HRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Mental Health Roundtable.

Action on Addiction were honoured to participate in the Mental Health Roundtable chaired by The Royal Highness’s The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. At the roundtable Graham Beech joined CEO’s from mental health charities across the UK to discuss the impact COVID-19 was having on the mental health of the nation and how charities can work together to support people during the crisis.

Speaking after the roundtable, Graham Beech CEO said “The roundtable was a crucial discussion. We are concerned by what we are hearing daily about the many adults, children and families whose lives are already severely affected by addiction and who are now struggling even more with the physical and social restrictions of the coronavirus lockdown."

“Addiction is a condition which thrives on social isolation, and it is vital that those who are struggling can get access to the treatment and support that they need. Help from online recovery communities and digital support is critical in these challenging times but for many, particularly those in relapse or active addiction, this online support is not enough.”

“Our treatment service at Clouds House remains open and our community-based services continue to reach out to people in need. Our services help to save lives, safeguard families and protect the NHS frontline. These are unprecedented times for the charity, and we are immensely proud of the hard work and dedication shown by our teams and supporters which enables us to maintain such crucial levels of support for our clients and their families.”

“We are incredibly grateful to our Patron, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, as well as HRH The Duke of Cambridge and the Heads Together charities for holding this important discussion, and for bringing together charities who work on the frontline of mental health and addiction to share insights and experience on how we can support people suffering the wider consequences of COVID-19.”