Nacoa invited to 10 Downing Street
Nacoa was called in to 10 Downing Street last Thursday. Following young ambassador Amelie delivered her powerful letter to the Prime Minister from 13-year old Nacoa supporter Amelie.
Amelie is calling on the govermnent to do more to help children affected by their parent’s drinking.
Amelie’s father died as a result of his drinking when she was just 10 years old.
“Please help Nacoa to help the children of alcoholics so they can be happier and have someone to talk to who understands. I miss my dad so much and so does my brother. I would be so happy if you help us all please”.
Inside 10 Downing Street
Amelie was joined at Downing Street by her Mum Lucy, Nacoa ambassador Josh Connolly, Director of Communications Piers Henriques, and Naoca patrons Calum Best and Jonathan Ashworth.
The group were invited in through the famous black door for a tour of the building, including the Cabinet Office.
The highlight of the tour was bumping into fellow Nacoa member who works at no. 10 and recognised Josh from Instagram!
Amelie also got to stroke Larry, the famous Downing Street cat.
Josh’s long walk
Ambassador, Josh Connolly, struggled a little with the many flights of stairs, having walked over 90 miles to get there.
Josh undertook this gruelling solo challenge to highlight what children of alcoholics go through every day. Children left alone to navigate trauma, instability, and the lifelong impact of growing up in these environments.
Josh’s mammoth journey has so far raised over £5k for Nacoa. We hope his blisters are on the mend!
Meeting Keir Starmer’s policy advisors
Inside number 10, the Nacoa party met the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves.
They then sat down with Keir Starmer’s chief policy advisors to discuss national strategy needed for children affected by their parent’s drinking. The advisors listened intently and expressed interest in implementing support.
Let’s hope Keir Starmer likes what he hears and that change is on the horizon.
Amelie on TV
Amelie’s day started early, joining Ed Balls and Kate Garraway on the sofa of ITV’s Good Morning Britain.
This led to many calls to Nacoa’s helpline from people who had not known about Nacoa before.
Good Morning Britain were excited about Amelie’s visit to Downing Street and featured an update on the show the next day.
A movement for change
From Downing Street, Amelie and the team headed straight to the Nacoa Lecture at the House of Commons. Amelie bravely read her letter to a packed room of Nacoa members, alcohol campaigners and MPs.
On behalf of all children of alcoholics, thank you to Amelie! Truly a breakthrough to end to COA week.
We will never stop fighting until there is more support and recognition for children affected by parents’ drinking.
Become a member of Nacoa and join our movement for change!
