From creating alcohol-free spaces to challenging stigma around drinking, women across the UK are helping to reframe what drinking less — or drinking differently — can look like. By sharing lived experiences and their work they are building communities based on honesty, choice and support without judgement.
This International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting four women whose work helps people reflect on their relationship with alcohol. Whether you’re looking to cut down or simply make small, sustainable changes that work for you, their stories remind us that you don’t have to do it alone.
Laura Willoughby MBE – Founder of Club Soda
Laura Willoughby MBE is the founder of Club Soda, a leading mindful drinking movement. Established in 2014, Club Soda supports people who want to cut down, take a break, or rethink their drinking habits without the pressure of labels.
After giving up drinking in 2012, Laura wanted to create a space for non-medical, non-judgemental support for people questioning their drinking. That led to Club Soda’s practical, inclusive approach, which ranges from online programmes and community support to the UK’s first Low & No Tasting Room in London.
Laura’s influence spans consumers, hospitality and the wider industry. A trustee for The Drinks Trust and Equal Measures, she regularly judges major industry awards and has been named one of the most influential people in drinks and hospitality. Her work continues to shape how moderation and alcohol-free choices are understood and normalised today.
Follow Laura and check out Club Soda on Instagram.
Rosamund Dean – Journalist, author and health coach
Rosamund Dean is a journalist, author and certified health coach whose work focuses on what she describes as “relatable wellness”. Following a stage three breast cancer diagnosis in 2021, Rosamund’s own relationship with health, alcohol and self-care shifted. She now writes openly about behaviour change, recovery and wellbeing, helping others navigate similar questions with compassion and realism.
Her book ‘Mindful Drinking: How Cutting Down Can Change Your Life’ explores how small changes to drinking habits can have a meaningful impact on physical and mental health. Through her writing, books and newsletter ‘Well Well Well’, Rosamund helps make conversations about alcohol feel accessible, thoughtful and grounded in real-life experiences.
Take a look at Rosamund’s Instagram here.
Denise Hamilton-Mace – Mindful drinking mentor and founder of Low No Drinker
Denise Hamilton-Mace is a journalist, mentor and the founder of Low No Drinker Magazine, a UK publication dedicated to the sober-curious and mindful drinking community.
After a 24-year career in hospitality, Denise began re-evaluating her own relationship with alcohol and noticed a gap in support for people who wanted to drink less but not necessarily stop altogether.
Her work focuses on “grey area drinking” — that space between social drinking and dependency.
Through her writing, podcast and mentoring, Denise specifically supports midlife women and parents as they navigate their own relationships with alcohol.
Follow Denise on Instagram here.
Sharon Gaffka – Campaigner for safer drinking spaces
Sharon Gaffka is an anti-spiking campaigner who has used her platform to push for safer drinking environments and stronger protections for victims.
After being spiked in 2020, Sharon began campaigning for spiking to be recognised as a specific criminal offence. Her work has helped raise awareness, challenge myths around spiking, and encourage better responses from venues, police and healthcare services.
Sharon’s advocacy highlights how alcohol-related harm isn’t only about consumption, but also about safety, consent and accountability. Her work continues to influence national conversations around public safety and drinking culture, ensuring that everyone can feel safer in social spaces.
Follow Sharon on Instagram here.
These women represent different experiences, backgrounds and approaches, but they share a common goal of making conversations about alcohol more open and informed. This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating and recognising the women helping people feel supported to better understand their relationship with alcohol and reduce alcohol harm.
Further advice and information
Learn more about how alcohol affects women differently and find some tips and advice on how to better understand your relationship with alcohol.