Chamber conversations: Jo Clarkson from Alcoholics Anonymous

At Business West, we're proud to support a diverse network of businesses, charities and organisations that are making a positive difference across our region.

As part of Alcohol Awareness Week (6th–12th July), we're featuring Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) as our Chamber Member of the Month, recognising the vital support they provide to individuals, families and communities affected by alcohol dependency, and their role in helping people build healthier futures.

My role within AA is as an Employer Liaison Officer (ELO), which means I am responsible for spreading the word about AA within the business community in the Bristol area. This is a voluntary role for me; I have a full-time day job in higher education, so I do as much as I can. It could be a full-time role!

As a member of AA, doing a service role really helps my sobriety – I get a lot out of helping people and organisations!

As an ELO, my goal is to assist employers to understand alcoholism in the workplace and advise on how they can support their employees – either directly or through promoting useful information about AA. 

Alcoholics Anonymous is a peer-to-peer support community of recovering alcoholics who help each other to stay sober ‘a day at a time.’ The activity revolves around free one-hour meetings where people share their ‘experience, strength and hope’ with each other.

We follow the 12 Steps, which create a recovery process that helps people change their mindset for long-term sobriety. AA is loosely spiritual and allows people to choose a ‘higher power’ to help them stay sober. It is worth mentioning that many people in AA are atheists – it is very accessible, and people can form their own way of doing recovery that works for them.

AA was founded in the USA in 1935 by a group of recovering alcoholics, medical professionals and supporters. It is decentralised and ‘fully self-supporting’, meaning it is not reliant on funding or other income streams. It also avoids affiliation with political or cultural interests, helping to keep it a safe space for recovery from what is a life-and-death illness. Anonymity is a protective mechanism that keeps everyone equal in AA and prevents strong personalities from taking over and causing division.

In the South West, there are hundreds of AA meetings which support people struggling with their drinking.

Alcohol Awareness Week is important because it helps challenge the stigma surrounding alcohol dependency. Many people still view alcohol problems as a lack of willpower, when in reality alcohol dependency is a complex health condition that can affect anyone, regardless of their background or profession.

Alcoholism is a life-threatening illness that destroys lives, sometimes quietly over many years. It is also devastating for those around the person, especially family and friends.

We have two free webinars over the summer for Chamber members to find out more about AA and how to tackle alcoholism in the workplace:

Tackling alcoholism in the workplace: Support, information and AA

Friday 17th July, 2:00pm - register your free place

Thursday 20th August, 2:00pm - register your free place

Please help spread the word!

Alcoholism remains hidden where there is shame and stigma. Employers can help by creating a confidential safe space for people to talk if they are experiencing problems, and also provide access to information about how to get help. 

Employers can further help by regular awareness-raising initiatives that educate managers and relevant staff. Employers can get in touch with AA, and representatives can attend events, provide leaflets and digital info or even organise bespoke initiatives – at no cost! 

AA has been a member of Business West Chambers for several years. We joined because it is a fantastic way of connecting with Bristol’s business community and communicating our message – that AA is here to help people suffering from alcoholism. 

The networking breakfasts and Zoom Around the Room events have been fantastic for networking, as well as being able to promote our offer of workshops and presentations. 

Definitely go for it! The events and online content/sessions are invaluable to any business – whether you're just starting up or are more established.