An estimated 17.5 million Brits have committed to taking on the Dry January challenge of consuming no alcohol for the first month of 2026.

Christian anti-addiction charity Hope UK has urged churches to rethink their own relationships with alcohol as the New Year approaches, by implementing policies around its use in church spaces.

“A lot of churches will be having socials which can involve alcohol,” said Hope UK’s Mary Deller. “We are asking churches to be mindful about the impact alcohol has within congregations. We want to celebrate and have fun around the New Year, but it is a time when a lot of drinks are consumed.”

“Let's take the opportunity to be a positive influence by doing Dry January, and by encouraging others to do so as well,” Deller said.

“Within the average fellowship, there are going to be one or two people – maybe more – who are dealing with alcohol issues. They may be suffering themselves, or there may be a member within the family,” she added.

The charity is encouraging churches to break stigmas around “secretive drinking,” emphasising that many people are in denial of their own over-consumption due to feeling “ashamed.”

Practical strategies include church leadership structuring communion with alcohol-free wine options, and avoiding holding post-church social events in spaces where drink can be a temptation, such as pubs.

“Church needs to be a safe place where people can talk about these problems,” said Deller. “The key is being judgment-free. Let’s think about the way we talk about alcohol, and be aware that this is a huge issue.”