Liam Hackett (born 19 January 1991) is a British social entrepreneur and activist. He founded the youth charity Ditch the Label in 2006 and led the organisation until leaving in 2024. During his time at Ditch the Label, his work focused on mental health, technology and young people, and he advised the British, European and American governments. He also spoke and wrote at the United Nations on cyberbullying and its implications for human rights.
In 2017, Hackett became the youngest person to receive an honorary degree from the University of Sussex. He was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2024 New Year Honours for services to young people.
Since leaving Ditch the Label, Hackett's work has focused on the psychedelic sector. In 2026, he founded HALI Foundation, a UK organisation working in psychedelic medicine education, harm reduction, public dialogue and policy reform, and GrovePass, a technology platform focused on safety and standards in the psychedelic retreat sector.
Psychedelic sector Since 2026, Hackett's work has focused on psychedelics. He founded HALI Foundation, a UK organisation working in psychedelic medicine education, harm reduction, public dialogue and policy reform.
In 2026, HALI Foundation partnered with Drug Science on work advocating for reform of the legal classification of psilocybin in the United Kingdom.
Hackett also founded GrovePass, a technology platform focused on safety and standards in the psychedelic retreat sector.
Controversies In 2019, Hackett publicly called out Brighton Pride for their alleged discrimination against pride-goers with a disability after his relatives were confined to a ‘disability tent’ with no view of the stage. A backlash ensued with thousands turning to Twitter, with many sharing their own experiences and some calling for a complete boycott.
Accolades
Appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2024 New Year Honours for services to young people. Top 30 charity chief executive on social media. Received a grant from St Helens Chamber of Commerce before he was 18, enabling him to launch the Ditch the Label website, which later evolved into the charity (2007). Shortlisted for “Entrepreneur of the Year” and “Organisation of the Year” – National Diversity Awards (2013). Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts – FRSA (2014). Winner of “Best European Marketing Campaign 2014” in the European Diversity Awards (2014). Winner of “Young Business Person of the Year” in the Sussex Business Awards for his work with Ditch the Label (2014). Winner of “European Campaigner of the Year” – Highly Commended in European Diversity Awards (2015). Notable Alumni – University of Sussex.
References
External links
Liam Hackett official website Ditch the Label