Two charities working to reduce the harm of alcohol abuse are to merge next year.

Alcohol Research UK (ARUK) and Alcohol Concern will consolidate by April 2017, a spokesperson confirmed.

The charities are currently working through the merger process with the intention of retaining all current staff across both organisations.

Professor Alan Maryon-Davis, ARUK chair, said: “Alcohol Research UK funds high quality and impartial research that addresses some of the most important issues and challenges in the alcohol harm reduction field today.

“Alcohol Concern is well recognised for its high-profile advocacy work to help reduce the many harms from alcohol misuse, and in particular for its excellent Dry January initiative. We see the marrying of evidence-based advocacy with our primary function of fostering research into reducing alcohol harm as a powerful strategic fit.”

Richard Sumray, chair of Alcohol Concern, said the merger was an “exciting moment” in the charity’s long history of campaigning.

He added: “The decision to merge with Alcohol Research UK makes absolute sense and I’m delighted that we’re going ahead as the work of the combined charity will only go from strength to strength.

“We hope our many supporters will continue to work with us as we make this journey to a new and improved organisation.”

Current ARUK chief executive Dave Roberts will continue his role after the merger. Joanna Simons, the current chief executive of Alcohol Concern, was appointed with a specific remit to look at options for the future strategy of the organisation and will remain in her post until the merger is completed.