'Do you know when to stop?' alcohol advice tool

Developing a digital alcohol advice and referral tool for Greenwich residents

The Royal Borough of Greenwich commissioned SMG to create a digital tool to help residents better understand the risks of alcohol consumption and access confidential support.

The aim was to provide an easy way for people to self-assess their drinking, receive tailored advice, and, where needed, connect with local services.

Greenwich had been running successful public health campaigns around alcohol awareness, but needed a sustainable, interactive solution that could support self-referral and reduce reliance on paper-based processes.

We designed and developed an intuitive web application around the question “Do You Know When to Stop?”, based on a brief advice model. The tool allows residents to:

• Complete a short self-assessment of their alcohol use
• Receive instant, tailored advice based on NHS unit guidelines
• Access tips for reducing intake and staying within recommended limits
• Confidentially self-refer into treatment services when needed

The application uses a single-page architecture for a smooth user experience and includes a secure backend for managing content, anonymised referral data, and reporting. Automatic alerts notify local providers when a referral is submitted, while ensuring client data remains fully confidential.

Since launch, the app has been used by over 1,000 people in Greenwich. It continues to support residents in understanding their alcohol consumption, taking steps to reduce risk, and accessing professional help when required.

The live tool can be accessed at doyouknowwhentostop.co.uk