bringing together AA members, professionals and members of the public to raise awareness of the help available to people struggling with alcohol.
The event was also attended by the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Kevin Sproston, who went along to learn more about the work of Alcoholics Anonymous and the support available locally.
During the event, local AA members shared their personal experiences of alcoholism and recovery as part of an AA meeting.
There was also a presentation explaining how Alcoholics Anonymous works, followed by an open question and answer session giving members of the public and professionals the chance to find out more about AA and how people can be helped.
AA has a significant presence across Plymouth, with 16 face to face meetings every week. They take place seven days a week and at different times of the day, giving people a choice of when to attend.
The size of meetings can vary considerably. Some smaller meetings may have just five or six people, while some of the city’s larger meetings can attract around 100.
For somebody walking through the door for the first time, there is no requirement to speak and no referral is needed. Newcomers are welcome to simply sit and listen.
Most meetings are closed, meaning they are for people who have a drinking problem or think they may have one. Some groups also hold open meetings which can be attended by family members, friends, professionals and others interested in understanding how AA works.
Alcoholics Anonymous is free to attend and there are no membership fees. Meetings are confidential and the organisation is self supporting through contributions from its members.
AA is not affiliated with any religion, political organisation or outside institution and does not endorse or oppose outside causes. Its primary purpose is to help members stay sober and to help others recover from alcoholism.
The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking, so anyone in Plymouth who is worried about their drinking, or wondering whether AA might be for them, does not need to wait for another awareness event to find out more.
To find a meeting in Plymouth, visit the official Alcoholics Anonymous website or call the national AA helpline on 0800 9177 650.
Photographs © Wayne Perry / Plymouth Post