Winehouse family to set up substance abuse foundation

Governance | Kirsty Weakley | 28 Jul 2011

Amy Winehouse’s father, Mitch Winehouse, told mourners at her funeral that he intends to set up a foundation in her name to help others struggling with addiction.

According to the Daily Mail, he said: "I was with my cousin Michael when I heard and straight away I said I wanted an Amy Winehouse Foundation, something to help the things she loved - children, horses, but also to help those struggling with substance abuse."

There is the possibility that the Foundation could support a rehabilitation centre, Mr Winehouse said. "In this country, if you cannot afford a private rehabilitation clinic, there is a two-year waiting list for help. With the help of Keith Vaz MP, we are trying to change that."

Mr Winehouse met the Labour MP in 2009 when he gave evidence to a home affairs select committee investigation into drug abuse.

The singer had fought a well-documented battle with alcohol and drugs, although her father has said she had kicked her drug habit three years ago.

During her lifetime she supported a number of causes including climate change and HIV awareness campaigns.

She was found dead at her London home on Saturday afternoon by her bodyguard. The cause of death is still unknown with further toxicology tests expected to take up to four weeks.

A private funeral was held on Tuesday in North London and mourners included close friends Kelly Osborne and Mark Ronson.

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