Sober Non-Profit Launch: Sober Rebel Society is a new Manchester-based non-profit organisation, launching to support people who want to cut down, stop drinking or explore life without alcohol, offering peer-led support, community connection and alcohol-free social spaces.
New Alcohol-Free Event: The organisation is launching with a free sober social event at Hinterland, Manchester’s alcohol-free bar and café, on Saturday 28th February 2026. The event is open to the public and is designed for people who are sober, sober-curious or simply looking for social spaces that don’t revolve around alcohol.
Alcohol & Greater Manchester: The launch comes as alcohol-specific death rates in Greater Manchester remain above the England average, with alcohol-related hospital admissions continuing to place pressure on local services, while increasing numbers of people are questioning their relationship with alcohol beyond Dry January.
Founder’s Lived Experience: The organisation has been founded by Manchester-based Nicky Wake, who spent years hiding a serious drinking problem while running a business and raising her son. After her husband collapsed from a sudden heart attack at home, she used alcohol to cope with the trauma. He later died in 2020 after several years in specialist care, and Nicky’s drinking escalated through grief and lockdown until she reached crisis point in 2024, was admitted to A&E and entered rehab. Now 14 months sober, she speaks candidly about “functional” drinking, trauma, and why Manchester and the wider UK urgently needs alcohol-free community spaces.
Expect great vibes, great people and premium alcohol-free drinks from our partners Chance Cider and Lucky Saint.