Hope UK (formerly the Band of Hope) is a national drug education charity with over 170 years of experience in tackling drug use concerns among children and young people (including alcohol, cigarettes, vapes, and inhalants). We aim to equip young people under the age of 25 to make drug-free choices and build their resilience by helping them develop critical life skills such as independent decision-making and peer resistance.

Our goal is to have every young person educated about the dangers of drug use and equipped with positive life skills, so they have the knowledge and tools they may need if they ever find themselves in situations where they are exposed to drugs.

The COFFREE Conqueror Challenge raises awareness around the issues of drug use and addiction among young people. Every October, Hope UK supporters raise hundreds of pounds towards our work by giving up coffee, tea or caffeine altogether.

One of our supporters reflects on the tragic loss of her brother from a drug overdose.

"My brother passed away while studying at Liverpool University just over 3 years ago. His cause of death was cardiac arrhythmia caused by the toxic effects of him dabbling with drugs, mainly MDMA, cocaine, ketamine, and alcohol. One thing that sticks clearly in my mind is what the coroner said at his inquest, "Had he known the consequences of his actions he would not have taken them", meaning had he known more about the risks, he might still be here. I strongly believe that there needs to be more education around drugs in schools, colleges, universities and other settings to prevent deaths like my brother's happening, which is why I support organisations like Hope UK."

Hope UK delivers potentially lifesaving education to young people at key transition points in their lives; at the end of primary school before the move up to secondary school and also at age 16-18 within schools, Sixth Form colleges and FE colleges, as young people prepare for the move to university.

By signing up for the COFFREE Conqueror Challenge, you will be equipping young people all over the UK to make drug-free choices and giving them hope for a healthier future.