more people are developing a problematic relationship with alcohol.

However, a group looking to help people onto the path to recovery are committed to making a difference in Clacks and across the Forth Valley, even in the face of Covid-19.

Becky Wood, of the Forth Valley Recovery Community and senior recovery development worker at Addictions Support and Counselling Forth Valley, told the Advertiser: "I think we can't talk about the current situation without including what's going on in regards to the current pandemic.

"That's bound to impact on people's relationship with alcohol and that feeling of isolation.

"We have to think about the harm that causes and try build and maintain relationships with people, no matter what the circumstances.

"We are trying desperately to do that in the best ways that we can.

"Clackmannanshire has an issue with addiction, whether that's drugs or alcohol or anything else.

"Our aim is to improve people's lives holistically – every part of their life – so that people get an opportunity to eat better food, to have more opportunities available in education or just having more fun, getting together with like-minded people.

"I think that really is our ethos, to connect together and really be a power of example, to show people that your life can be better."

With the ongoing restrictions, members of the Forth Valley Recovery Community are holding activities online, rather than their usual recovery cafés, while recovery walks are continuing outdoors.

Becky added: "I think in the current climate, there are lots of people who are turning to alcohol to keep them company, to make them feel better, to take them out of their busy heads.

"I can see why alcohol is such a big issue in Scotland and especially in smaller areas, rural areas, where it's the way of socialising, connecting to others.

"We try to offer an alternative to that, we can't march people up to our activities, we just have to be there and be present."

People looking to get on the path to recovery from addictions can check out the Forth Valley Recovery Community on Facebook, call Addictions Support and Counselling on 01324 874 969 or check out the Forth Valley Recovers App for smartphones.