The Duchess of Cambridge highlights work of Action on Addiction charity

The Duchess of Cambridge has highlighted the issues experienced by people who are faced with addiction.

As Patron of charity Action on Addiction, The Duchess attended the world premiere of A Street Cat Named Bob and also visited a film festival to see work produced by those who are in recovery from addiction.

A Street Cat Named Bob is based on the real-life story of James Bowen, a man who struggled with addiction yet found friendship with a stray ginger cat, who helped turn his life around.

The Duchess attended the film premiere, which raised funds for Action on Addiction, and met Bob the cat, who appeared as himself in the film. She also met James Bowen, who is now an international best-selling author and actor Luke Treadaway who stars as James in film.

Action on Addiction is the UK’s only charity working across the addiction field in treatment, professional education to honours degree level, support for families and children, research, and campaigns.

Earlier in the day The Duchess also attended Recovery Street Film Festival, which features inspiring films made by former addicts and their loved ones about life in recovery from addiction.

She watched the three prize-winning films from the previous three years of the festival including "Hope Inside", a story which discusses addiction and recovery in prison.

The other films included "Harry's Story" and "Understanding Mum", winners of the 2015 and 2014 prize respectively.

On the visit The Duchess met the prize-winners and representatives from the charities involved in running the festival.

“We are delighted that The Duchess of Cambridge is once again shining a light on the issues experienced by people who are faced by addiction," Graham Beech, Chief Executive of Action on Addiction said. 

The festival was established three years ago by a consortium of addiction charities including Action on Addiction.

It tours venues around the UK and aims to raise awareness of addiction, change the public’s perception of it, and tackle the stigma surrounding the condition.