Congratulations to Anna Harforth, joint winner of Adfam’s Family Voices Competition 2025, with her amazing entry “Yes, I’m here”.
Family Voices is Adfam’s annual poetry and creative writing competition for anyone with lived experience of a family member’s substance use or gambling. The competition provides an opportunity for family members to share their story and creatively express their thoughts and feelings.
Anna receiving her award from broadcaster Peter Curran at Adfam’s Carol Concert on 17th December 2025
You can read Anna’s winning entry below:
Yes, I’m here, by Anna Harforth
I’m a little boat, tossing on the choppy sea of night. Stillness and calm won’t come to me.
Thoughts play on repeat…
Where are you?
Are you safe?
Most days I work. Work is a distraction; distraction is my friend, But my phone is always in my pocket,
I keep scanning and searching…
Where are you?
Are you safe?
Sometimes, my brain hears your voice exactly as it was – On that sleepy Sunday, not so long ago.
You were gently weeping as you muttered…
“Mum???”
Yes, I’m here. I replied.
“I’ve tried to take my own life…”
I’m a little cog, caught up in the machine of a loved one’s addiction. Peace of mind won’t come to me.
Thoughts play on repeat…
Where are you?
Are you safe?
Somedays, I am distracted by joy. Joy is my friend, I delight in a gust of wind, a funny reel,
My phone is in my pocket,
You message me and say,
Where are you?
Fancy a coffee?
Sometimes, my brain reminds me of the many glimmers of hope, I relish the good days,
You are cheerful as you say…
“Mum???”
Yes, I’m here, I reply.
“I’ve been to another meeting…”
Amazing! I say…
Yes, I’m here for you …always, I reply.