MEET OUR FOUNDER
ELIZABETH BURTON-PHILLIPS
Elizabeth Burton-Phillips lost Nick, one of her identical twin sons, to heroin addiction in 2004. Having struggled to find support for her own family during this harrowing time, Elizabeth founded DrugFAM in 2006 with the sole aim of ensuring that no family, friends or carers are left living in isolation, fear and ignorance of any local & national support. From humble beginnings Elizabeth has led DrugFAM to become one of the most nationally respected charities for the support of families affected by addiction.
As part of her grieving process Elizabeth wrote the book Mum, Can You Lend Me Twenty Quid? What drugs did to my family which was published in 2007. It has sold over 65,000 copies and been translated into five languages. Elizabeth has received thousands of letters, telephone calls and emails from families around the world who express their gratitude for sharing her story. Comments have included:
“Reading your book has been an inspiration to me. My son was a crack and heroin addict and is still serving a four-year prison sentence for dealing. You have shown me that, as a mother, I am not alone with this problem”.
Since Nick’s tragic death, Elizabeth has campaigned continuously to raise awareness of the harm caused to families by drug and alcohol addiction and to influence policy and practice so that the needs of families are better recognised and met.
In 2012, “Mum, can you lend me Twenty Quid?” was adapted into a Theatre in Education stage play for schools, police training and prisons, and DrugFAM celebrated the 100th performance in October 2015 at the Palace of Westminster by invitation of Theresa May, the then Home Secretary. A podcast and audio CD of the play are also now available as free educational resources for schools, practitioners and the wider community.
Elizabeth was co-opted on to the government’s Advisory Committee on the Misuse of Drugs New Recovery Committee from 2012- 2016 is currently advisor to several organisations. She has contributed to research by the Universities of Bath and Sterling which has produced new guidelines for professionals working with those bereaved by substance use. She has delivered over 500 lectures and key note speeches to clinicians, practitioners and other stakeholders at schools, prisons, and conference events across the globe, including European Commission (Brussels) 2009, Europe Against Drugs Conference (London) 2010, and the Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals, now Indivior, Conference (Morocco) 2012. Nearer to home, Elizabeth sits on the Berkshire drug related death committee and the Independent Review panel for rehab treatment applications in Berkshire.
Elizabeth was nominated as a Woman of Achievement in the Women of the Year Awards from 2009-2012, and her courage and determination to support families continues to be acknowledged around the world. Elizabeth’s work continues to draw recognition and thanks from all corners of society, including commendations from the Prime Minister Theresa May, former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the Inspector of Prisons, Director and Governors of prisons, Head teachers, DAAT Commissioners and, most significantly, many thousands of recovering families.
Elizabeth was recognised in the 2017 Queens Birthday Honours List when she was awarded an MBE for services to people who experience drug addiction and their families.
