Alcohol-specific deaths in Ealing rose again last year, with new Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures showing the borough recorded its second-highest annual total since 2001.
The ONS data shows 44 alcohol-specific deaths were recorded in Ealing during 2024, up from 41 in 2023.
Only 2018, when 46 deaths were recorded, saw a higher annual figure in the borough over the past two decades.
The figures relate to deaths from conditions wholly caused by alcohol, rather than illnesses where alcohol may only have been a contributing factor.
Long-term data shows alcohol-specific deaths in Ealing have fluctuated significantly since 2001, although numbers have risen again in recent years.
Deaths fell to 20 in 2017 before sharply increasing to 46 in 2018. Since 2021, the figures have climbed steadily, rising from 37 deaths in both 2021 and 2022 to 41 in 2023 and 44 last year.
The latest three-year rolling average published by the ONS for 2022 to 2024 gave Ealing an alcohol-specific mortality rate of 11.8 deaths per 100,000 people.
That was lower than neighbouring London Borough of Brent, which recorded a rate of 15.4 per 100,000, and London Borough of Hillingdon at 14.4, but higher than London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, which recorded 7.7.
Across the four boroughs, Brent recorded the highest number of alcohol-specific deaths in 2024 with 49, followed by Ealing with 44, Hillingdon with 34 and Hammersmith and Fulham with seven.
Nationally, the ONS said alcohol-specific deaths across the UK remained at “historically high levels” in 2024, continuing a trend that accelerated during and after the Covid pandemic.
Speaking to EALING.NEWS, a spokesperson for Change Grow Live, which provides support to people said: “The rise in alcohol-specific deaths in Ealing is deeply concerning and highlights the impact that alcohol-related harm continues to have in the borough and across the country. Behind every number are real people, families and communities affected, which is why a strong and coordinated response to reduce harm and prevent deaths is so important.
“Through Ealing Rise, we provide support for adults experiencing issues with alcohol and drugs, including treatment, recovery support, harm reduction and wider help with areas such as housing, employment, mental wellbeing and family relationships. Alongside our hubs in Southall and West Ealing, we also work across the community to reach people who may find it difficult to access services and to support people before problems escalate into crisis.
“We are committed to working alongside Ealing Council and local partners to ensure people can access the support they need. If you’re worried about yourself or someone else, please reach out to us. We are here to help, without judgement, and to support the wellbeing of our community.”
For those experiencing problems with alcohol, help and support in Ealing can be found here.
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