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That’s a wrap on our 13^th Dry January^® challenge! So, what’s next?
People across the UK brought a Jan-do attitude to better health and wellbeing by taking on this year’s Dry January^® challenge using our dedicated tools and resources, designed to bolster their commitment and enhance their experience.
It’s been brilliant to see so many enthusiastic participants truly boss their month off booze and achieve their goals, and we’ve been delighted to be with them every step of the way. Taking on the challenge helps participants gain invaluable learning and new skills for taking control of our drinking for February and beyond.
So, what else is next? In this newsletter, read more about our responses to the UK Government's road safety strategy, the National Cancer Plan, and the continuation of a minimum alcohol price in Wales - and much more!
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Funny AF: 100% Proof Jokes, 0% Proof Drinks
Inspired by our findings that 45% of UK drinkers believe they’re funnier when drinking alcohol, we delivered a one-night-only comedy special - hosted by Tom Rosenthal - to prove you can get tickled without getting pickled.
Find out more ([link removed])
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The Dry January® challenge: Separating fact from fiction
Is an alcohol-free January better with support? Joe Marley, our Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, reflects on the impact of the Dry January® challenge with the Institute of Alcohol Studies.
Read the IAS blog ([link removed])
** Latest news and updates
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New road safety strategy: opportunity for action
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The UK Government has unveiled its first road safety strategy ([link removed]) in over a decade, aiming to cut road deaths and serious injuries by 65% by 2035. It includes plans to consult on lowering the legal drink-drive limit in England and Wales, which hasn’t changed since 1967 and is the highest in Europe.
Lowering the legal limit will reduce road collisions and save lives. There is clear evidence that a person's ability to drive is affected after consuming any amount of alcohol. We support reducing the limit to 9 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, or 0.02% blood alcohol content (BAC). This will send a clear message that the legal level is essentially no alcohol beyond what may naturally exist in someone’s body – and we know that clear messaging results in better outcomes.
Alcohol Change UK has welcomed ([link removed]) the announcement and is preparing our response to the consultation ([link removed]) which closes at 11:59pm on 31 March. We will share our draft response in advance and encourage everyone interested to respond, as the consultation seeks views from all road users.
Read our drink-driving policy insights ([link removed])
National Cancer Plan: More action needed to keep us all healthy
The Department for Health and Social Care has published its new National Cancer Plan. While the plan contains some strong measures around screening, diagnosis and treatment, what's missing are any new measures targeting alcohol harm to prevent cancer, beyond what's already included in the 10 Year Health Plan.
Yet the evidence is clear that alcohol consumption increases our risk of cancer, even when drinking alcohol at lower levels. Our recent research found that even among those of us drinking under 14 units of alcohol a week, which the Chief Medical Officers define as “low risk”, we see higher prevalence of cancer.
That's why we're calling on the Government to take more action to reduce the affordability, availability, and marketing of alcohol to make our environment less alcohol-centric and improve our health.
Read our response to the National Cancer Plan ([link removed])
Minimum alcohol price to rise in Wales
Minimum unit pricing (MUP) is here to stay, in Wales at least. Members of the Senedd voted on two measures – one to make MUP permanent in Wales; and one to increase it from 50p per unit to 65p to keep pace with inflation, as has already happened in Scotland.
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Pricing alone cannot solve every alcohol problem, but by removing the cheapest, strongest drinks from the market, MUP makes a significant contribution to reducing alcohol harm.
Find out more ([link removed])
Our policy statement: Action on alcohol during the next Senedd 2026-2030
Alcohol Change UK has joined together with Adfam, Adferiad, Barod, and Kaleidoscope to call for all Members of the next Senedd Cymru (the Welsh Parliament) to commit to eight key changes to significantly reduce alcohol harm in Wales.
This includes a clear direction for reducing alcohol harm through an updated Welsh substance use strategy, trauma‑informed and compassionate approaches, targeted outreach to support the most vulnerable alcohol‑dependent people, access to safe detox, consistent identification and treatment of ARBD, the removal of sobriety requirements for mental health support, better support for affected children and families, and stronger joint working between domestic abuse and alcohol treatment services.
Read our policy statement ([link removed])
Record number of offenders tagged to stay sober over festive period
New figures from the UK government show a record 4,800 offenders were fitted with alcohol tags over the Christmas and New Year period. The tags monitor alcohol levels in sweat 24/7 and alert probation officers if someone drinks, which can lead to further court action or prison.
Read more on GOV.UK ([link removed])
** Get involved
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Join our alcohol, drugs and young people webinar
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Want to understand the real impact of substance use on young people?
This webinar offers a clear introduction to the major issues surrounding drugs and adolescents, including the latest trends and the unique effects substances have on developing brains. You’ll also learn how to recognise commonly used drugs, understand their risks, and spot early warning signs. By the end, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to intervene and support young people effectively.
The webinar will be held online on 19 February from 10am to 12pm.
Sign up today ([link removed])
Interested in joining us as our next Community Champion?
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Volunteer as an Alcohol Change UK Community Champion and help us to raise awareness, prevent the harms caused by alcohol, and campaign for change. Whether you can help out in your local community or assist the cause online, there is a place for you to join the community.
Become a Community Champion ([link removed])
Take the leap and help end alcohol harm
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There’s still time to make 2026 the year you take on something extraordinary. If you’ve been thinking about taking on a skydive this July as part of Rise and Raise ([link removed]) , marking Alcohol Awareness Week (6–12 July), now’s the perfect moment to secure your spot.
Sign up before the end of February and your registration fee is just £35 instead of £70.
You’ll have a fundraising target of £395, but you won’t be doing it alone. We’ll support you with simple fundraising ideas, ready‑made resources, and one‑to‑one guidance to help you feel confident from the very start.
Take the leap before the deadline and help create a future free from alcohol harm.
Ready to Rise and Raise? Email our fundraising team (mailto:
[email protected]?subject=Rise%20and%20Raise%20skydive&body=)
** Latest blogs
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Nikki’s Story: “I challenged myself to 90 days alcohol-free - and discovered who I really am”
How an extended break transformed Nikki’s life and led her to the TEDx stage.
Top tips for managing your drinking after your dry challenge
If you think you’d like to go back to drinking and would like some advice on how to manage your drinking going forward, here are some tips for you.
Read Nikki’s story ([link removed])
Read our top tips ([link removed])
As a charity, we rely on donations from our amazing supporters to help us continue our vital work to end alcohol harm.
Together we are changing the narrative, so no-one is made to feel ashamed about their drinking and can get the help and support they deserve.
Be a part of our mission. Donate today. Change lives. ([link removed])
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Copyright © Alcohol Change UK
Copyright © 2026 Alcohol Change UK, all rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Alcohol Change UK
Unit 7, Finsbury Business Centre Clerkenwell
40 Bowling Green Lane
London, EC1R 0NE
United Kingdom
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