The Princess of Wales has penned a compassionate personal letter in honour of Addiction Awareness Week, stressing that 'addition is not a choice'. She also urged 'empathy and support' for those experiencing addiction in any form.
In the letter, Kate wrote, 'Addiction is not a choice, or a personal failing, but a complex mental health condition that should be met with empathy and support.' She pointed to the 'stigma surrounding those who face addiction' and highlighted the wider impact on 'families and communities', and those 'who know someone who is struggling.'
The Princess added that while 'recovery is hard' it can be aided by the 'right treatment', 'a listening ear and showing we care.' She encouraged everyone to 'join the conversation.'
Sharing extracts of the letter on Instagram, Kate said in a caption that she was, 'proud to be Patron of the Forward Trust this Addiction Awareness Week,' and praised the trust's 'hugely important campaign.' The Princess is Patron of the Forward Trust; 'a social justice charity that supports people to recover from addiction,' as well as for a number of other charities and organisations.
Earlier this month, The Princess had another important message for a cause close to her heart. Speaking at The Future Workforce Summit on Tuesday (18 November), Kate addressed business leaders on the importance of love and care in the earliest years of our lives.
'Love is the first and most essential bond. But it is also the invisible thread, woven with time, attention and tenderness, through consistent, nurturing relationships which creates the grounded and meaningful environments around a child,' she said, insisting businesses needed to find the 'balance between profitability and having a positive impact.'
The summit was linked to Kate's work around early years development and education with the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, a personal project she is spearheading.
