Thanks sasha,
He lives in a small community, all his neighbours are aware of the problem, most of them wouldn't speak to him at mums funeral. Many docs, health professionals and social workers are also aware. He has been in all the local hospitals quite a bit. The drinking is not new. He has refused any help from alcohol liaison. He has just passed some sort of cognisance assessment and has been declared competent so I can't force anything. I haven't contacted mind or age concern, I will have a look at their sites now thanks. It seems that the more help he gets, the more he is able to drink.
Did your friends partner get better or get the help he needed?