Find out more about our team and their roles and responsibilities.
Richard joined Alcohol Change UK as Chief Executive in September 2017, having previously worked for Mencap, NCVO and Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity and provided consultancy to many of the UK’s biggest and smallest charities. He is a trustee of the Children’s Chronic Arthritis Association and is an active volunteer for St Albans Woodcraft Folk.
Natalie joined Alcohol Change UK in August 2022. Natalie is responsible for marketing our key campaigns including Dry January, Sober Spring and Alcohol Awareness week. She works closely with our fundraising, public affairs, and consultancy and training teams, identifying opportunities to promote our services and increase engagement with our supporters. She joins us from LandAid, the property industry charity, where she was Senior Digital Communications and Content Officer and has experience working in homelessness and fertility.
Brie joined Alcohol Change UK as Corporate Partnerships Officer in April 2024. Prior to joining, Brie volunteered with us as a Community Champion and spoke at the All Party Parliamentary Group on Alcohol Harm.
Brie brings over 15 years of commercial experience, having previously worked in Account Management and Trade Marketing in the US. After relocating to the UK in 2021, she transitioned to the charity sector to apply her skills towards roles which provide greater community impact.
Paulina joined us as Fundraising and Engagement Assistant in June 2024. Her work focuses on the financial administration and recording of all fundraising income as well as stewarding our volunteers. Paulina also supports our online shop.
Previously, she held team leader and scientist roles in biotech industry and academia.
Jenni joined Alcohol Change UK in November 2017. Outgoing, creative and team-focused, Jenni maintains the running of the virtual and physical offices in addition to the People function, alongside the Chief Executive. She also organises the charity’s Governance needs.
Thea joined us as Behaviour Change Communications Officer in 2022. She works on the behaviour change programme within the organisation and supports the Digital Programme Manager on its delivery, as well as on the development and maintenance of our Try Dry app. Thea has wide experience in digital, social media and communications across the Third Sector and has come to us from the RNLI.
Angela joined Alcohol Change UK in September 2022 as Digital Programme Manager. She leads on the delivery of our flagship Dry January campaign and is responsible for improving the reach of our digital behaviour change offer, which includes our brilliant free app, Try Dry, online forums, email coaching journeys and more. Angela trained as a Psychologist in Australia and has worked in the alcohol treatment field for 17 years. She joins our team having previously managed digital products and services within the charity sector aimed at supporting people to reduce their drinking.
Sophie joined Alcohol Change UK in July 2024 to lead our press office and year-round proactive and reactive media engagement.
With more than a decade of agency and in-house experience, formerly as Deputy MD at national purpose-driven PR agency STORY, she's led a collection of award-winning media relations briefs and integrated behaviour change campaigns for charities, not-for-profits, public sector and corporate clients across the UK and overseas.
Beyond being an expert storyteller, Sophie is a proud tee-totaller and advocate for the mindful drinking movement. She'll be helping us to tell the story of alcohol harm and our work to tackle it via the media.
Jane joined Alcohol Change UK in January 2022 to manage our Consultancy and Training services, ensuring that as many practitioners and services as possible who provide support and treatment to people with alcohol problems are able to benefit from our training support.
Jane brings with her 21 years' experience in the charity sector, having undertaken a variety of roles at different UK charities including providing fundraising and service development consultancy to small charities and managing national training and support services.
Jane spends her spare time running - not only marathons but also after her two teenage boys.
If you'd like to find out more about our training and consultancy services, please get in touch: [email protected].
Rose joined the Finance Team at Alcohol Change in August 2023 as Finance Officer. Rose has worked in finance operations in the motor trade and healthcare sectors. For the last thirteen years she has worked in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation unit within the charity sector and has a passion to be able to contribute to the work done by Alcohol Change UK. In her spare time, Rose enjoys watching gymnastics, as her granddaughter trains and completes at national level and football. She is also a lifelong Arsenal supporter!
Megan focuses on everything regular givers and individual donations for Alcohol Change UK. Previously, she held roles at the Family Holiday Charity as the Fundraising Officer as well as a Finance Administrator at the Marylebone Project.
Laura joined Alcohol Change UK in July 2023 as Policy and Research Officer. She works on the development and understanding of research and policy about alcohol harm. She brings extensive research experience, having worked as an academic at the University of Brighton, University of Surrey, Kings College London, Brunel University, the Open University and Richmond, the American International University. Before her academic career, Laura worked as a fundraiser at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Ailar joined Alcohol Change UK in January 2022. She brings nearly a decade’s worth of policy and influencing experience, having worked for an MP and national charities Breast Cancer Now and Versus Arthritis. She is responsible for developing the charity’s evidence base on alcohol harm through our research and policy work. Ailar also leads on our influencing work, making sure that the government hears the voices of those impacted by alcohol harm through our amazing network of campaigners, and targeted public affairs activities to make sure that we are affecting alcohol policy in a meaningful way.
Danielle joined Alcohol Change UK as Head of Fundraising and Engagement in August 2019, she brings with her over 14 years of fundraising experience having previously worked at Spinal Research, Anthony Nolan, The Silver Line and NSPCC. She is also volunteers for ChildLine and Caris Bereavement Service.
Joe joined Alcohol Change UK in April 2024 as Head of Fundraising. Bringing with him experience across multiple high-value fundraising disciplines, for charities ranging from small/medium to the largest in the UK. With the foundation of this experience, he’ll be leading the fundraising team to drive forward Alcohol Change UK’s fundraising – to meet our ambitious 2024-29 strategy targets.
Susan joined Alcohol Change UK in 2021 as its Lived Experience Associate and went on to join the Consultancy and Training Team permanently in 2023. Susan is an author and speaker, and uses her lived experience of surviving life-threatening alcohol dependency to help bring a different perspective to the training and webinars she delivers for Alcohol Change UK. She is committed to removing the stigma still associated with alcohol dependence, and has contributed to the All Party Parliamentary Group on Alcohol Harm, as well as giving evidence at the House of Lords Commission on Alcohol Harm. Susan was recognised as a ‘Woman of The Year’ in 2020 for her work in alcohol addiction and founded Sober Code in 2023.
Mark joined Alcohol Change UK in August 2009, and is based in our Wales office in Cardiff. His role involves identifying and delivering research projects, and using strong networks to influence alcohol policy.
Sharon joined the Office, People and Governance Team in April 2024. Her role is to provide governance and administrative support to the Trustees and Executive Team. She has extensive experience of working at Board and Executive level in a range of charities.
Joe joined the Alcohol Change UK team in September 2023, having worked for many years across the charity sector. He has developed inspiring communications campaigns and public engagement strategies for organisations including Bite Back 2030, where he worked to empower young activists to fight for a healthier food system, and led communications for Birmingham City University and the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust. At Alcohol Change UK, Joe is responsible for developing effective ways to tell the stories of alcohol harm and to motivate people to get involved with key campaigns including Dry January.
Andrew is Alcohol Change UK’s Director for Wales, and has led the development of the charity’s work in Wales since 2009.
Zoe joined Alcohol Change UK in April 2023 as our Digital Communications Officer. She is responsible for developing and managing our social media channels, promoting our services and boosting our engagement within digital audiences. Zoe also supports our Digital Marketing Manager with the delivery of our key annual campaigns such as Dry January. Zoe has a background in digital communications and social media and joins us from Richmond Fellowship, a mental health service delivery charity.
Robin joined Alcohol Change UK in July 2022 from the Institute of Cancer Research where he managed challenge events and community fundraising. He brings 15 years’ experience working in fundraising for Sue Ryder, Sense, and Spinal Research, and looks forward to supporting all the sporty and community fundraisers at Alcohol Change UK.
You can often find Robin running somewhere, including taking part in race days with some of our participants. He uses this experience to share lots of hints and tips with our supporters to help them get the most out of their experience.
If you're considering fundraising for us - from a challenge event or organising a community activity - please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you: [email protected]
Luke joined Alcohol Change UK in May 2023 to promote alcohol harm awareness training to workplaces across the UK.
Coming from a background in hospitality, his introduction into charities started in March 2020 as a Support Worker helping provide support to over 200 homeless clients during an emergency temporary accommodation project.
Luke has seen first-hand the harm that alcohol can do from multiple perspectives. He understands how workplaces can be supported for employees, managers and employers to benefit from this service. Now he is responsible for attending networking events, providing information and creating bespoke packages of training to help reduce alcohol harm.
Speak to Luke today to find out how Alcohol Change UK can support your workplace: [email protected]
Shumita joined Alcohol Change UK in 2014. She supports our finance team with the day-to-day running of the department.
Kanishka joined Alcohol Change UK as a Project Manager in Consultation and Training in April 2024; he brings over 18 years of experience in international development and programme management, having previously worked at World Vision International and Ealing and Hounslow CVS.
Jaynee joined Alcohol Change UK as Senior Corporate Partnerships Officer in November 2021, helping to manage our Charity of the Year and Dry January partnerships programme.
Jaynee brings over 10 years of fundraising experience previously working for Kew Foundation, Bipolar UK, Marie Curie and the British Heart Foundation.
Jephia joined Alcohol Change UK in October 2022 as part of our fundraising team. She focuses on managing fundraising events and building relationships with supporters and volunteers dedicated to reducing alcohol-related harm.
Sven joined Alcohol Change UK in 2023 after a career break to complete their Masters in Creative Writing.
Sven has 10 years experience working in Fundraising and Business Development, and 10 years experience in Licensed Trade and Hospitality before dedicating their life to cleaner living, sobriety, and helping others.
Outside of work, you can find Sven sharing these experiences - performing poetry on stages as England's current Slam Poetry Champion.
Julie joined Alcohol Change UK in September 2015 having previously worked as freelance Communications Adviser to the European Communications Office and prior to that as Communications Manager at Ofcom, the communications regulator. A communications professional with over 20 years' experience, Julie looks after our brand and communications, focusing in particular on our website and information and advice content. Julie also supports with our media work and works on some of our amazing campaigns including Alcohol Awareness Week and Dry January®. Together with the Director of Marketing and Communications, Julie is also responsible for the promotion and implementation of our new framing toolkit which helps to shape the way we think and talk about the harms caused by alcohol.
Alexandra’s interest in alcohol policy began with the Young Scot Health Panel which developed recommendations and solutions for the Scottish Government to protect young people from alcohol marketing in Scotland. After almost three years in a Policy and Communications role with Alcohol Focus Scotland, Alexandra joined Alcohol Change UK in July 2024. Her role involves using the latest research to inform our policy positions, asks, and communications, including through our website and by responding to consultations.
Vrushika joined Alcohol Change UK in July 2023. She manages the All Party Parliamentary Group on Alcohol Harm and maintains the charity’s engagement with politicians, civil servants and our hard-working campaigners, as well as being responsible for the public affairs aspect of the charity. Vrushika has great experience with working with politicians, as she worked for MPs in Parliament starting her career there as an intern and eventually made her way up to Senior Parliamentary Researcher.
Sabina joined Alcohol Change UK as Finance Officer in April 2024, having previously worked for Skandia, AXA, HIH, Coface UK and Dacorum Borough Council. She is a qualified Chartered Accountant and has a wealth of experience in Audit, Financial Reporting and Management Accounting. She is responsible for payroll-related work and balance sheet reconciliations. Sabina is interested in music, travel and is also doing volunteering to help people in need.
Sonali joined Alcohol Change UK as Head of Finance in April 2023, having previously worked for YMCA St. Paul’s Group, SEMTA, Vocalink(Mastercard), GE Consumer Finance and Inchape Motors, providing a varied mix of financial controllership, reporting, process improvement and taxation support. She is an experienced qualified Chartered Accountant. She’s also a dedicated foodie and enjoys music and travelling.
Our associates
Lauren has worked for over 18 years in the alcohol sector. She is an experienced. Alcohol Change UK consultant, working with the charity since 2009. Lauren specialises in supporting the private sector to reduce alcohol-related harm and promote employee wellbeing. Her clients include British Telecom, Allianz Global, the Royal Navy and Eversheds Sutherland.
Lauren also regularly advises firms on the development and implementation of effective alcohol policies and supporting employees with alcohol problems. She is a qualified alcohol treatment practitioner and has extensive experience as an addiction counsellor. She is also a passionate advocate for recovery coaching and wellbeing promotion and helps businesses of all sizes to minimise the impact of alcohol on their workforce.
She has advised the government on the development of a model alcohol policy for employers and is an experienced speaker at national wellbeing events. Lauren is also a highly effective trainer, delivering courses on all aspects of alcohol, health and wellbeing.
Renato Masetti is currently the Drug and Alcohol Trainer for Health Outreach, Essex NHS Trust, co-ordinating and developing training opportunities in the field of substance misuse. He has been training in the field for over 20 years delivering his own unique and engaging training style to the Suffolk Workforce.
Ren is a qualified teacher and has a background teaching both adults and young people in a variety of settings. He has a certificate in Addictive Behaviour from St Georges Medical School and a Certificate in Relationship Psychotherapy from Thames Valley University, and in 2007 was awarded the Tom Waller Harm Reduction Award.
Ren has a special interest in New Psychoactive Substances and has presented papers at various conferences across the country on this subject, including The National Safer Injecting Conference in Glasgow. He has also provided training for DDN the national magazine and has recently delivered courses in Sheffield for the Salvation Army and the NDTMS in London.
Mike Ward is Senior Consultant at Alcohol Change UK. He comes from a social work background and was working in alcohol outreach in the 1980s in London. He founded and led Surrey’s Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service and has worked for Cranstoun and Kent Council on Addiction. He was also formerly Commissioning Manager (Mental Health & Substance Misuse) for Surrey Social Services.
Mike is now a full-time consultant and trainer and has worked in the substance misuse/mental health field for over thirty years. He wrote the Department of Health/NTA guidelines on running drug death review systems and is one of the two key drivers behind the Blue Light project which has won both a Guardian Public Service Award and a Royal Society for Public Health Award.
Mike has been asked to undertake a number of Safeguarding Adult Reviews (under s44 of the Care Act) by local authority Safeguarding Adult Boards. These reviews look at learning lessons from the deaths of clients who are already the focus of his work.
James has worked with adults and children in substance use treatment, children in care, youth offending and in social care. He has provided substance misuse training across young people’s services. James completed his master’s degree in social work and worked as a Children’s Social Worker in Derby and Derbyshire.
James is a member of MINT (Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers) and has delivered across a range of services and areas including Substance Misuse, Children’s Services (Social Care and Multi-agency Teams) and Youth Offending Teams.
James Lectured in Health and Social Care before setting up as a Freelance Motivational Interviewing and Safeguarding Consultant and Trainer. His 22 years working with Children, Young People and their families across 5 Local Authorities, has given him a wealth of knowledge and experience which he now brings to life in training.
At the heart of his approach to training is his compassionate approach and the belief that a collaborative approach to working with people to affect change in their lives works best.
Mark Holmes. BSc, RMN, SPMH has been a mental health nurse for over 25 years. In his career he has developed services in community treatment, hospital alcohol liaison, Brief Treatment, alcohol related long term conditions, digital healthcare, and end of life care. Mark was being twice awarded Nursing Times Awards; The Mental Health Nurse of the Year in 2012 and LTC Team of the year 2016. He currently is employed as a hepatology nurse specialist. He also works as a consultant for Alcohol Change UK co-authored the Blue Light Project and has had over 20 publications. He has been a member of many expert panels including at the WHO and currently sits on PHE expert group for alcohol treatment, NHS Alcohol Working Group, Alcohol Care Teams Steering group (ACTION).
Dave is an author, motivational speaker and sobriety coach. From the very start of his own sobriety journey he made the decision to chart his experiences on social media and @soberdave was born.
Dave feels passionately that by speaking as honestly as he can about the highs and lows of sobriety it will hopefully encourage others who may be sober or sober curious to do the same.
He hosts the top 10 apple podcast ‘One for the road’ and is a qualified Grey Area Drinking coach.
