STAFF at a rehab facility in Bolton is hoping the new easing of restrictions doesn’t make people over-indulge - as it put out a ‘let us help you’ plea.

Acquiesce, based in All Saints Street, treats people for alcohol and drug misuse and gambling addictions.

The recent relaxation of pandemic restrictions has meant people can get out and about more - enjoying pubs, clubs and bars without a need for social distancing.

And while Acquiesce service manager, Danielle Robison, doesn’t believe it will necessarily lead to a huge spike in those seeking help, the service is prepared to deal with those who do.

She said: “People’s drinking increasing because they are in social situations is possible and people over indulging because they have not been out for a while is possible too.

“We don’t know these things yet but we could see an increase in a few months time after things have been back to normal for a while. We don’t know until that point but we are ready to deal with people who come our way.

“We have been operating normally throughout the pandemic and we are ready to help people who do want to face their problems.”

A report by Public Health England (PHE) earlier this month documented trends in alcohol consumption and harm since the onset of the pandemic. The findings show an increase in total alcohol-specific deaths, driven by an unprecedented annual increase in alcoholic liver disease deaths above levels seen pre-pandemic.

This was despite pubs, clubs and restaurants being closed for around 31 weeks during the national lockdowns.

And amid the increase in deaths, Acquiesce staff say ‘just give us a call’ to those in need of help.

Danielle added: “We are always telling people to get in touch if they need help and support. We can give advice and signpost them to the most appropriate service or body too.

“People should just give us a call. There is no obligation to continue with the treatment but we can signpost you in the right direction. We can tell people to look for xyz.”