A Movement for Change: Celebrities and Politicians Back COA Week 2025 Campaign to Better Support for Children of Alcoholics
London, UK – February 10, 2025 – This week marks the start of Children of Alcoholics Week, an annual campaign to raise awareness and support for the millions of children affected by their parent’s drinking. Under the theme of ‘A Movement for Change’, high-profile supporters, including celebrity patrons Vicky Pattison, Calum Best, and Tony Adams, are joining forces to advocate for better support for these vulnerable children.
The National Association for Children of Alcoholics (Nacoa) has seen a significant increase in calls to its helpline, reflecting new statistics on record alcohol-related deaths in the UK. According to Nacoa’s analysis, the number of calls relating to bereavement has sharply risen from 29% in 2020 to 45% in 2024, highlighting the need for action to support children who have lost a parent due to alcohol addiction. This news comes as the Office for National Statistics reports that alcohol-specific deaths in the UK have reached a record high.
In 2024, Nacoa received a record number of requests for help, totaling 35,721. This year’s campaign is being backed by celebrity supporters, including Vicky Pattison, Calum Best, and Tony Adams, who have all shared their personal experiences of growing up with a parent struggling with alcohol addiction.
Vicky Pattison, a TV star, author, and podcaster, shared her support for the campaign, saying, “There are 2.6 million children living in the UK with parents who drink too much. I want them to know they are not alone. It happened to me, and now I support Nacoa so they can support the children.”
As part of the COA Week campaign, mental health advocate Josh Connolly will embark 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. Josh, who also lost his own 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 proud to announce that the Rt Hon Jonathan Ashworth is becoming a patron of the organization. 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, said, “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.”
Children of Alcoholics Week 2025 (#COAWeek), taking place from February 9th to 15th, is the annual event to raise awareness of the 2.6 million children in the UK affected by a parent’s drinking. This year’s theme, ‘A Movement for Change,’ aims to challenge the stigma and promote the voices of children of alcoholics in the public sphere.
Nacoa lead the week’s activities focused on furthering the wellbeing of these vulnerable children in the UK. In addition to Josh delivering Amelie’s letter to 10 Downing Street, events include Nacoa’s 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. Activities are also being held across the globe, including in Europe, India, Korea, and the USA.
The campaign’s key messages include the need for frontline services to be more aware of the family secret of addiction and for the government to reinstate support for children of alcoholics. Nacoa also aims to challenge the stigma that keeps vulnerable children silenced.
Nacoa patrons, including Tony Adams OBE, Calum Best, Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP, David Coldwell, Lorri Haines, Geraldine James OBE, Cherie Lunghi, Elle Macpherson, Vicky Pattison, Chanita Stephenson, and Camilla Tominey, support the campaign with their personal experiences and advocacy.
Hilary Henriques, MBE, added, “News of a huge increase in parental alcohol deaths is devastating to hear for children’s charities like us, who witness the daily impacts of parental addiction on children. COA Week helps us to remember that alcohol problems affect the whole family. Behind these statistics are mothers and fathers whose children will have been living with the chaos of someone else’s drinking. But with greater awareness and support, we will help children to find healthy ways to cope and break the cycle of addiction.”
For more information or to get involved in COA Week 2025
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.