Arclett x Croydon Council

Think Differently About Alcohol

This campaign has been developed by Croydon Council & Arclett to encourage earlier conversations about alcohol. Through lived experience, it aims to help people reflect on their relationship with alcohol, reduce stigma and support informed choices before harm escalates.

“This campaign is part of Croydon Council's work to help people stay healthy and well. It gives residents a chance to think about their drinking habits, whether they've noticed a change in their relationship with alcohol or are simply curious about cutting down or going alcohol-free.

Arclett offers a judgement-free space where people can access information to understand and improve their relationship with alcohol, while helping to make choosing not to drink feel more ‘normal’.

I encourage anyone in Croydon who is thinking about their drinking to visit the campaign. It can help you reflect on whether alcohol still fits with your health, wellbeing and what's important to you."

// Ruth Hutchinson, Director of Public Health, Croydon Council

Why this campaign?

Alcohol-related harm exists across a spectrum, with many people experiencing negative impacts long before they require specialist support. Public health therefore has an opportunity to reach people earlier ~ creating space for reflection and informed choices before harms become more serious.

Through lived experience, relatable storytelling and supportive messaging, this campaign aims to normalise conversations about alcohol, reduce stigma and encourage people across Croydon to think about what they want from their relationship with alcohol.

Partnership

Croydon Council's Public Health team and Arclett have worked together to develop a campaign that combines local public health priorities with lived experience and changing attitudes towards alcohol.

Arclett's community also plays an important role in shaping the campaign. Built around lived experience and the growing interest in sober curiosity, alcohol-free lifestyles & wellbeing, it provides ongoing insight into the conversations, barriers and motivations that influence people's relationship with alcohol. This helps ensure campaign content remains relevant, relatable and grounded in real experiences.

A new approach to alcohol prevention

Alcohol prevention has traditionally focused on raising awareness of harm and supporting people once alcohol has become a significant problem. Both remain essential.

This campaign takes a different approach by creating space for people to think about alcohol earlier. It combines lived experience with the growing cultural shift towards sober curiosity, alcohol-free lifestyles and wellbeing to make conversations about alcohol feel more relatable, relevant and accessible.

Information & wellbeing

Arclett delivers alcohol prevention that encourages earlier reflection and informed choices. While our role is to help start conversations before harm escalates, we are not a treatment or support service. If you would like further advice or support, Croydon offers a range of local services alongside trusted national organisations that can help.

  • If you’re ready to cut down on how much alcohol you drink, then Live Well Croydon can help.  Live Well Croydon offers a free 12 week programme designed to help Croydon residents improve their health and wellbeing. Their advisers are trained in helping people tackle unhealthy habits, which could be having a negative impact on their daily life or affecting relationships with family and friends.  If you have struggled in making these changes in the past, their Live Well programme can help you to succeed this time. 

    You can find more information on their service here: Live alcohol aware | Croydon Council.

    To check your eligibility and to self-refer, please complete a health MOT: Live Well health MOT | Croydon Council

  • If you are concerned about your own or someone else's drug or alcohol use, Change Grow Live Croydon can help. They provide free and confidential support for adults, as well as a dedicated service for young people under 25. To find out more or make a referral, visit Change Grow Live Croydon or call 0300 123 9288.

    For young people, please visit: Young People's Drug and Alcohol Service - Croydon.

    CGL Croydon adults service: Watch the video

    Young People's Team: What happens after a referral? Watch the video

  • For National support click here

Follow ‘Think Differently About Alcohol’ on LinkedIn

“More and more people are taking a step back and reflecting on the role alcohol plays in their lives. Whether you’re considering cutting down, taking a break from drinking or stopping altogether, it’s important to know that support is available. You don’t need to wait until alcohol has become a serious problem. Speaking to someone early can help you make positive changes that work for you and your lifestyle.”

// Executive Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry

About Arclett

Arclett is a prevention organisation that develops public health campaigns around alcohol. Through lived experience, social media and community engagement, Arclett helps normalise earlier conversations about alcohol before harm escalates.

Media & Press

For media enquiries about the campaign, partnership opportunities or interviews, please contact: scott.woolley@arclett.com

“Population health is shaped long before people reach treatment services. As conversations around alcohol evolve, from sober curiosity to low & no alcohol, more people are finding the language and permission to reflect on their drinking, whether driven by their mental wellbeing, finances or changing priorities. At Arclett, we believe prevention starts with making these conversations more accessible, relatable and less stigmatising.”

// Scott Woolley, Founder & Director of Arclett