A new series of free, alcohol-free wellbeing workshops is launching in Milton Keynes this month.
The workshops, run by local man Matt Pink, will offer people the chance to explore life with less alcohol – or none at all – in a relaxed, supportive and non-judgemental environment.
The workshops are part of the Dryy Impact CIC Alcohol-Free Accelerator, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, and are designed specifically for what organiser Matt Pink describes as “middle-lane drinkers”.
These are people who may not identify as having a problem with alcohol but are curious about taking a break, drinking less, or removing alcohol altogether to see how it impacts their health, mindset and overall quality of life.
The sessions are not therapy, counselling or crisis support. Instead, they focus on offering practical tools, open discussion and a fresh perspective on alcohol in everyday life, and exploring what life looks like with less alcohol involved.
Matt has spent the past five years building one of the UK’s most visible and positive alcohol-free communities, helping thousands of people reassess their relationship with drinking in a way that feels empowering rather than restrictive.
“My approach has always been about curiosity, not labels,” Matt said, “These workshops aren’t about telling anyone what they should or shouldn’t do. They’re about giving people space to ask questions, try something different, and see how life can feel without alcohol in the mix.
“I grew up in Milton Keynes and love living here - it’s a great city with great people. I’m on a personal mission to help more people see what life can be like without alcohol playing such a big part and I can’t wait to bring these sessions to my hometown and hopefully help others transform their lives like I did.”
Matt’s own journey underpins the project. After experiencing significant personal loss and a period where alcohol became a way of coping, he made the decision to stop drinking nearly five years ago. The impact transformed his life, improving his mental health, confidence, relationships and sense of purpose and he hasn’t looked back.
Since then, Matt has authored an Amazon best-selling book ‘Better Me, Better You’, co-founded an alcohol-free community app, and delivered some of the UK’s biggest alcohol-free events, including the sold-out No Booze Cruise in London and DryyFest in 2024.
Now, he’s bringing that same energy and experience back to Milton Keynes.
The first workshop takes place on Wednesday 25 February, from 7pm to 8pm at Broughton Pavilion, with a further 18 monthly sessions planned across the city.
Broughton Pavilion will act as a regular base, alongside a small number of rotating community venues to ensure accessibility for residents across Milton Keynes.
Each session is free to attend, welcoming and practical, with time for discussion and reflection. Booking is recommended via Eventbrite, but walk-ins are welcome where space allows.
“This is about showcasing a modern-day approach to alcohol-free support and showing people that there’s another lane available,” Matt added. “And I’d love more people to see for themselves that cutting down on alcohol still allows you to socialise, enjoy yourself, and still feel like you, just with more energy, clarity and headspace.”
For tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/
Follow Matt on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/
