Duchess Of Cambridge Has Just Received And Important New Role
The Duchess of Cambridge has revealed her excitement as she has received another royal role this Thursday.
It was recently announced that Kate, 39 has become patron of The Forward Trust, which as recently as May 2021 had formally merged with Action on Addiction.
Action on Addiction had been one of her first patronages back in 2012, the services it offered continue to be provided through The Forward Trust.
In early 2020 the Duchess met with former prisoners who had received help in rehabilitation from The Founding Trust during a visit to the HMP Send in Woking.
“I am delighted that The Forward Trust and Action on Addiction have taken this bold step to join forces and help more people, families and children to overcome addiction.” She said in statement shared by Kensington Palace.
“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.” she continues.
“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.”
Kate ends by discussing the link between childhood trauma and addiction.
“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.”
Coming off the heels of a new milestone in her royal career, launching the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. At a roundtable discussion at the London School of Economics, the Duchess met with Julie Muir from The Forward Trust to discuss how the Centre will raise awareness of the impact of early childhood trauma and how the Centre will act on the early years in order to transform society for generations to come.
“We are deeply honoured that The Duchess of Cambridge has joined the charity as our Patron. Renewing her commitment to lifting the stigma around addiction so that more people can ask for help will have a profound impact.” stated The Hon. David Bernstein, Chairman of The Forward Trust.
I am delighted that @ForwardTrust and @ActionAddiction have taken the bold step to join forces and help more people, families and children to overcome addiction.https://t.co/8kzDN9mPgh pic.twitter.com/SYImO2j1WZ
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) June 24, 2021
“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. All this is happening at a time when access to treatment has been diminishing. Our merger with Action on Addiction is our commitment to help address this demand.”
The charities together plan to continue to challenge the misunderstandings and prejudices that face those who need help with addiction with renewed energy. The Forward Trust plans to launch a Recovery Fund targeting £9 million of additional funds addressing the growing demand for addiction treatment and support.