Taking Action on Addiction is on a mission to get the nation talking about addiction.
The Forward Trust has campaigned to tackle stigma associated with addiction since 2021 when our Patron, HRH The Princess of Wales, first launched the Taking Action on Addiction campaign.
Since then, we have continued to grow and develop a national campaign, whose ambition is to tackle stigma and elevate awareness and understanding of the complex nature of addiction as mental health issue.
Taking Action on Addiction aims to demonstrate how widespread it is in society, and that recovery is possible. And critically, it aims to increase opportunities for people struggling with addiction, those in recovery, and their families, to receive support. Our ambition is to Get The Nation Talking About Addiction – so that no one feels they need to deal with this issue alone.
Every recovery journey starts with one powerful moment — one conversation that can change everything. We’re inviting YOU to share your story, in your words — and help inspire someone else to begin theirs. Because every conversation has the power to spark recovery.
Share your story. Start a conversation. Change a life.
An inspiring week of campaigning led to incredible support including from our Royal Patron, HRH The Princess of Wales, and Ant and Dec. Our 2024 campaign film for 2024, 'Recovery Is Possible', has been viewed nearly 1 million times on social media. We have been delighted to share stories from advocates of our campaign. These powerful narratives are really helping to change attitudes towards addiction, highlight barriers to gaining support and highlight the prevalence of addiction across our communities. Most of all, they show that 'recovery is possible' and with the right help and support, anyone can achieve lasting recovery.
Watch 'Recovery Is Possible'
Our Patron, HRH The Princess of Wales, first launched Taking Action on Addiction in 2021. Since then, we have continued to grow and develop a national campaign.
We are proud of all our ambassadors and supporters that represent our campaign
Find out more about how our campaign started, our aims and values.
Meet Sarah who shares how her fears around loneliness almost stopped her from getting help (with her addiction) for Taking Action on Addiction. Now in recovery, she is determined for the messaging around alcohol to change. You can also comment below with your thoughts on addiction and recovery - or share your journey to inspire others.
Meet Tom, who shares his childhood experiences of living with a parent with alcohol dependency. Tom discusses the impact of growing up with a parent who was in active addiction. Now in recovery, Tom's parent has worked hard to rebuild trust - and now their relationship is better than ever.
Meet Hannah, who is kind enough to share her inspiring story with Taking Action on Addiction. Hannah holds a lens up to her old life - noting how her challenges through life appeared to push her towards substances. Hannah is gracious in her recovery, noting how the positive impact it has had on her - "it's incredible" she says.
"Addiction is a serious mental health condition that can happen to anyone, no matter what age, gender, race or nationality. I want you to know that this is also a serious health condition. Please do not let shame hold you back from getting the help you so desperately need."
HRH, The Princess of Wales
"It was just easier to accept that I was an alcoholic and addict. I could see that there was another life available to me."
Bryony Gordon
"There wasn’t anything in place around why I was actually in prison – I had no counselling so I just did my time and came out to another six years of hell getting to the end of the my drinking… I’m so grateful now that I have a 12-step program."
Tony Adams
"This campaign seeks to reverse the myths that surround addiction across our society, so it can become normal for people to seek help or treatment, and receive the help needed as early as possible."
Mike Trace CEO, The Forward Trust / Taking Action on Addiction
Find out about our new campaign activities including how you can get involved in community events, social media and lending your voice to effect change.
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