Adferiad Announces National Anti-Stigma Campaign

Adferiad are proud to announce the development of a major new project aimed at tackling addiction-related stigma across the country.

Following on from our hugely successful campaign in the summer of 2022, Adferiad has been successful in securing funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to develop a comprehensive three-year national project titled ‘Only Human’, which seeks to tackle alcohol and substance use stigma and will centre on supporting employers and the public to better understand such issues. The aim of the project is to raise awareness of the harmful consequences of addiction-related stigma, and to encourage people to question their beliefs about addiction and the people who experience it.

This work includes providing training in essential skills, such as public speaking and presenting, to empower individuals with lived experience of substance use issues so that their voices are heard and amplified, and an awareness raising campaign challenging stigma through those same voices by delivering workshops, talks and training. We will engage with workplaces and community settings to better understand the issue of addiction stigma in these environments.  Finally, we will run a social marketing campaign to develop and distribute accessible resources on alcohol and substance use, and the stigma attached to it. This will include online content, videos, infographics, and leaflets, as well as securing coverage in local and national media. The campaign will go live on 1^st April.

Donna Chaves, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Adferiad, said:

“I am delighted to see the launch of this hugely important campaign.  Addiction can affect anyone, and we are all aware of the profound impact it has on individuals, families, and communities. The Only Human campaign is a vital step in breaking down stigma—particularly in local communities and workplaces, where fear of judgment too often prevents people from speaking out and accessing the essential support they need.  By encouraging open conversations, this initiative will help ensure that more people get the help they deserve.”

Michael Harvey, Head of National Projects at Adferiad, said:

“Building on our 2022 campaign, the Only Human project seeks to continue tackling stigma and emulate the success of Time to Change, which tackled stigma surrounding mental health.  I wish to thank the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting such an important project and I am confident we can make a huge difference over the next three years.”