Go Alcohol-Free for Mental Health- Febfast 2026 Registrations Are Now Open

Community Announcement
14 January 2026
https://www.febfast.org.au/

Registrations have officially opened for Febfast 2026, with Lifeline urging Australians to take on the 28-day alcohol-free challenge to support mental health, crisis support and suicide prevention services across the country.
 
This year’s campaign carries the powerful message “28 Days OFF. A Lifeline ON.”, highlighting how going without alcohol for the month of February can help fund Lifeline’s vital 24/7 crisis support services, while also delivering meaningful health and wellbeing benefits for participants.
 
Lifeline is the sole beneficiary of Febfast in 2026, with funds raised going directly towards ensuring no Australian has to face their toughest moments alone. Every 22 seconds, someone in Australia reaches out to Lifeline for help via phone, text or online chat. In 2026 alone, Lifeline expects to receive 1.5 million contacts, making community support more critical than ever.
 
The link between alcohol and mental health is becoming increasingly clear. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 15.4% of people who died by suicide in 2024 were intoxicated at the time. Research from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare also shows that people experiencing high or very high psychological distress are more likely to drink alcohol at risky levels.
 
Alcohol is often used as a coping mechanism during times of stress, anxiety or emotional pain, but it can worsen mental health challenges by impairing judgement, lowering inhibitions and increasing vulnerability to harmful thoughts.
 
Lifeline Chair Professor Steve Moylan says the Febfast challenge is a simple way Australians can protect their own wellbeing while helping others access life-saving support. 
 
“Lifeline is immensely proud to be the sole beneficiary of Febfast in 2026, and we are encouraging all Australians to take on a small challenge that can make a huge difference - for your health and for those who need Lifeline’s support,” he said.
 
“When people use alcohol to deal with life stressors and emotional pain, it can exacerbate underlying issues. We also know alcohol impairs judgement and lowers inhibition, which significantly increases the risk of suicide and suicidal thinking.”
 
Alongside raising funds for Lifeline, Australians who take part in Febfast often report a wide range of personal benefits, including:

• Better sleep
• Increased energy
• Improved mood and focus
• Extra money saved
• A sense of wellbeing reset

For many, it also creates space to reflect on their relationship with alcohol and build healthier coping strategies.
 
Up for the challenge to go alcohol-free for the month of February while raising funds to support Lifeline’s crisis support services? Register here.