Princess Catherine visits addiction recovery garden
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Princess Catherine, of Wales, visited a new garden in Garon Park, Southend-on-Sea, England, to meet people recovering from addiction.
As patron of the Forward Trust, a charity supporting those in recovery, she listened to personal stories from service users about their experiences. Steph Sampson, a recovering alcoholic, shared with the princess how a letter from her daughter motivated her to seek help and that she had been sober for over six months with the Forward Trust’s support.
Sampson received detox and rehabilitation through the Southend Treatment and Recovery Service, operated by the Forward Trust and Open Road. She now volunteers as a Stars mentor, helping others and rebuilding relationships with her family. Catherine praised the garden as a valuable resource, noting that people often struggle to find appropriate support spaces. The Princess’s visit coincided with Addiction Awareness Week, during which the Forward Trust aims to initiate 17,000 conversations about addiction across the UK.
Mike Trace, chief executive of the Forward Trust, explained that the royal visit helps normalize discussions about addiction and encourages broader understanding and support.
