The Princess of Wales has issued a powerful call to dismantle the stigma surrounding addiction, declaring that society must meet this mental health condition with compassion and love rather than judgment.
A Personal Plea for Compassion
In a heartfelt statement marking Addiction Awareness Week, which runs until 30th November, Catherine emphasised that addiction is not a personal failing but a complex mental health condition. As patron of the Forward Trust, a charity supporting people in recovery, she argued that fear and shame prevent many from seeking the help they desperately need.
Many of us will know someone who is struggling with an addiction, the Princess stated. Now is the moment to show our compassion and love to help them, or their friends and family, to reach out to organisations like the Forward Trust for support.
The Stark Reality of Addiction in the UK
Her words are underscored by new data from an Ipsos survey for the Forward Trust's Taking Action on Addiction campaign. The poll of 2,124 people revealed that a significant 53% of respondents had personal experience with addiction or knew someone who did.
Furthermore, the research found overwhelming public support for a compassionate approach, with 81% of people agreeing that those dependent on substances or gambling should be seen as individuals in need of help, not condemnation.
The Princess explained that the stigma allows addiction to thrive behind closed doors, devastating families and communities. She urged the public to start open conversations, stating that recovery, while hard, is possible and begins with a listening ear and showing we care.
Early Years Initiative Tackles 'Technoference'
In a separate announcement linked to her charitable work, the Princess revealed her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood is allocating £100,000 in research funding. The grant will be awarded to a study seeking solutions to the problem of 'technoference'—the way gadgets and screens can disrupt crucial parent-child interactions.
The chosen research project will work with UK families to understand the issue and test practical methods to reduce its impact. The findings will be used to shape resources for health visitors and early years educators, helping to strengthen family relationships across the country.
For those seeking support with addiction, the Taking Action on Addiction campaign provides links to various services. The NHS National Problem Gambling Clinic can be reached on 020 7381 7722, and GamCare is available on 0808 8020 133.
