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Ant and Dec host the Take Action on Addiction launch event

Charities
19th October 2021

A group of charities, led by The Forward Trust, have launched the Taking Action on Addiction campaign during an event to drive awareness and understanding of addiction.

Hosted by Ant & Dec, The Duchess of Cambridge launched the campaign with a keynote speech during Addiction Awareness Week (18th-24th October 2021), to drive awareness and call for addiction to be treated as a serious mental health condition.

Ant and Dec host the Take Action on Addiction launch event

The emotional event called for increased access to treatment, support, and care for anyone impacted - particularly children and families. The campaign also highlights the need for more openness in talking about addiction, to make it easier for people to ask for help.

A short film was screened, challenging misunderstanding about addiction, and the event was closed by Tom Walker, who gave a special performance of his worldwide hit (about addiction) “Leave A Light On.”

“Most importantly, misunderstanding and fear can stop people asking for help early,” Ant and Dec said.

“This campaign, launched today by all of you and the amazing charities in the room, seeks to change that and we are delighted to join you at its launch event.”

Ant and Dec host the Take Action on Addiction launch event

As Patron of The Forward Trust, The Duchess said: “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. Yet it’s all too rarely discussed as a serious mental health condition. And seldom do we take the time to uncover and fully understand its fundamental root causes.

“The journey towards addiction is often multi-layered and complex. But, by recognising what lies beneath addiction, we can help remove the taboo and shame that sadly surrounds it. As a society, we need to start from a position of compassion and empathy. Where we nurture those around us, understand their journey, and what has come before them. We need to value and prioritise care and support, helping to restore and connect individuals who are clearly suffering, to the people around them.

'That is why I am so passionate about the work of The Forward Trust, an organisation I am so proud to be patron of. This is the work that you, and many other charities, provide day in, day out. And it is needed now, more than ever.”

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