11:00, 24 November 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Catherine, Princess of Wales has spoken out to urge the public to treat those experiencing addiction with “compassion and love”. This call marks the start of Addiction Awareness Week which runs from 23rd to 30th November.
Kate has a long-running history supporting those with addiction and she now uses her position to continually raise awareness to people that have a dependency to drugs, alcohol and gambling.
Back in October 2021, she attended the first launch of Addiction Awareness Week as a patron of Forward Trust and their Taking Action on Addiction campaign.
In an article by the BBC, she said: “Recovery is hard, but with the right treatment it is possible. And this begins with a conversation, a listening ear and showing we care.”
The Princess of Wales is known for her mental health advocacy but draws on similarities between mental health conditions and addiction. She describes addiction as “not a choice or a personal failing, but a complex mental health condition that should be met with empathy and support”.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Forward Trust. This charity supports adults to recover from addiction and rebuild their lives with support and workshops. Learn more here.
Alcohol Change UK. This is a leading UK charity dedicated to supporting individuals affected by alcohol misuse, providing resources, advocacy, and treatment options. Discover their work here.
Mind. This charity has drug and alcohol support services providing practical advice and mental health resources for individuals facing substance misuse challenges. Find out more here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health and Wellbeing, Partnerships for the Goals.
