Following the merger of The Forward Trust and Action on Addiction, who have united their efforts to create a powerful force for recovery from addiction at a time when there couldn’t be a greater need for these services, the Taking Action On Addiction website has been launched, dedicated to the Taking Action on Addiction campaign and all of its activities including Addiction Awareness Week.
Taking Action on Addiction is a large-scale, multi-partner, public-facing campaign which aims to reframe existing perceptions of addiction and build awareness of the causes and nature of addiction that improves understanding, reduces prejudice and enables more people to ask for and receive help. It calls for addiction to be treated as a serious mental health condition, and for increased access to treatment, support and care so that recovery can be possible for everyone.
The campaign was launched during Addiction Awareness Week running October 18-24, 2021
Perceptions of addiction need to change. We need to build compassion and understanding around addiction and support people to ask for help without judgement, discrimination or stigma. Anyone can be affected by addiction and everyone deserves the help they need to overcome it. Anyone ready to ask for help should be listened to with empathy and understanding and have the opportunity to access the specialist support they need.
Addiction is a serious mental illness that has a devastating impact on people’s lives. This must be recognised at all levels of government and society, through healthcare and mental health policy and provision and through support services across the UK. This recognition must be matched with support that works with people to overcome addiction and bring about positive change in their lives.
On Tuesday, October 19th, the Taking Action on Addiction campaign was officially launched at an event hosted by Ant and Dec, where the Duchess of Cambridge gave an inspirational keynote speech
As Patron of The Forward Trust, The Duchess of Cambridge stated: “Addiction is not a choice. No one chooses to become an addict. But it can happen to any one of us. None of us are immune." Read more here.
Following the merger with Forward Trust, all previous services provided by Action on Addiction can now be found by visiting the Forward Trust website
If you're looking for Clouds House, it continues to offer all of it's services, has its very own home online and can be found by visiting the Clouds House website
If you’re finding things tough right now, our Reach Out online chat service can help. Our friendly team is here to offer support and someone to talk to.
If you'd like to get involved in our Taking Action on Addiction campaign by joining the mailing list so we can keep in touch with you please sign up now
Our team provides free, confidential advice on a range of issues, including drug or alcohol worries and mental health – whether they affect you directly or a friend or relative. And if we don’t have the answers to all of your questions, we will be able to signpost you to somebody who will. Our online chat service is currently available between 9am and 3pm Monday-Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). Please note: Reach Out is not a crisis service. If you are in an urgent situation or emergency, such as a suspected overdose, call 999. If you are in crisis, contact the Samaritans.