Taking Action on Addiction campaign Highlights
By Adam Greenwood and Mo Farrell
2023’s Addiction Awareness Week was a resounding success – and we’d like to take this opportunity to say a huge thanks to everyone who made it possible.
We had strong engagement across all our social media channels, showing the power of our united voice. Here are some impressive stats that showcase the impact of our collective efforts:
14,000 visitors to the Taking Action on Addiction homepage during campaign week
1,100 new followers on the TAOA social media accounts
A staggering 1,259,046 impressions on social media.
Nearly 900 registered for our ‘Let’s Talk About Addiction’ at home event
The film we created for Addiction Awareness Week, “Everybody Knows Somebody,” featured 42 people sharing their experience of addiction and recovery. So far, it has received 3,309 views on YouTube. (You can access the film here)
We were also thrilled to join colleagues at The Brink in Liverpool to premier the film and listen to an amazing panel discussion hosted by Bryony Gordon and featuring special guests;
Ali Gill - chef and journalist/writer;
Chula Goonewardene - counsellor, therapist, musician and clinical director of Attune;
Nicky Hamilton - acclaimed photographer of film, tv and commercial;
Harriet Strange - recovery coach for The Forward Trust.
On the night we were also treated to a brilliant performance of ‘Valerie’ from Dave McCabe (The Zutons)
Don’t worry if you missed The Brink event, you can see it here
A very special note of gratitude must go to everyone who shared their experiences in the film. We never take for granted how difficult it can be for someone to speak openly about the impact of addiction and their journey of recovery. By taking part in the film, their contributions will help so many others to see that another life is possible.
Throughout Addiction Awareness Week we also had some fantastic media coverage with a total combined reach of 51,317,525!
A message of support from the Princess of Wales was featured on Hello! Online, OK! and GB News. We also secured coverage in the Evening Standard BBC Radio 5 Live; Metro; BBC Radio Merseyside; BBC Radio Newcastle; BBC Radio Kent; Liverpool Echo and Lorraine (ITV) interview with Taking Action on Addiction supporter Bryony Gordon.
We all know, addiction doesn't rest, and neither will we. Consistency in our efforts is key. The achievements are remarkable, but our journey has just begun.
