The Duchess of Cambridge launches “Taking Action on Addiction” campaign

The Duchess of Cambridge delivered the keynote speech at an event hosted by the Forward Trust on Tuesday 19th October to launch the charity’s “Taking Action on Addiction” campaign.

A group of charities, including The Forward Trust, launched the Taking Action on Addiction campaign to drive awareness and understanding of addiction. Hosted by Ant and Dec, the event also screened a short film challenging misunderstandings about addiction and was closed by Tom Walker, who gave a special performance of his worldwide hit (about addiction) “Leave A Light On.”

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.”

At the event, The Duchess also met beneficiaries of the charity as well as a number of supporters with lived experience of addiction and heard their stories.

Related content

Feature

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Scotland

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge carried out engagements in Scotland
Feature

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Visited the Foundling Museum

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the Foundling Museum on Wednesday 19th January
Press release 03 December 2019

New patronage announced for The Duchess of Cambridge

Read more
Feature

The King's Cup

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will host the inaugural regatta The King’s Cup in 2019

A speech by The Duchess of Cambridge at the Action on Addiction Gala Dinner

What’s remarkable about Action on Addiction is that it goes beyond helping those who are suffering on the courageous journey into recovery – it also lends direct support to...

12 June 2019
Feature

Remembrance 2016

The Queen and the Royal Family attend engagements to mark Remembrance 2016
Feature

The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales

Find out more about the primary vehicle for Their Royal Highnesses' philanthropic work...

A message by The Duke of Cambridge for the Evening Standard and The Independent's Homeless Veterans campaign

They would give their life to protect us, and they expect little in return.

15 December 2014

A speech by The Duchess of Cambridge at Action on Addiction, Manchester

The cycle of addiction needs to be broken.

23 April 2013
Press release 04 January 2012

The Duchess of Cambridge takes on four charity patronages

Read more