The Duchess of Cambridge spoke of the importance of approaching addiction from "a position of compassion and empathy" in an impassioned keynote speech marking the launch of the Forward Trust's Taking Action on Addiction campaign.
The Duchess chose Action on Addiction as one of her very first patronages as a working royal almost a decade ago. As Kate undertook various engagements and visits for the charity, she began to link addiction to her early years work and the impact on the family as a whole. In 2013, the Duchess said, "Those who are addicted are not the only victims. I have been struck by the profound and deeply damaging impact it has on the children of affected parents. Research has shown that children of those who are addicted are seven times more likely to have addiction problems themselves. They are also brought up surrounded by fear, instability and chaos." In February 2018, she officially opened Action on Addiction's new treatment centre in Wickford, Essex, and reflected on her first meetings with those involved in the charity as "the start of my learning", adding, "You're very special to me."
We've discussed the incredibly difficult challenges the pandemic presented to charities all over the world. Action on Addiction's much-loved Brink bar (the UK's first 'dry bar') offered a social and supportive space, but was unable to reopened its doors once restrictions permitted due to financial pressures. In March, it was announced Action on Addiction had merged with the Forward Trust, another charity doing the same vital work supporting those in the fight against addiction and their loved ones. Their combined name moving forward is the Forward Trust, however, the Action on Addiction name continues to feature due to its prominence in the UK. Kate became patron of the trust in June. Below, Kate visiting the Brink on Valentine's Day 2012.
Addressing guests, 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 Duchess added: "I have had the privilege of being patron of Action on Addiction for nine years, and have seen the work of The Forward Trust at HMP Send on several occasions. I am continually struck by the passion, expertise and commitment of the staff and volunteers, and indeed it was the conversations I had with individuals and families affected by addiction that have been a major driving force in my ongoing work on early childhood. With the link between early childhood trauma and addiction later in life becoming more widely understood, it is more important than ever that we focus on these issues so that we can create a happier, healthier, more nurturing society."
A video of the speech.
'Saying she is “so passionate” about the work of The Forward Trust during the event at the BAFTA headquarters in London, she paid tribute to the work charities do “day in, day out” to help those who need it.
The pandemic has had a devastating impact on addiction rates,” she added. “And families and children are having to cope with addiction in greater numbers than ever before.”
Quoting research, she said 1.5 million more people have now reported increased alcohol consumption since lockdown began, with another 2m who had been in recovery experiencing a relapse.
Saying “there is hope”, she spoke of the “incredible people” she has met who through “their own hard work” and the help of charities, have turned their lives around.
These are stories of healing, of hope and recovery, that can inspire us all,” she added.
We can all play our part in helping this work. By understanding, by listening, by connecting. So that together we can build a happier, healthier and more nurturing society.”
The event was completed by arguably the UK's favourite presenting duo, Ant and Dec.
'And on the way into the event, Kate, 39, had been surprised — bumping into two British TV celebrities, hosts of I'm A Celebrity . . . Get Me Out Of Here Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnolly. Kate composed herself and joked that she thought she was "in trouble" and that they were going to make her do one of their "tucker trials." Presenter Dec, who was also with singer Tom Walker, said "We can arrange that."
Many of you will remember Ant McPartlin's highly documented struggle with addiction in 2015. Following a knee operation he became addicted to painkillers. McPartlin was involved in a car crash in 2018 before entering rehab with the support and encouragement of loved ones. I remember feeling quite horrified by the manner in which the story was covered at the time. The relentless coverage could only have served to compound the situation. Ant told Kate, "By the time I asked for help, it was bad, but as soon as you opened up to people, problems have got to disappear. It gets better and help is there."
More from the Standard:
'The Forward Trust is set to launch a recovery fund targeting an additional £9 million to help respond to the growing need for addiction treatment and support.
David Bernstein, chairman of the charity, said of Kate: “Renewing her commitment to lifting the stigma around addiction so that more people can ask for help will have a profound impact.
“The pandemic has had a devastating impact on addiction. Rates of harmful drinking and drug-related deaths are at an all-time high, and gambling addiction is rising at an alarming rate.'
The Duchess chatting with guests.
Kensington Palace said, "Over the last ten years the Duchess’s experience working with addiction charities has helped lay the groundwork for her understanding of the complexities of mental health and has informed much of her work on the early years. Experiences in early childhood, before the age of five, are proven to have significant impact on adult lives, including resilience and the ability to cope with adversity. The Forward Trust has been helping people break the destructive cycle of addiction and build positive and productive futures since 1991. Delivering a large and diverse range of addiction, employment, and mental health services nationally, Forward Trust believes that anyone is capable of lasting change."
'Taking Action on Addiction' is a long-term campaign which will work to improve awareness and understanding of addiction, its causes and scale in society, to enable more people to ask for and receive help. The launch of the campaign coincides with Addiction Awareness Week, running from 18-24 October, which strives to provide a platform to highlight the challenges of addiction, to engage with people and families affected, and to raise public awareness.
To learn more about the campaign, please click here.
Kate's speech in its entirety:
"Thank you Ant and Dec and to the Forward Trust for bringing us all here together this morning.
I am so pleased to be joining you to launch The ‘Taking Action on Addiction’ campaign, and I am grateful to those of you who have shared your experiences of addiction with me here today.
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.
The pandemic has had a devastating impact on addiction rates. And families and children are having to cope with addiction in greater numbers than ever before.
We know that over one and a half million people across the UK who did not have substance misuse prior to lockdown, may now be experiencing problems associated with increased alcohol consumption.
Around 2 million individuals who were identified as being in recovery, may have experienced a relapse over the past 18 months.
And almost one million young people and children are showing an increase in addictive behaviour since the pandemic began.
Yet, there is hope. Over the last ten years, I have had the privilege of meeting many incredible people who have lived through the harsh realities of addiction. Through their own hard work, and with the help from communities and charities, such as The Forward Trust, lives really are being turned around.
These are stories of healing, of hope and recovery, that can inspire us all.
I fully support The ‘Taking Action on Addiction’ campaign to improve awareness and understanding of addiction. The campaign will show us that, not only do many people recover from addiction, they can go on to prosper.
We can all play our part in helping this work. By understanding, by listening, by connecting. So that together we can build a happier, healthier and more nurturing society."
The Duchess looked fabulous in a red roll-neck, fitted sweater and flowing skirt.
Kate's sweater is a Ralph Lauren piece. The eagle-eyed Middleton Maven suggests the Cashmere Turtleneck style in 'martin red'. It's available in several colours on the website.
With thanks to Caroline Parr, the Duchess wore a customised version of Christopher Kane's crystal-embellished pleated skirt.
Made in Italy, the original piece is described as: "Welcome (back) to the roaring 1920s! Channel your inner flapper girl and dance the night away in this red crystal-embellished pleated skirt from Christopher Kane. Go ahead, paint the town red. Featuring a fitted waist, a long length, a pleated design, crystal embellishments and fringe details." It's available $995/£720 at Farfetch.
The Duchess carried her DeMellier Nano bag.
The £295 Nano Montreal in deep toffee smooth is described as a "petite structured cross-body bag with a removable/adjustable cross-body strap and tubular top handle".
The Duchess wore her Ralph Lauren Celia pumps.
And accessorised with her Asos twisted circle hoops.
After the event, Kensington Palace shared a behind-the-scenes photo with the caption "Final preparations for today's Forward Trust speech".
A very important and memorable speech for the Duchess.
