LAUREN BOOKER
Independent Alcohol Consultant, Trainer, Coach & Author
About me
I’m an alcohol consultant, trainer, coach, and author with over 20 years’ experience helping organisations reduce alcohol-related harm and build healthier, more supportive workplace cultures.
Work
I specialise in working with HR professionals to create meaningful change—whether that's developing effective alcohol policies, equipping managers to respond confidently to concerns or embedding wellbeing strategies that truly support your workforce.
My work is grounded in compassion, evidence and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities HR teams face when addressing alcohol in the workplace. From shaping proactive policies to offering tailored support for individuals, I bring a practical, people-focused approach that delivers real results. I am a founding member of Dry January and have spent over two decades supporting organisations, charities and public bodies to take evidence-based action on alcohol.
Services
I partner with organisations to review and strengthen their alcohol-related policies and procedures, ensuring they are inclusive, legally sound and aligned with broader wellbeing goals.
I deliver bespoke training for HR teams, managers, and employees, designed to raise awareness, build confidence, and reduce stigma. I also offer coaching and consultancy support—whether you're responding to a specific concern or planning long-term cultural change.
I'm also the creator of the innovative Alcohol Support First Aid programme, enabling staff to respond to and support colleagues who are struggling with any aspect of alcohol use.
Publications
I am the author of Try Dry: The Official Guide to a Month Off Booze and my latest book Alcohol at Work: Tackling Workplace Drinking to Improve Wellbeing, was released in 2025.
My work reflects my belief that workplaces have a powerful role to play in changing the conversation around alcohol and supporting healthier habits.
My work is grounded in compassion, evidence and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities HR teams face when addressing alcohol in the workplace.
What is Alcohol Support First Aid?
ASFA is a practical, stigma-free training course designed to help employees recognize the signs of alcohol misuse, respond with empathy and guide colleagues toward the right support—just like Mental Health First Aid, but focused on alcohol-related wellbeing.
Alcohol affects almost all workplaces in the UK—often silently. Many employees struggle alone because colleagues don’t know what to say or worry about saying the wrong thing. This course changes that.
With Alcohol Support First Aid, your organisation takes a proactive step toward improved safety and healthier outcomes for everyone.
This course is perfect for anyone who supports colleagues’ wellbeing—managers, HR, wellbeing champions or team mentors. It gives you the confidence to spot signs of alcohol-related issues, have compassionate conversations and help colleagues find the right support.
About you - how can I help?
Did you know that, according to the Institute of Alcohol Studies, drinking too much alcohol leads to over 17 million sick days in the UK every year? That’s about 5% of all sickness absence. It really pays to address alcohol-related issues early—before they become a bigger problem.
Whether you work in construction or communications, insurance or education, retail or manufacturing, I can help you to alcohol-proof your organisation and protect your workforce.
Are you an HR or OH manager?
Whether you’re refreshing your current substance use policies or building them from the ground up, I’m here to help guide you every step of the way.
I offer a tailored and confidential consultancy service that can include talking with staff, working with unions and management, delivering training and awareness sessions, and developing or rolling out effective policies.
If you’re looking to boost your wellbeing program with alcohol awareness, I can support you with anonymous screenings, engaging activities like quizzes and mocktails, awareness stands, and more.
Planning to run Dry January as part of a wellbeing campaign or fundraiser? Get in touch—I’d love to help make it a success.
Do you schedule work-place courses?
Alcohol Support First Aid is a practical, stigma-free training course designed to help employees recognize the signs of alcohol misuse, respond with empathy and guide colleagues toward the right support—just like Mental Health First Aid, but focused on alcohol-related wellbeing.
Are you a practitioner working with families affected by substance use?
Families and friends are usually those most invested in a loved one’s recovery from drug or alcohol use but how best to support them whilst they support their loved one?
Working with Adfam, I offer accredited training in all aspects of family work including working with family dynamics, parents who use substances, hidden harm, Blue Light for families and more
Is your workforce at risk?
A quick checklist to see what factors may be present in your workplace that contribute to the development of alcohol problems.
Is your workplace alcohol-permissive?
Use this checklist to help identify any workplace practices that may encourage excessive drinking and promote alcohol use.
Developing and alcohol policy
Your alcohol policy is the cornerstone of your campaign to reduce alcohol risk. Here are a few things to think about when developing your policy.
The AUDIT screening tool
This well-established, evidence-based screening tool helps individuals assess whether their alcohol use may be creating risks.
Most Recent Blog Posts
What people are saying...
"Lauren has been key to helping me set up an Alcohol Free ERG and making it a success. I very much doubt I would have had sufficient motivation nor inspiration to do so if I had not met Lauren.
Lauren uses her brilliance, wit and pragmatism to make what could (and probably should be) a very boring dry topic into something fascinating and engaging. There is no judgement - just a desire to help people make better decisions around the topic of alcohol. There is not a single person who walks away from a presentation without learning something useful (and probably something completely surprising). The feedback from our presentations and events has been universally positive and inspired".
Liz Barrett
General Counsel
Howdens Insurance Group