Action On Addiction has announced that it is to welcome its Patron, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, on a visit to Hope House in London on 19 February 2013.
Nick Barton, Chief Executive of Action on Addiction, said: "We are delighted to be welcoming our Patron, the Duchess of Cambridge, to visit our women’s treatment centre, Hope House.
“Many women who experience substance dependence also have a history of difficult relationships, domestic violence, or other compulsive disorders. Hope House offers women a safe, secure and comfortable place to recover and receive a holistic treatment programme, offering additional support to help them come to terms with their dependency and other problems.
“The Duchess’ support, in throwing a spotlight on addiction and recovery and helping us to break down the stigma associated with this complex condition, is enormously important. We are grateful for her continued involvement with the charity, and her enthusiasm for understanding more about our clients and staff.”
Hope House is a safe, secure and comfortable place for women to recover from substance dependence and receive additional support for other compulsive disorders. It is unique amongst the various Action on Addiction recovery centres in that it is just for women, with a programme designed to allow women to overcome their addictions in a secure, tailored environment.
The committed and highly qualified staff includes specialists in addiction as well as personality and eating disorders. They work as a diverse team of counsellors and therapists, providing a structured treatment programme for women with complex needs.
Susanne Hakimi, Head of Service for Action on Addiction’s Hope House, said: "The issues associated with women who have become dependent on drugs or alcohol can be complex and sensitive – from self- image to physical abuse. Many women feel more comfortable, and are therefore more likely to have a successful recovery, in a women’s only setting which is why a safe space like Hope House is so important.
“During her visit, the Duchess will hear first-hand our female clients’ experiences of their addiction and recovery journeys. She will also have the opportunity to experience what a typical day at Hope House is like and find out why a range of treatments, such as art therapy and information on nutrition, are effective in helping women start to re-build their lives. And the staff and clients at Hope House are very much looking forward to meeting her.”
Hope House is a beautiful Grade II listed Georgian house, located in a peaceful corner of South West London, close to Clapham Common. Hope House opened in Maida Vale in 1988 and had only 8 beds. It moved to Clapham Common (into the former Thurston House) in 2009. The refurbished house was launched in 2009 by Trinny Woodall, and now treats up to 23 women at one time.
