Television star Sharon Osbourne and Prime Minister Theresa May have lent their support to a Bucks drug addiction charity as a hard-working volunteer was presented with an award at 10 Downing Street.

The PM hosted a reception for DrugFAM on November 27 in a bid to recognise the charity’s achievements and High Wycombe resident, Gill Owen-Conway, was presented with a Points of Light award in recognition of her work as a volunteer for DrugFAM.

Gill is a highly specialised email and telephone befriender for the charity who uses her expertise to support families who have experienced bereavement in the most traumatic circumstances. She helps families affected by someone else's drug and alcohol addiction and also runs the weekly evening support group and dedicates over 780 hours each year to volunteering.

Speaking to Gill, Mrs May, said: “Your work with DrugFAM as well as your experience at Samaritans demonstrates your inspiring dedication to providing a listening ear to some of the people in society who need it most.

“By both extending the organisation’s support to include email help and also creating a bereavement support group in High Wycombe, you have given your local community the opportunity to share their experiences without judgement.”

Among the 180 guests at the reception was TV host and music manager, Sharon Osbourne, who expressed her support for the work of DrugFAM. 

She said: “It was an honour to be at 10 Downing Street yesterday to see first-hand the support that DrugFAM offers to loved ones and the families of those suffering from addiction.

“Elizabeth knows only too well the crippling effect that this disease has on families.”

Sharon also praised the support of the Bucks-based summer ball committee who raise funds for DrugFAM on an annual basis.

The reception also saw the launch of an updated book by DrugFAM founder, Elizabeth Burton-Phillips.

‘Mum, can you lend me twenty quid? What drugs did to my family’, was originally published in 2007 but has been re-released with new content that brings Elizabeth’s story up-to-date by sharing the story of DrugFAM’s creation and the inspiring work supporting families impacted by addiction.

Sarah Bromfield, chief executive of DrugFAM, added: ‘‘Addiction can have a devastating effect on the whole family, not just the person using drugs or alcohol.

“By providing families with a lifeline of safe, caring and professional support, we give them the strength to break free from the cycle of addiction and rebuild their lives.

“Our volunteers are essential to this and we are delighted to see them being recognised in this way.”

If you would like to find out more about DrugFAM, visit www.drugfam.co.uk, or contact office@drugfam.co.uk.

If you are affected by someone else's drug or alcohol misuse or bereaved by addiction, call 0300 888 3853.