Celebrities and Politicians Rally to Support Children of Alcoholics: COA Week 2025 Campaign Gains Momentum for Change

A Movement for Change: Celebrities and Politicians Back COA Week 2025 Campaign to Better Support for Children of Alcoholics

London, 10 February 2025 – Under the theme ‘A Movement for Change’, this year’s Children of Alcoholics Week (COA Week) is receiving high-profile support from celebrity patrons Vicky Pattison, Calum Best, and others, as well as political figure Rt Hon Jonathan Ashworth. The weeklong campaign, taking place from 9-15 February 2025, aims to raise awareness and call for better support for the millions of children affected by their parent’s drinking.

Nacoa (the National Association for Children of Alcoholics) has seen a sharp increase in calls to their helpline, indicating the pressing need for action. In 2024, the organization received a record number of 35,721 requests for help. This year’s data analysis also reveals a concerning rise in requests for help from bereaved children of alcoholics, with a jump from 29% in 2020 to 45% in 2024. These numbers reflect the recent Office for National Statistics (ONS) report showing record-high alcohol-related deaths in the UK.

The COA Week campaign is dedicated to breaking the silence and providing support for these vulnerable children. Nacoa’s celebrity patrons have all spoken openly about their own experiences growing up with a parent struggling with alcohol addiction. In addition, mental health advocate Josh Connolly will be embarking on a 90-mile solo walk to 10 Downing Street, carrying a letter from 12-year-old Amelie, who tragically lost her father to alcohol. Connolly, who also lost his father to alcohol dependency, will deliver Amelie’s heartfelt message to government officials, urging them to take action for children in similar situations.

Nacoa is also proud to announce that the Rt Hon Jonathan Ashworth will be joining as a patron. A long-time advocate for children of alcoholics, Ashworth will be available for media interviews to discuss the urgent need for better support services.

Hilary Henriques MBE, CEO of Nacoa UK, says, “Behind closed doors, millions of children are living with the chaos, fear, and heartbreak that comes with parental alcoholism. No child should feel alone. COA Week is about breaking the silence and ensuring these children get the help they need.”

This year’s COA Week theme, ‘A Movement for Change’, aims to challenge the stigma and promote the voices of children of alcoholics in the public sphere. The organization hopes to bring attention to the fact that children living with parental addiction are at a higher risk for developing addictions themselves, as well as struggling in school, experiencing mental health issues, and even considering suicide. With proper support and awareness, these children can break the cycle and lead healthier lives.

Nacoa leads the week’s activities, which include Josh delivering Amelie’s letter to 10 Downing Street, a COA Week lecture at the House of Commons, COA Week Instagram Live Young People’s Panel, and the launch of a new book of letters from people affected by a loved one’s addictions. Events are also taking place across the globe, including in Europe, India, Korea, and the USA.

For more information, please contact Communications Lead Piers Henriques at 0785 553 3962 or communications@nacoa.org.uk. Josh Connolly, Nacoa Ambassador, can be reached at 0790 517 8873 or joshconnolly1987@gmail.com. Nacoa Co-founder and CEO Hilary Henriques can be contacted at 07506 744 771 or ceo@nacoa.org.uk. Additional contact information for Nacoa can be found at the end of this article.

About Children of Alcoholics Week:

Children of Alcoholics Week (COA Week) is an annual event that aims to raise awareness for the 2.6 million children in the UK affected by a parent’s drinking. This year’s theme, ‘A Movement for Change’, highlights the need for action and support for these vulnerable children. For more information and resources, visit www.coaweek.org.uk.

About Nacoa:

Nacoa (the National Association for Children of Alcoholics) is a registered charity (no. 1009143) founded in 1990. Their mission is to provide information, advice, and support to everyone affected by a parent’s drinking. This includes a free and confidential helpline, email support, and online resources. For more information, please visit www.nacoa.org.uk or contact Nacoa at 0117 924 8005, admin@nacoa.org.uk, or coaweek@nacoa.org.uk.

Embargoed until Monday 10th Feb 2025. Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/