Isabelle “Issy” Hawkins

Isabelle is an addiction recovery advocate, actor, and public speaker who uses a variety of social media platforms to raise awareness on the topics surrounding addiction and neurodivergence (ADHD). Talking from her own personal experience of alcoholism with over a decade in recovery she is an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK and a winner of the National Diversity Award 2025. Her public speaking includes appearance at Parliament to highlight the significant harm of alcohol dependence and the need for more mental health support. 

As a contributor for Rehabs UK, Issy shares her story openly to challenge the stereotypes around what an alcoholic can look like along with the challenges and gifts recovery brings. Her ability to relate to others struggling with addiction has gained her a social media following of more than 175,000. 

Lived Experience: Personal recovery journey from alcoholism with over a decade in recovery

Public Speaker on addiction: Ambassador for Alcohol Change UK and recovery advocate at Parliament highlighting the harm of addiction

Recovery advocate: Social media influencer and educator who speaks openly on topics that relate to her personal experience of addiction to raise awareness and challenge stigma

Award winner: National Diversity Award Winner of 2025

Trusted source: Featured on the Rehabs UK podcast ‘Altered Attitudes’, BBC Radio 1, The Telegraph, LadBible and the Independent

Ambassador for Alcohol Change UK

National Diversity Award Winner of 2025