Action on Addiction

The charity was formed in 2007 by the merger of three charities:[http://cic-eap.co.uk/about-cic/partner-organisations.html Action on Addiction Merger] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130503060739/http://cic-eap.co.uk/about-cic/partner-organisations.html |date=3 May 2013 }}. CiC (Counselling in Companies) website, Partner Organisations. Retrieved 1 May 2013.[http://www.cygnethealth.co.uk/service-users/useful-websites.html Addictions Support]. Cygnet Health Care site, Useful Websites. Retrieved 1 May 2013.[https://web.archive.org/web/20160409072732/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-163664437.html Hat Trick Unveils New Look For Drug Charity Merger]. Highbeam Research Publications. 17 May 2007. Retrieved 1 May 2013. the Chemical Dependency Centre (established in 1985), Clouds (established in 1987) and the original Action on Addiction (established in 1989). The new charity assumed the name Action on Addiction.

On 8 March 2021 it was announced that Action on Addiction would merge with The Forward Trust on 1 May 2021. The combined charity is known as The Forward Trust although the Action on Addiction brand name continues to be associated with certain elements of the service provision for the time being.

The charity's head office is in Wiltshire, with centres and programs operating in London, Wiltshire, Bournemouth, Essex and Liverpool. In Spring 2011, the charity introduced a family treatment program at a prison in Bridgend, South Wales.Ellis, S. (July 2010), Report: Parc Supporting Families, Parc Prison, Brigend, S. Wales. Fatherhood Institute. Retrieved 22 November 2013.

Treatment centres include Clouds HouseSiddique, Haroon (23 December 2012). [https://www.theguardian.com/society/2012/dec/23/addiction-sufferers-christmas-dangers Addiction Sufferers At Christmas]. The Guardian. Retrieved 1 May 2013. and Hope House.Osbourne, Hannah (19 Feb 2013). [http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/436846/20130219/kate-middleton-duchess-cambridge-arrives-action-addiction.htm The Duchess of Cambridge Arrives at Hope House]. International Business Times, UK Edition. Retrieved 1 May 2013.[http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/news-and-diary/the-duchess-of-cambridge-visits-hope-house The Duchess of Cambridge Visits Hope House] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523002634/http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/news-and-diary/the-duchess-of-cambridge-visits-hope-house |date=23 May 2013 }}. Prince of Wales, News and Diary, Government site. 19 Feb 2013. Retrieved 8 May 2013.Nelson, Sara C. (19 Feb 2013). [http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/02/19/kate-middleton-pregnant-duchess-of-cambridge-addiction-charity-south-london-_n_2715617.html The Duchess of Cambridge at Addiction Charity in South London]. Huffington Post. Retrieved 8 May 2013. Clouds House is a Grade II listed building near the village of East Knoyle.[http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-321149-clouds-house-east-knoyle- Clouds House, a Grade II listed building]. British Listed Buildings. Retrieved 8 May 2013.Dakers, Caroline (1993). Clouds: The Biography of a Country House, World Print Ltd, {{ISBN|0-300-05776-8}}. The charity also has a recovery dry bar in Liverpool, called The Brink.McSweeney, Declan (7 November 2011). [https://www.theguardian.com/uk/the-northerner/2011/nov/07/liverpool-alcohol-free-bar Liverpool’s First Dry Bar Opens]. The Guardian. Retrieved 8 May 2013.

Action on Addiction provides abstinence-based Twelve-step programs in residential treatment, structured day treatment and relapse prevention programs at various venues around England for substance misusersGill, Andy (26 January 2012). [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-16716815 Recovery Movement Helps Addicts Kick the Habit in Liverpool]. BBC News Liverpool, BBC Northwest Tonight. Retrieved 8 May 2013.[http://alcoholresearchuk.org/2012/01/11/an-evaluation-of-the-moving-parents-and-children-together-m-pact/ An Evaluation of M-PACT Programme] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527171830/http://alcoholresearchuk.org/2012/01/11/an-evaluation-of-the-moving-parents-and-children-together-m-pact/ |date=2013-05-27 }}. Alcohol Research UK. 11 January 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2013. as well as counseling and a brief residential program for families, partners and friends.

The M-PACT program (Moving Parents and Children Together, operated under the charity's ‘For Families’ division) focuses specifically on the impact of drug addiction on families. It is an eight-week programme designed to help children aged 8–17 whose parents have drug and/or alcohol addictions. The program is based on the belief that healing the whole family, not just individual members, leads to the longest lasting and most successful outcomes. It is provided at various venues around England and Wales.Parker, Olivia (17 October 2012). [https://web.archive.org/web/20121017140711/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/9611441/Duchess-of-Cambridge-gives-addiction-charity-royal-support.html The Duchess of Cambridge Gives Addiction Charity Royal Support]. The Telegraph. Retrieved 15 May 2013.[http://www.cri.org.uk/news_item.php?id=54 The Duchess of Cambridge Visits CRI Recovery Services in Stockton] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927170710/http://www.cri.org.uk/news_item.php?id=54 |date=27 September 2013 }}. Crime Reduction Initiatives. 17 October 2012. Retrieved 15 May 2013.

The charity works with researchers at the National Addiction Centre, part of the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London. The charity played a part in establishing the National Addiction Centre and funds a chair in Addiction Psychiatry.[http://www.kcl.ac.uk/iop/depts/addictions/about/partners.aspx Our Partners]. King’s College London, UK. Retrieved 15 May 2013.[http://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/news_details.php?year=2009&news_id=1168 New Treatment Model for Addiction]. King’s College London, UK, News Archive 2009. 16 September 2009. Retrieved 15 May 2013.

The charity (through its Centre for Addiction Treatment Studies ‘CATS’) is part of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Bath which offers accredited Foundation and BSc (Hons) degrees, and continuing professional development in addictions counseling.[http://www.bath.ac.uk/lifelong-learning/foundation-degrees/addiction.html Addictions Counselling franchised to Action on Addiction] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130503220512/http://www.bath.ac.uk/lifelong-learning/foundation-degrees/addiction.html |date=3 May 2013 }}. University of Bath, Widening Participation Office, Foundation Degrees. Retrieved 15 May 2013.

In January 2012, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge became patron of Action on Addiction, one of the first four charities she chose to support in this way.Hudson, Sophie (5 January 2012). [http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/go/fundraising/article/1110643/duchess-cambridge-becomes-patron-four-charities/ Duchess of Cambridge Becomes Patron of Four Charities]. The Third Sector, Fundraising. Retrieved 15 May 2013.Milligan, Lauren (5 January 2012). [http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/01/05/catherine-duchess-of-cambridge-charity-patron Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge Becomes Charity Patron]. Vogue News. Retrieved 15 May 2013. In October 2012, The Duchess also gave her backing to the charity's M-PACT program. The Duchess has visited the charity's facilities on several occasions.{{fact|date=June 2022}}

On 14 February 2012 she visited The Brink, the charity's dry bar in Liverpool that offers a night out without the pressure to drink alcohol.Dean, Will (9 December 2011). [https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/is-britains-first-modern-dry-bar-any-fun-6274371.html%20 Is Britains First Modern Dry Bar Any Fun?]. The Independent. Retrieved 29 May 2013.[https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/shortcuts/2012/feb/15/dry-bar-cafe-whats-the-difference A Dry Bar and a Cafe: What's the Difference?]. The Guardian. 15 February 2012. Retrieved 29 May 2013.Sutton, John (15 February 2012). [http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2012/02/15/kate-middleton-valentine-s-day-visit-duchess-of-cambridge-meets-former-addicts-at-the-brink-in-liverpool-100252-30333099/ Duchess of Cambridge Meets Former Addicts at the Brink in Liverpool]. Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 29 May 2013.

On 3 February 2013 she visited Clouds House treatment center in Wiltshire.Rayner, Gordon (3 February 2012). [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/9057945/Kate-Middleton-meets-recovering-addicts-on-secret-visit-to-treatment-centre.html Kate Middleton Meets Recovering Addicts on Secret Visit to Treatment Centre]. The Telegraph. Retrieved 29 May 2013.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-16873152 Duchess of Cambridge Visits Wiltshire Addiction Charity]. BBC News Wiltshire. 3 February 2012. Retrieved 29 May 2013.

On 24 October 2013 The Duchess attended the 100 Women in Hedge Funds philanthropic initiatives reception dinner held at Kensington Palace in aid of the charity. She attended the event one day after christening of her son, Prince George. She is a patron of both Action on Addiction and 100WHF, an organisation for professionals in the alternative investments industry.[http://www.dukeandduchessofcambridge.org/news-and-diary/the-duchess-of-cambridge-attends-the-100-women-hedge-funds-gala-dinner The Duchess of Cambridge attends the 100 Women in Hedge Funds Gala dinner] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131028083154/http://www.dukeandduchessofcambridge.org/news-and-diary/the-duchess-of-cambridge-attends-the-100-women-hedge-funds-gala-dinner |date=28 October 2013 }}. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge News and Diary. 24 October 2013. Retrieved 29 October 2013.[http://www.100womeninhedgefunds.org/pages/duchess_of_cambridge_letter HRH The Duchess of Cambridge Patron of 100WHF's Philanthropic Initiatives] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031121817/http://www.100womeninhedgefunds.org/pages/duchess_of_cambridge_letter |date=2013-10-31 }}. 100 Women in Hedge Funds website. 24 October 2013. Retrieved 29 October 2013.[https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/recap-kate-middleton-continues-return-2527900 Kate Middleton continues return to public duty with addiction charity dinner after Prince George christening]. Mirror. 25 October 2013. Retrieved 29 October 2013.[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/10405612/Duchess-sparkles-at-charity-reception-with-leading-women-of-finance-world.html Duchess sparkles at charity reception with leading women of finance world]. The Telegraph. 25 October 2013. Retrieved 29 October 2013.

On 23 April 2013, in a speech at the launch of a new Manchester primary school counseling program, a joint project with the charity Place2Be, The Duchess said, "Through my Patronage of Action on Addiction, I feel fortunate to have met a wide range of inspirational people who have overcome addiction. It is so encouraging to see that with the right help... it can be conquered."[https://web.archive.org/web/20130424094031/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/10013098/Kate-Middleton-shows-off-baby-bump-as-she-launches-new-school-counselling-programme-in-Manchester.html Kate Middleton Launches New School Counselling Programme in Manchester]. The Telegraph. 23 April 2013. Retrieved 29 May 2013.Evans, Natalie (23 April 2013). [https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/recap-kate-middleton-visits-school-1849148%20 Kate Middleton Visits the Willows Primary School in Wythenshawe]. Mirror. Retrieved 29 May 2013.

On 19 February 2013 she visited Hope House, the charity's residential treatment center for women recovering from addiction.[http://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2013021911177/kate-middleton-hope-house-visit/ Kate Middleton Admits to Pregnancy Nerves, Hope House Visit]. Hello Magazine. 19 February 2013. Retrieved 29 May 2013. It was her first official engagement following the announcement of her pregnancy.[https://web.archive.org/web/20130219160006/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/9880017/Duchess-of-Cambridge-shows-off-baby-bump-during-charity-engagement.html Duchess of Cambridge Shows Off Baby Bump During Charity Engagement]. The Telegraph. 19 February 2013. Retrieved 29 May 2013.Murphy, Victoria (19 February 2013). [https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/kate-middleton-pregnant-duchess-cambridge-1717977 Duchess of Cambridge Admits to Anxiety Over Giving Birth]. Mirror. Retrieved 29 May 2013.

On 1 July 2014 The Duchess visited Blessed Sacrament School in Islington, north London, to review the progress of M-PACT Plus, a joint project with the charity Place2Be, which addresses addiction in families. She was joined by comedian John Bishop.Heward, Emily (1 July 2014). [https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/kate-middleton-recap-duchess-cambridge-3791956 Duchess of Cambridge and John Bishop Visit School to Help Addicts' Families]. The Mirror. Retrieved 1 August 2014.Okeefe, Sean (23 June 2014). [http://royalcentral.co.uk/cambridges/duchess-of-cambridge-to-visit-m-pact-programme-in-islington-33274 Duchess of Cambridge to Visit M-PACT Programme in Islington]. Royal Central. Retrieved 1 August 2014.Drohan, Freya (1 July 2014). [http://www.independent.ie/style/celebrity/celebrity-news/kate-middleton-and-comedian-john-bishop-visit-north-london-school-30398230.html Kate Middleton and Comedian John Bishop Visit North London School]. The Independent, Ireland. Retrieved 1 August 2014.[http://www.westerndailypress.co.uk/Duchess-Cambridge-visits-school-Islington-North/story-21312016-detail/story.html The Duchess of Cambridge and Comedian John Bishop Visits School in Islington, North London] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808011331/http://www.westerndailypress.co.uk/Duchess-Cambridge-visits-school-Islington-North/story-21312016-detail/story.html |date=2014-08-08 }}. The Western Daily Press. 1 July 2014. Retrieved 1 August 2014.

On 23 October 2014 The Duchess attended the charity's Autumn Gala Evening dinner and reception in London, where she was joined by comedian and impressionist Rory Bremner. At the time, The Duchess was just over 12 weeks pregnant with her second child. It was "her third official engagement in three days since returning to the spotlight after her battle against an aggressive type of morning sickness".Perry, Keith (23 October 2014). [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/11183834/Kate-Duchess-of-Cambridge-attends-addiction-charity-gala.html Kate, Duchess of Cambridge attends addiction charity gala]. The Telegraph. Retrieved 29 October 2014.[http://www.express.co.uk/pictures/galleries/1355/Kate-Middleton-Duchess-of-Cambridge-pictures Kate, Duchess of Cambridge pictures]. Express. 24 October 2014. Retrieved 30 October 2014.

The charity is mentioned on page 317 of J.K. Rowling's first adult novel, The Casual Vacancy.Rowling, J.K. (2013). The Casual Vacancy. {{ISBN|0751552860}}. {{ISBN|978-0751552867}}. London: Shear. p317.

:"... two drugs workers part-funded by the council, and partly by Action on Addiction, which is a really good charity. Then there's a social worker attached to the clinic, Nina, she's the one who gave me all this - oh, thanks very much,' said Kay, beaming up at Tessa, who had set down a mug of tea on the table beside her."

In 2016, the charity was mentioned on page 10 of Ben Starling's novel, Something in the Water.Starling, Ben Huxley (2016). Something in the Water. {{ISBN|978-0956581228}}. London: Edington Press. p10.

:"... Helen from CSR has been browbeating me about our employee-chosen charity scheme. Last year, of course, we supported Action on Addiction."

On 27 August 2014 Kirby Gregory, Director of Treatment and Care at the charity, and Claire Clarke, Referrals Consultant, took part in Channel 4's "Addicts' Symphony", counseling classical musicians in recovery who wrote an original classical piece within the London Symphony Orchestra Discovery Programme.{{Cite web | author=McConnell, James (2014) | url=http://www.channel4.com/programmes/addicts-symphony | title=Addicts' Symphony | work=Channel 4 | date=27 August 2014 | accessdate=30 October 2014}}

On 29 September 2013 Nick Barton, the charity's CEO, was interviewed by Phil Gayle on BBC Radio Oxford, and discussed getting people into recovery and keeping them there.Gayle, Phil (2013). [http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01gc3fm Phil Gayle on BBC Radio Oxford: Addiction Help] (2: 07: 10 to 2: 13:09). BBC Radio Oxford. 29 September 2013. Retrieved on 12 December 2013.

On 26 February 2012 the charity's treatment center, Clouds House, was featured in a BBC One documentary called Panorama: Britain's Hidden Alcoholics with Alasdair Campbell.Campbell, Alasdair (2012).[http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01cmqdc Panorama: Britain's Hidden Alcoholics]. BBC One. 26 February 2012. Retrieved on 24 August 2013.

In 2009 the charity's M-PACT program was featured in a BBC True Vision documentary: Brought Up By Booze hosted by Calum Best (footballer George Best's son). Moving Parents and Children Together 'supports children/young people aged 8–17 who are experiencing the effects of parental substance misuse within the family...' and 'offers a Whole Family Approach'.Best, Calum (2009). [http://truevisiontv.com/shop/product/details/53/brought-up-by-booze BBC True Vision: Brought Up By Booze.] BBC DVD. Retrieved 27 August 2013.

In May and June 2001, Clouds House was also featured in a four-part series created by BBC Two, Inside Clouds: A Drink & Drugs Clinic. This series traced the progress of several residents as they struggled through six weeks of a (six-month) program of rehabilitation.[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1725701/ Inside Clouds: A Drink and Drugs Clinic]. BBC Two. Four-part series in May–June, 2001. Retrieved 24 August 2013.

Celebrity supporters of the charity (and of the founding charities) from television, music and fashion at various times have included: Bryan Adams, Eric Clapton, Sir David Frost, Joanna Lumley, Emilia Fox, Patsy Palmer, Roger Black, Edward Fox, Tania Bryer, Siân Lloyd, Trinny Woodall, Susannah Constantine, Laura Bailey, Tamara Beckwith, Sophie Anderton, Caprice Bourret, Lucy Ferry, and David Shilling.BDO Stoy Hayward, Chartered Accountants, Epsom, UK (Audited 24 August 2000). Action on Addiction Annual Review 1999–2000. Patrons. p2.BDO Stoy Hayward, Chartered Accountants, Epsom, UK (Audited 20 January 2003). Action on Addiction Annual Review 2001–2002. Patrons. p2.BDO Stoy Hayward, Chartered Accountants, Epsom, UK (Audited 28 August 2003). Action on Addiction Annual Review 2002-2003. Patrons. p2.Haysmacintyre, Chartered Accountants, London, UK (Audited 15 June 2004). Action on Addiction Annual Review 2003-2004. Patrons. p2.Haysmacintyre, Chartered Accountants, London, UK (Audited 15 June 2005). Action on Addiction Annual Review 2004-2005. Patrons. p2.Haysmacintyre, Chartered Accountants, London, UK (Audited 15 May 2007). Action on Addiction Annual Review 2006-2007. Patrons. p2.

Celebrity supporters from sport have included: British tennis players Annabel Croft and Andrew Castle; Romanian former World No. 1 professional tennis player Ilie Năstase; English footballer Dion Dublin; British rower Sir Matthew Pinsent; West Indian cricket player Alvin Kallicharan; and British sailor Tracy Edwards; as well as former track and field athlete, Chairman of the board of the bid company for the London 2012 Olympics and British politician, Sebastian Coe.

Action on Addiction is a registered charity (number 1117988) and a company registered in England and Wales limited by guarantee (number 05947481). Its registered address is: Head Office, East Knoyle, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP3 6BE.

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20130502072418/http://www.actiononaddiction.org.uk/Family-Support/M-Pact-Programme.aspx M-PACT programme]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20130528034858/http://www.actiononaddiction.org.uk/Treatment/Clouds-House.aspx Clouds House]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20130521035943/http://www.actiononaddiction.org.uk/Treatment/Hope-House.aspx Hope House]
• [http://thebrinkliverpool.com/ The Brink Cafe Liverpool]
• [http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/Showcharity/RegisterOfCharities/CharityWithPartB.aspx?RegisteredCharityNumber=1117988&SubsidiaryNumber=0 Action on Addiction, registered Charity no 1117988] at [https://web.archive.org/web/20100402222408/http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/ The Charity Commission for England and Wales]

Category:Addiction organisations in the United Kingdom

Category:Alcohol abuse in the United Kingdom

Category:Charities based in Wiltshire