Testimonials
Alcohol Concern
I have been following Soberistas since it started, having heard about it from one of my patients in clinic who told me it was the support that she had been looking for. As an addiction psychiatrist it seemed to be offering something new to a group of people who were not finding the help they needed elsewhere. I have been privileged to try and answer members’ medical queries for the last couple of years, and admire Lucy’s wish to open Soberistas up to independent research to understand Soberistas better. I wish Lucy and Soberistas all the best going forward.
Dr. Julia Sinclair, Associate Professor in Psychiatry, University of Southampton
Soberistas offers a unique gateway and modern platform for women who have become concerned about their drinking habits. Being a part of a network of such inspiring women is liberating and very cool. At last, a 21st century answer to an age old problem.
Sarah Turner, The Harrogate Sanctuary
The risk of developing alcohol related liver disease starts to really take off at around 3 bottles of wine a week, and rises with an increasingly steep curve. There are huge numbers of young and middle aged people drinking at this level, and they are on a slippery slope because with increasing consumption comes tolerance to alcohol. One glass becomes two, two become three and becomes increasingly difficult to keep drinking under control. Soberistas is a vital lifeline, enabling people to recognise the dangers of their situations, and to take back control of their lives. As such they provide a vital service, with the key element being that this is about individuals helping each other and themselves in a safe non-judgmental environment.
Professor Nick Sheron, Hepatolgist, The University of Southampton
Online peer support networks like Soberistas play an increasingly important role in the type of addiction support available for people. Addiction doesn't raise its ugly head simply during office hours so any support that can be easily accessible, 24 hours a day is a very welcome addition and can also really enhance the face-to-face support provided by services like SASS.
Josie Soutar, CEO, Sheffield Alcohol Support Service
George Anderson, Fitness Coach, BBC Radio Presenter, Writer (Men’s Fitness magazine) and Motivator
In my work I specialise in women with alcohol and addiction problems, and know only too well how difficult it is for many of them to find appropriate support. The stigma of alcohol problems in women is such that women feel isolated and judged, and this drives the problem underground, and prevents many women from getting help. Soberistas is an incredibly valuable resource, where women can come together confidentially and anonymously, and share their experiences with alcohol without judgement.
Dr Sally Marlow, Addictions Researcher, King’s College London
Soberistas provides an invaluable service to support women who want to reduce the harm that alcohol is having to their lives. Through personal experience, and the sharing of those experiences, Lucy and the Soberistas team provide the listening and advice that many women need in a world where there is exceeding pressure to be part of a drinking culture that for many has devastating affects. Unfortunately women are drinking more than ever and the effects of 'ladette culture', the 'wine o'clock mentality', the pressures of "just another one won't hurt …" has led to far too many women's life being ruined by alcohol harm. I am extremely proud to be associated with Soberistas, to support their work and recommend any woman to look at the information they provide either for themselves or for someone else who maybe at risk of alcohol-related harm.
Andrew Langford, British Liver Trust
What the Soberistas have to say about our online community…
Source: Southampton University Survey 2015
