Remembrance Month at The Forward Trust – Honouring Those We’ve Lost

On Tuesday (21 January), Forward held a special online event to mark the official ‘Day of Remembrance’ for staff all across the organisation.

The online format provided an inclusive and accessible way for staff to join regardless of their location or work set-up, with many remote workers able to participate.

As a mark of respect and to include staff working in frontline roles, a number of our services and operational delivery were also briefly paused to allow in-person gatherings to participate in 15 minutes of quiet and collective reflection. 

The online event was chaired by Jason Moore, Director of Substance Misuse Services, who was able to ensure staff could share their memories of loved ones during this 30-minute event. Towards the end of the event, Emma Warren, an Eastern and Central Regional Manager (in Substance Misuse Services in prisons), read the poem ‘Let Me Die Young’ – a wry and bittersweet lament on death and dying. We know there is no glory in death, and this poem highlights how addiction to substances is often the most tragic.  

Remembrance Month is especially poignant for the staff at Forward, where all colleagues are touched by addiction. Our work is rooted in supporting individuals with substance use. This awareness month highlights the value of our work but also provides a stark reminder of how devastating it can be to lose someone you know – whether that’s a service user, family member, friend or those who were not able to engage with support services given the complexity and cruel nature of addiction. 

As Remembrance Month continues, we encourage everyone to take time out to reach out to those who may be grieving. Whether it’s a small gesture or simply letting someone know they’re not alone, acts of compassion can make a world of difference.

If you or someone you know is struggling with loss or worried about a loved one, we’re here to help. Our Reach Out service is available Monday through Friday, offering support and guidance during these challenging times. You can find more information about Reach Out here.

Together, let’s continue to honour the memory of those we’ve lost while supporting one another in the journey forward.