Bath based charity Developing Health & Independence (DHI) hosted a “love your liver” day on Tuesday, 18th April offering free liver tests and health MOTs at its Adult Treatment Centre – The Beehive.

The fibroscanner, which was bought with donations from corporate sponsor Marlin Communications, in Peasedown St John, was used to do the liver checks and DHI and NHS staff were on hand to offer advice and further steps.

With our health services struggling, the drop-in event was aimed at increasing early liver health awareness. It offered people who might not normally have accessed a treatment service the opportunity to get their liver tested and talk to someone about what support is on offer, as well as offering self- help advice and options.

The number of adults treated for alcohol misuse in England has increased by ten per cent fuelled by a rise in drinking during lockdown. Experts say there are many more people struggling with drug or alcohol use who are not receiving treatment, and we have seen unprecedented demand in recent years.

The event was also used to showcase everything on offer at The Beehive Treatment Centre which provides a wide range of support options depending on needs. These include a popular gardening club, art therapy sessions and as well as a breakfast club.

Adult Treatment service manager Thea Pflaum said: “It was a really successful day with many people dropping into the Beehive. As well as getting their liver checked they were able to access a range of other therapies during their visit to us. It also gave us an opportunity to showcase everything on offer in our treatment centre. We are hoping people will come back and join us again as we have a lot going on.”

Rosie Phillips, CEO, said: “This early intervention is an important part of the work we do. Many of the people who chose to drop in to the event would probably not normally access this kind of health check. It is vitally important to ensure we provide practical support and advice to the people who are in most need.”