Addiction charity changes name

One of Scotland’s biggest drug and alcohol charities Addaction – which has services across Argyll and Bute – is set to change its name to We Are With You on February 26.

Research shows that one in six people across Scotland and England have experienced issues with drugs, alcohol, mental health or self-harm, but millions are struggling alone. Stigma and shame are major barriers preventing people accessing help.

Services and staff at Addaction (We Are With You) are spread across the UK. And although feedback describes them as warm, non-judgemental and approachable, surveys reveal this isn’t reflected in the charity’s name. Three times as many people surveyed chose the name We Are With You over Addaction – with the new name being described as more ‘inclusive’, ‘approachable’ and ‘reassuring’.

The charity now hopes to break down barriers, reach a broader audience and help more people with its new name and hand-drawn visual identity, created by Scottish-based studio Touch, as well as a more user-friendly website.

Acting CEO of Addaction Laura Bunt said: ‘Through changing our name to We Are With You and creating a new visual identity and website, we hope to be more accessible to people who use or might use our services. This could be someone who just wants some advice on staying safe or to make some small changes, through to those looking for bigger lifestyle changes or structured treatment.

‘Our research shows that language around addiction can in itself be a huge barrier to people seeking help. As We Are With You, we will use everyday language and focus on the help we offer, not the problem.’