Alcohol Change UK
Alcohol Change UK focuses on ending the harms caused by alcohol, collaborating with those who share our vision of ending alcohol harm and work to create a network of those committed to ending alcohol harm including: researchers, policy-makers, practitioners, corporate supporters, charity sector colleagues, people with first-hand experience and the general public.
Two of our campaigns highlight how a great night out can be enjoyed with less, or even no, alcohol.
Our ongoing campaign #StopSoberShaming shines a light on the many ways we might make others feel uncomfortable for not drinking alcohol – from subtle assumptions to pushing alcohol on friends when they have said no. This might be the decision not to drink alcohol for day, a month or indefinitely. By first highlighting unhelpful and upsetting behaviours, and then giving people practical tips to play their part in stopping Sober Shaming, our work aims to support relationships where alcohol isn’t always the centre of attention. After all, with so many venues now offering excellent no and low-alcoholic alternatives, there are even more reasons to enjoy what really matters – time with those we love.
Launched in 2018, the Try Dry® app is a free tool from Alcohol Change UK to help individuals explore and reset their relationship with alcohol by tracking units, calories, and money saved, and monitoring your wellbeing, sleep, and mood. Rooted in behaviour change science, the app enables people to set personalised goals, from participating in the Dry January® challenge to cutting down on drinking alcohol year-round and is available on Android and Apple devices.
In-app ‘Missions’ are designed to encourage trying out activities or situations without alcohol – from dates to nights out to attending sports events – helping users explore how socialising, hobbies and leisure doesn’t have to centre around alcohol to still be enjoyed.
More than 1 million people have downloaded the app, with strong evidence that it works! Research by the University of Sussex shows that users are twice as likely to complete a dry month whilst using the app and 70% reduce their drinking long-term, significantly improving health and wellbeing.
Alcohol Change: https://alcoholchange.org.uk/
Alcohol Change – ‘Let’s Stop Sober Shaming’: https://alcoholchange.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/stopsobershaming
Alcohol Change – Try Dry® app: https://alcoholchange.org.uk/help-and-support/managing-your-drinking/dry-january/get-involved/the-dry-january-app
Ask for Angela
Ask for Angela is a nationally recognised safety initiative designed to give anyone who feels vulnerable or unsafe in a public place a discreet way to seek help. By asking for “Angela” at the bar or reception, staff are alerted to provide appropriate support, such as reuniting them with friends or helping them leave safely.
The initiative was first developed in Lincolnshire in 2016 and has since been adopted across the UK, with growing international interest. It addresses a clear need to ensure that both customers and staff feel confident that help is available if required. Public awareness is unusually high for a safeguarding scheme, and venues that adopt Ask for Angela are recognised as proactive, caring and responsible.
Training is central to the programme. Staff should be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to respond appropriately to a range of situations, ensuring consistent and safe interventions. The scheme is supported by signage and communication materials that increase visibility and reassure customers.
To help venues set up successfully, Ask for Angela CIC was established and provides a range of options to support successful scheme setup. These include training materials, guidance and implementation support, many of which are free of charge.
Attitude is Everything
Attitude is Everything supports festivals, venues and events of all sizes across the UK to become more accessible for Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people.
We work with festivals, venues and events of all kinds. We also work with labels, publishers and umbrella orgs around access for artists and professionals.
Attitude is Everything delivers projects connecting disabled people with the music and live events industry to ensure Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people can participate within music and events as audiences, artists, professionals and volunteers. Over 200 organisations have signed up to our Live Events Access Charter. Over 600 artists and professionals are part of our disabled artist and professional networks and we have over 150 mystery shoppers each year. Now in our 25th year, our goal is to ensure disabled people can be as independent as they want to be when participating at all levels of the events economy.
For more information, visit: www.attitudeiseverything.org.uk