Churches across the UK are being encouraged to actively support Dry January this New Year, as thousands and thousands of individuals commit to a month without alcohol.
Approximately 17.5 million adults are expected to take part in the annual challenge in January 2026, in line with campaign organisers, making it considered one of the most important alcohol-awareness initiatives within the country.
Dry January is run by Alcohol Change UK and invites participants to abstain from alcohol for 31 days, with the aim of helping people reassess their relationship with drinking.
Research linked to the campaign suggests participants often report improved sleep, higher concentration, increased energy levels and financial savings, alongside longer-term health advantages.
Christian anti-addiction charity Hope UK has called on churches to reflect on how alcohol is used inside congregational life and to contemplate practical steps that make church spaces more inclusive for those fighting drinking.
Speaking ahead of the New Year, Hope UK trustee Mary Deller said alcohol-heavy socialising stays common in lots of church settings, particularly around seasonal celebrations.
“Lots of churches will probably be having socials which might involve alcohol,” she told Premier Christian News. “We are asking churches to be mindful concerning the impact alcohol has inside congregations.”
Ms Deller noted that alcohol-related harm often goes unseen in church communities, with some individuals drinking in secret or feeling unable to talk openly about their habits attributable to shame or fear of judgement.
She said: “Within the common fellowship, there are going to be one or two people – possibly more – who’re coping with alcohol issues. They could also be suffering themselves, or there could also be a member throughout the family.”
Hope UK is encouraging church leaders to take visible steps during January, including offering alcohol-free communion options, selecting non-drinking venues for post-service gatherings, and speaking openly about alcohol in a sensitive and informed way.
Organisers emphasise that the challenge is just not about judgement or abstinence for its own sake, but about creating space for reflection and healthier selections — a goal Hope UK says aligns closely with the Church’s pastoral role.
The charity believes Dry January provides a natural opportunity for churches to model healthier attitudes and to open conversations about wellbeing, addiction and support.
“Church must be a protected place where people can speak about these problems. The key’s being judgment-free,” Ms Deller said. “Let’s think concerning the way we speak about alcohol, and remember that it is a huge issue.”
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