Today marks the launch of The Big Addiction Conversation, a new campaign calling on people across the UK to talk openly about addiction, challenge stigma and help create a more compassionate approach to recovery and support.
At the heart of the campaign is a simple idea: conversation can change things.
Talking openly about addiction can help break down stigma and judgement, build understanding and empathy, and make it easier for people who are struggling to take the first step towards asking for help.
The campaign launches as part of Addiction Awareness Week (19th – 25th September), which this year is calling on the nation to join The Big Addiction Conversation.
Every year, around 17,000 people in the UK die from drug- or alcohol-related causes – premature and preventable deaths that have a devastating impact on families, friends and communities.
The Big Addiction Conversation aims to turn this stark statistic into a call for action: 17,000 conversations about addiction over the next 12 months – one for every life lost.
Starting conversations about addiction
The campaign will encourage people across the UK to have honest, compassionate conversations about addiction, recovery, stigma and support.
These conversations can happen anywhere – in workplaces, communities, among friends and family, or with colleagues. The aim is to create a wider national conversation that challenges misconceptions, encourages compassion and helps change the way we think and talk about addiction.
To help make starting these conversations easier, we worked with our lived experience community and ambassadors to create a set of Big Addiction Conversation Cards. The cards feature questions designed to help people talk openly about addiction, recovery, stigma and support – whether they have personal experience of addiction or simply want to understand more. People can use the cards with friends, family, colleagues or community groups. The cards are available in two formats: you can use our digital conversation generator to pick a question online, or order a physical pack to take the conversation wherever you go. Whichever format you choose, pick a card, start talking and help us change the conversation around addiction.
Our campaign toolkit includes free tips, guidance and resources to help you start meaningful conversations, whether at work, with friends or as part of a larger gathering.
Inside you’ll find ideas, guidance and simple ways to use the Conversation Cards, along with inspiration for getting involved and fundraising for The Forward Trust.
Whether you’re planning something small and informal, bringing a larger group together or using your conversation to raise funds, the toolkit is there to help you get started.
Bringing people together to take action on addiction
As part of a wider programme of activities taking place during Addiction Awareness Week, Forward are delighted to be supported by a special edition of Sober Comedy London, hosted by Sober IS Fun at BackYard Comedy Club on Sunday 20 September. The UK’s original alcohol-free professional comedy club, Sober IS Fun will bring an afternoon of live comedy to London, creating a welcoming space for people to enjoy themselves without alcohol while raising awareness of addiction and championing recovery. The event is one of a number of activities taking place throughout the week, alongside a special Taking Action on Addiction lived experience ambassador event, helping to bring people together to share experiences, challenge stigma and highlight the importance of recovery and support.
Recovery is possible
While the number of people dying from drug- and alcohol-related causes remains a stark reminder of the impact of addiction, the campaign also aims to highlight an important message: recovery is possible, help is available, and lives can change.
Having the confidence to talk about addiction – and knowing how to respond with compassion and understanding – can make it easier for people to seek support when they need it.
The Big Addiction Conversation is an invitation for everyone to play a part.
Start a conversation. Help change the conversation around addiction.
Addiction can affect anyone, but nobody has to face it alone. Whether you're concerned about your own addiction or someone else's, there are organisations that can help.
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.
Help change how Britain talks about addiction. Sign up to get involved, start conversations and support the campaign.