The Forward Trust is a British charity that helps people with drug and alcohol dependence. Previously known as RAPt (the Rehabilitation for Addicted Prisoners Trust), it was relaunched in 2017 as Forward Trust after merging with Blue Sky organization.
RAPt delivers services both in the
criminal justice system
Criminal justice is the delivery of justice to those who have been accused of committing crimes. The criminal justice system is a series of government agencies and institutions. Goals include the rehabilitation of offenders, preventing other ...
and in community settings. Approximately 20,000 people every year use a RAPt service. RAPt is the only provider of
drug treatment programmes within HM Prison Service that has verifiable evidence of effectiveness.
History
RAPt was established in 1991 as the Addicted Diseases Trust when Peter Bond, a recovering
alcoholic
Alcoholism is, broadly, any drinking of alcohol that results in significant mental or physical health problems. Because there is disagreement on the definition of the word ''alcoholism'', it is not a recognized diagnostic entity. Predomina ...
, observed the success of
abstinence
Abstinence is a self-enforced restraint from indulging in bodily activities that are widely experienced as giving pleasure. Most frequently, the term refers to sexual abstinence, but it can also mean abstinence from alcohol, drugs, food, etc.
...
-based programmes in the United States. He, Jonathan Wallace and Michael Meakin, set up a charity to meet the needs of
drug addicts
Addiction is a neuropsychological disorder characterized by a persistent and intense urge to engage in certain behaviors, one of which is the usage of a drug, despite substantial harm and other negative consequences. Repetitive drug use oft ...
in
UK prisons
His Majesty's Prison Service (HMPS) is a part of HM Prison and Probation Service (formerly the National Offender Management Service), which is the part of His Majesty's Government charged with managing most of the prisons within England and Wal ...
.
In 1992 RAPt opened the first intensive drug rehabilitation programme in a UK prison in a Portakabin at
HMP Downview in
Surrey. The actor Sir
Anthony Hopkins
Sir Philip Anthony Hopkins (born 31 December 1937) is a Welsh actor, director, and producer. One of Britain's most recognisable and prolific actors, he is known for his performances on the screen and stage. Hopkins has received many accolad ...
, an early supporter, provided much-needed funds and remains a patron.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge
Catherine, Princess of Wales, (born Catherine Elizabeth Middleton; 9 January 1982) is a member of the British royal family. She is married to William, Prince of Wales, heir apparent to the British throne, making Catherine the likely next ...
, a patron of the charity, delivered the keynote speech at the launch of the charity's 2021 Taking Action on Addiction campaign.
See also
*
Alcoholism
Alcoholism is, broadly, any drinking of alcohol that results in significant mental or physical health problems. Because there is disagreement on the definition of the word ''alcoholism'', it is not a recognized diagnostic entity. Predomina ...
*
Drug abuse
Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse, is the use of a drug in amounts or by methods which are harmful to the individual or others. It is a form of substance-related disorder. Differing definitions of drug abuse are used in public health, ...
*
Drug addiction
Addiction is a neuropsychological disorder characterized by a persistent and intense urge to engage in certain behaviors, one of which is the usage of a drug, despite substantial harm and other negative consequences. Repetitive drug use oft ...
*
Drug rehabilitation
Drug rehabilitation is the process of medical or psychotherapeutic treatment for dependency on psychoactive substances such as alcohol, prescription drugs, and street drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin or amphetamines. The general int ...
*
12-step programme
References
External links
*
* Article, The Time
* Article, Hull Daily Mai
RAPt/ PNC Research most recent researchDrug Treatment In Prison: An Evaluation of the RAPt Treatment Programme- a two-year study into the effectiveness of the RAPt treatment programme.
{{Authority control
Addiction organisations in the United Kingdom
Non-profit organisations based in the United Kingdom