Dry January 2026
Dry January is a national campaign run by the charity Alcohol Change UK, whose aim is to raise awareness of alcohol-related harms and encourage healthier habits. The challenge encourages us to have open conversations about drinking and reflect on the role alcohol plays in our lives.
Alcohol use can affect our health, wellbeing, and relationships more than many of us realise. Alcohol Change UK reports that the estimated cost of alcohol to the NHS in England is £3.5 Billion each year, with health conditions such as liver disease increasing in prevalence.
Did you also know that calories from alcohol can add up quickly? A large glass of wine has around 225 calories, a pint of beer or lager has 222 calories.
Reducing your drinking can lower your risk of stroke, heart disease, liver disease and certain cancers. It can have a positive impact on your mental health, sleep and weight; and even save you money.
Alcohol use affects families as well; there are around 200,000 children in England living with an alcohol dependent parent, contributing to long-term harm and cycles of intergenerational substance use.
It’s also important to remember that harmful drinking doesn’t only affect those who appear dependent. Many people drinking at increasingly risky levels may seem outwardly well and functioning but are still carrying hidden health risks.
If you’re curious about your own drinking habits or up for a little challenge of trying a month without alcohol, why not give Dry January a try?
To mark this campaign Newham Rise (CGL) is running free events across the borough.
- Canning Town Station Friday – January 23, 2026 by 1pm to 4.30pm
- Forest gate station – January 28, 2026 by 1pm to 4.30pm
- Stratford the Broadway – January 30, 2026 by 1pm to 4:30pm
For more information on support available visit CGL Newham Rise (Adults Substance Misuse Service) – Drugs & Alcohol – Newham Council
You can also join the Try Dry 31 Anytime challenge, which has been designed to support people looking to reset their drinking habits by taking a 31 day break from alcohol. This can be started at any point during the month so you do not have to wait till another January.
