For some, the pandemic has brought with it a whole host of new stresses, while others have been prompted to take a good look at themselves. With warnings that Britain is facing a looming addiction crisis as millions turn to alcohol to cope, the leading habit changing programme One Year No Beer hope they have the answer.

They've recently launched their New Year Now campaign, helping to support people to make positive lifestyle choices immediately, rather than putting this off until January. Their aim is to get people back on a good physical and mental health footing, empowering them to commit to a longer alcohol-free streak than merely a month, whilst acknowledging the effect Covid-19 has had on their drinking. Having said that, anyone is welcome to sign up now and set their start date to New Year's Day!

Initially launched as a free service in 2015, the Edinburgh-based business provides users with an online toolkit for surviving modern society alcohol-free and now boasts more than 75,000 members across 90 countries. Unsurprisingly, its services have been more in demand than ever during our current crisis. Last month it was announced that OYNB would be partnering with Lincolnshire Council to deliver a free, self-help solution to those drinking at high-risk levels.

The programme was inspired by co-founder and CEO Ruari Fairbairns' own revelatory experience of taking a break from alcohol, following enormous social, peer and corporate pressures. Fairbairns, who was recently named Great British Entrepreneur of the Year for Scotland and Northern Ireland, believes that 'it has never been more important for us to help people change their relationship with alcohol, which leads to most people fundamentally transforming their lives.'

You don't have to quit drinking forever, the key to OYNB's success appears to be encouraging those signing up to instead undergo a mindset shift. As part of a supportive global community, members are empowered to break their habits and associations with alcohol in a way that lasts, as they learn to exercise self-control. They have access to email support, to a supportive Facebook or Slack community, to training and webinars with experts in fitness and diet, and to useful videos and downloads on topics like mindfulness and sleep. There is a range of online support packages available, stretching from 28 days to a year.

YouGov research commissioned by OYNB back in May found that 40% of the UK population experienced a decline in mental health during lockdown. With the majority of those participating in the programme reporting improvements to their mood, sleep, anxiety levels and productivity, alongside weight loss, and most choosing to carry on living alcohol-free after 90 days, those looking for a reliable way to turn things around may well want to give One Year No Beer a try.

To take the OYNB challenge, or for more information, visit www.oneyearnobeer.com/takethechallenge.