Ready to Go Vegan?
If you're here because you had a conversation with us on the street, or if you’ve been exploring the pages on this website and have decided that you no longer want to support industries that harm animals, then we want to say—thank you. Your decision is so powerful and courageous. It takes immense compassion and strength to break free from a lifetime of conditioning and habits, and we’re truly inspired by your willingness to make this change.
We know that taking this first step can feel daunting. But as we’ve already promised, there’s no need to feel overwhelmed. Transitioning to veganism today is easier than ever—it’s just a matter of making a few simple swaps and taking a little time to explore new, ethical choices, like clothing and household products.
It’s natural to feel like it might be “too much” at times, especially as the initial impact of what you’ve learned fades and daily life takes over. You might find yourself thinking, “What difference does it make if I stop buying animal products? I’m just one person; it won’t change anything in the long run.”
This kind of scepticism is completely normal. But it’s crucial to remember that every social change in history started with individuals—just like you. Every time you choose a vegan alternative, you’re adding to a growing force that’s pressuring industries to rethink their reliance on animal suffering. The increasing availability of vegan options in supermarkets, fast food chains, cafés, and restaurants is proof that this shift is already happening. With every ethical choice you make, you’re helping to bring us closer to a society where vegan foods are the norm, and animal products are the exception. You can be a part of making that happen even sooner than you might think.
It’s also important to recognise that opening your heart to veganism can bring about a whirlwind of emotions. You might feel a mix of guilt, stress, or even trauma from what you’ve learned. You might feel horrified by the lack of awareness among health professionals too, or betrayed by the systems you once trusted. There might be a sudden panic about the state of our planet, and it can feel like you’re living in a strange, dystopian world where those around you continue, often unknowingly, to contribute to suffering and environmental destruction.
These feelings are all valid. It’s okay to take a moment to breathe and acknowledge just how significant and complex this journey is. You may feel an urgent need to share your new perspective with loved ones, and while some may listen, it’s also common to face resistance or even mockery. This can be incredibly isolating, and you might start to experience what’s known as “Vystopia”—a feeling of despair that many in the vegan community understand well. But remember, you are not alone, and there is support available to help you through this and we both highly recommend Claire Mann’s book under that same name.
And please remember, neither Nigel nor I were always vegan. We both grew up eating meat, dairy, and eggs, just like the vast majority of people here in the UK. Even after we became vegetarians years ago, believing it was the ethical choice, we were still unaware of the realities of the dairy and egg industries. When we finally learned the truth, transitioning to veganism—although we did it quickly—was still daunting. We thought, “No cheese? No milk? What on earth can we eat?” At the time, we had no idea about the alternatives, and they certainly weren’t as widely available or advertised as they are today.
That’s why you’re incredibly fortunate to be making this decision now, because there are countless free online support programs designed to help you transition as smoothly as possible and all our regular supermarkets are packed with delicious plant-based alternatives to meat, dairy and eggs and anything else you could possibly think of.
Below, you'll find a list of some of the most valuable resources available, each offering unique tools, guidance, and community support to make your journey easier. Whether you’re looking for recipes, nutritional advice, or just someone to talk to, there are resources out there ready to help.
Challenge 22
Challenge 22 is a popular and entirely free program that offers 22 days of guided vegan experience. Participants are paired with mentors and professional dietitians who provide daily guidance, meal plans, nutritional advice, and more. This program also offers a vibrant community of fellow participants, allowing you to share experiences, ask questions, and get support from people on the same journey.
Veganuary
Veganuary is an annual challenge that encourages people to try veganism for the month of January. However, the resources provided by Veganuary are available year-round. This program offers extensive resources, including meal plans, recipes, and tips to help you transition to a vegan lifestyle smoothly. It's designed for beginners and provides everything from grocery shopping guides to nutritional information.
The LIVE (Low Income Vegan Education)
The LIVE program, also known as the Low Income Vegan Education initiative, was created by Chilis on Wheels and will match you with an individual who shares your background, finanicial background and culture to help individuals and families transition to a plant-based diet. This program offers resources like budget-friendly recipes, tips for shopping on a budget, and information on affordable plant-based nutrition. The focus is on making veganism accessible to everyone, regardless of where they come from or their financial circumstances.
Vegan Outreach
Vegan Outreach is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting veganism through outreach and education. They offer a variety of resources, including free guides, recipes, and personalized support for those transitioning to a plant-based diet. Their work extends globally, offering materials and support in multiple languages, making it a valuable resource for non-English speakers as well.
Peace Advocacy Network (PAN) Vegan Pledge Program
The PAN Vegan Pledge Program offers a structured 30-day program where participants are matched with a mentor, attend weekly meetings, and receive all the tools they need to successfully transition to a vegan lifestyle. This program is unique because it combines in-person and online support, making it highly adaptable.
PETA’s Vegan Starter Kit
PETA offers a free Vegan Starter Kit that provides an excellent introduction to the vegan lifestyle. This kit includes information on nutrition, recipes, shopping tips, and more. PETA’s resources are particularly focused on ethical reasons for veganism, offering insight into animal rights and the impact of dietary choices.
Support for Non-English Speakers
Several of the programs mentioned above, such as Vegan Outreach and Challenge 22, offer resources and support in multiple languages, ensuring that non-English speakers have access to the same high-quality guidance. Additionally, many global organizations provide region-specific programs that cater to the language and cultural needs of different communities.
Vegan Outreach Offers multilingual resources and global support.
Challenge 22 Provides support in various languages with native-speaking mentors.
These programs are designed to ensure that everyone, regardless of language or location, can transition to a plant-based lifestyle with confidence and ease.