Celebrating International FASD Awareness Day 2024

The 9^th September is an important day for the FASD community. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of the condition and it’s prevention and diagnosis, advocate for neurodiversity and promote alcohol free pregnancies.

This year has been no exception for DRYMESTER. Armed with our key prevention message of ‘no safe time, no safe amount when pregnant’, we took to Media City in Salford, along with key stakeholders, families and friends from Greater Manchester FASD Network, GM ICP, Salford University and event organisers National FASD.

To raise awareness of the spectrum disorder, 660 baby grows were placed across the bridge during a busy lunchtime to symbolise the 660 babies born with FASD each year. A figure derived at using the lower percentage of Salford University’s prevalence research.

It was a humbling and impactful sight that stopped members of the public in their tracks as they enquired the event’s purpose. We were also delighted to be joined by Hits Radio and BBC North West, who interviewed Greater Manchester FASD network, National FASD, and DRYMESTER.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckg57kg3ly7o

Spreading awareness of the dangers of alcohol to an unborn baby is pivotal to reducing the numbers of babies born each year with FASD. Our aim is provide clear and concise messaging and advice from the Chief Medical Officer, to healthcare professionals and the general public through a range of resources available to download from this website.

On FASD Awareness Day 2024, National FASD released ‘Not Commissioned: Systemic confusion in NHS services for alcohol, pregnancy and FASD’, a biennial progress report on NICE Quality Standard 204 based on Freedom of Information requests.

The report shows that the majority of NHS Integrated Care Boards and NHS Trusts are missing a golden opportunity to protect baby’s brains and futures with their slow, non-strategic and uncoordinated responses to the 2022 NICE Quality Standard 204 on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

The report broadly suggests there is systemic confusion and a lack of coordination and commissioning across the NHS and features case studies to demonstrate the importance of NICE QS 204 and includes a call to action from National FASD.

According to the report, in the north west of England NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria and NHS Greater Manchester integrated care boards had not commissioned specific services for FASD.

But the board in Greater Manchester was praised for taking action to try to implement NICE guidelines. A specific spotlight is shone on Greater Manchester on page 60 of the report where it says:

“Greater Manchester stands out as an ICB that is prioritising NICE Quality Standard 204. Greater Manchester ICB are proactively ensuring that multi-sector services are aware of the kinds of improvements called for in the Quality Standard and they are embedding this work in key planning documents. Full implementation of the standard is a specific priority within the NHS Greater Manchester (GM) Joint Forward Plan”.

It goes on to add on page 80, “Clear national communication about FASD has been lacking. The DRYMESTER campaign and work in Greater Manchester is an example of how this can be done effectively.”

According to Róisín Reynolds, Strategic Lead-Population Health for NHS Greater Manchester, “NHS Greater Manchester takes its responsibilities, for the prevention of harm from alcohol-exposed pregnancies and the need for those with FASD to be diagnosed and supported, seriously. Since 2018, we have been a national exemplar in FASD prevention, awareness raising through our award-winning DRYMESTER campaign, diagnosis, treatment and support. We believe that this work matters and are encouraging other areas to take a similar approach. At the heart of our work are the people who have lived experience of this condition, and we are pleased to continue our relationship with National FASD to develop our Greater Manchester FASD Network, bringing people together and providing resources and support across our local communities.”

The GM DRYMESTER campaign and its resources can be downloaded for free from this website. For localities wanting to commission the prevention campaign in their region, please contact info@drymester.org.uk

In Suffolk, our focus is on positively impacting the health and wellbeing of expectant parents and their unborn children. Through collaborative efforts, we’re introducing the #DRYMESTER initiative to local communities. This initiative aims to educate individuals who are pregnant or planning pregnancy about the risks associated with alcohol consumption during gestation.

Consuming alcohol while pregnant can have severe consequences on the developing baby’s brain and body, leading to a range of lifelong disabilities known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). This umbrella term encompasses more than 400 conditions, including physical, mental, behavioral, and learning difficulties.

A prevalence study in Greater Manchester revealed that FASD could affect up to 3.6% of children, translating to approximately 247 babies born annually in Suffolk. FASD is entirely preventable, and by raising awareness, we aim to mitigate alcohol-related harm to unborn babies.

Recent research indicates that around 41% of pregnant women in the UK may consume alcohol, often due to conflicting advice passed down through generations. Our campaign is rooted in expert guidance, following the recommendation of the Chief Medical Officers: abstaining from alcohol entirely during pregnancy or when planning a pregnancy is the safest approach to minimise risks to the baby.

We understand that many pregnancies are unplanned. Therefore, our campaign stresses the importance of stopping alcohol consumption as soon as a woman discovers she is pregnant. We also provide healthcare professionals working with expectant parents with valuable tools to facilitate discussions and reinforce the message that there is NO SAFE TIME and NO SAFE AMOUNT of alcohol during pregnancy.

Join us in raising awareness to reduce risks to babies and support healthier pregnancies.

In Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, we’re dedicated to making a positive impact on the wellbeing of parents-to-be and their unborn children. Proudly collaborating, we’re introducing the #DRYMESTER conversation to our local communities to ensure those who could be pregnant or planning a pregnancy understand the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Consuming alcohol during pregnancy can have detrimental effects on the developing baby’s brain and body, resulting in various lifelong disabilities grouped as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). This umbrella term encompasses over 400 known conditions, ranging from physical and mental to behavioural and learning difficulties.

A prevalence study conducted in Greater Manchester revealed that FASD might affect up to 3.6% of children, equivalent to 405 babies born annually in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. FASD is entirely preventable, so through raising awareness, we hope to reduce alcohol harm to unborn babies.

Recent studies suggest that approximately 41% of pregnant women in the UK may consume alcohol, leading to conflicting advice passed down through generations. Our campaign is based on expert advice, the Chief Medical Officers guidance: If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, the safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all to keep risks to your baby to a minimum.

We recognise that many pregnancies are unplanned, so our campaign emphasises the importance of stopping alcohol consumption at the earliest opportunity when a woman discovers she’s pregnant and equipping healthcare professionals working with parents-to-be have helpful tools to guide their conversations and reinforce that there’s NO SAFE TIME, NO SAFE AMOUNT.

View valuable tips and advice here and join us in spreading awareness to minimise risks to babies.

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our new podcast, “FASD: A guide for Speech & Language Therapists.” This podcast aims to equip and empower Speech and Language Therapists, both learning and qualified, with the knowledge and tools to identify and address Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in children. By raising awareness and improving recognition of FASD, we can help reduce cases of this preventable disorder and provide better support to affected individuals and their families.

Listen here:

Watch the video edition here:

Understanding FASD
FASD is a brain-based disorder caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy. It affects millions of people in the UK, yet it remains chronically mis- or under-diagnosed. What sets FASD apart is that it can manifest in more than 400 co-occurring conditions throughout the body and across the lifespan. By delving into the language and communication aspects associated with FASD, this podcast provides valuable insights to help Speech and Language Therapists recognise the disorder’s various presentations. Find out more about FASD here.

The Role of Speech & Language Therapists
For most children with FASD, speech, language, and communication needs are prevalent, making Speech and Language Therapists crucial in identifying and supporting them. As the first point of contact for many families, Speech and Language Therapists play a vital role in ensuring early intervention and appropriate referrals to the multidisciplinary team. This podcast equips therapists with the knowledge to navigate the clinical presentation of FASD and understand the far-reaching impact on the lives of affected individuals and their families.

Expert Guests
The podcast features insightful conversations with leading professionals in the field, including Speech & Language Therapists Rachel Jackson and Morag Burns, who share their expertise and experiences in working with individuals with FASD. We are also joined by Sandy Butcher, the Chief Executive of the National Organisation for FASD, providing a comprehensive understanding of the disorder and its implications.

While the podcast primarily caters to Speech and Language Therapists, it also offers immense value for parents, carers, and educators of individuals with FASD.

Join us in this crucial conversation
To further enhance your knowledge on FASD and support services, we have included valuable resources and links below. These range from educational videos and guidance to organisations dedicated to FASD research, support, and training. We encourage you to explore these resources and extend your understanding beyond the podcast.

• NICE Quality Standard https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs204
• Me & My FASD https://fasd.me/
• National Organisation for FASD https://nationalfasd.org.uk/
• FASD Local Alliance https://fasd-uk.net/
• Fetal Alcohol Advisory Support & Training Team (FAAST) at Edinburgh University https://www.faast.ed.ac.uk/
• FASD Greater Manchester https://fasdgreatermanchester.co.uk/
• Greater Manchester FASD Network https://www.10gm.org.uk/fasd.html
• Primary Care podcast with Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Raja Mukherjee, Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children (focus on FASD) – https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-w4nts-12ca7ca

Approximately 41% of pregnant women are estimated to consume alcohol during pregnancy in the UK. Advice around drinking alcohol during pregnancy has been conflicting over the years and is usually passed along generations so there are many mixed messages about whether or not its safe.

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can affect how the baby’s brain and body develops which can lead to a range of lifelong disabilities. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is the term used to describe the range of lifelong disabilities and includes over 400 known conditions that can include physical, mental, behavioural and learning difficulties.

A recent prevalence study carried out in Greater Manchester found that FASD may affect up to 3.6% of children.1 Based on recent birth statistics, that’s the equivalent of 1,202 babies born in Hertfordshire and Essex each year.

Essex County Council and Hertfordshire County Council are proud to partner and join Greater Manchester to introduce the #DRYMESTER conversation and help reduce the likelihood of cases of FASD by ensuring those who could be pregnant or planning a pregnancy know the expert advice: If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, the safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all to keep risks to your baby to a minimum.

Since many pregnancies are not planned, some women may drink alcohol before they realise they are having a baby. If you are in this position, the best thing you can do for your baby is to stop at the earliest opportunity and avoid alcohol for the remainder of your pregnancy.

Keep an eye out on our social channels for more information, tips and advice and help us spread the word to keep risks to babies to a minimum and remember, there’s NO SAFE TIME, NO SAFE AMOUNT.

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1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34590329/