“This can’t be it”. That thought kept running through Amber Hughes’ head after her sister passed away. So, she made it her mission to make sure it wasn’t. To Amber, becoming our Her Way Home Ambassador is another way to keep Hannah’s memory alive.
In 2017, Amber’s sister Hannah passed away after battling with addiction and experiencing homelessness. In 2019 Amber launched Amber Lights in Oxford, utilising her creative talents to “give back to Homeless Oxfordshire, who supported [Hannah] during her time of need”.
Since then, she has taken up every opportunity to raise awareness of addiction and homelessness through projects like Arty Hanns, and has continued to raise vital funds for the work we do. In 2023 Amber was awarded the British Empire Medal in the Kings Birthday Honours for her services to the community.
As if that wasn’t enough, last year, Amber completed a Diploma in Coaching and Positive Psychology and is now a Family Addiction Support Coach. Her determination to create positive change in her sister’s name is awe-inspiring and we’re so thrilled to have Amber on board as our Her Way Home Ambassador.
We recently spoke to Amber to find out more about what drives her work and to get her advice for those who are supporting loved ones through addiction or homelessness. Here’s what she had to say…
What drives all your amazing work and what impact do you hope to make?
Honestly, it’s Hannah. After she passed away, I just kept thinking, ‘This can’t be it’. She was only 38. She deserved more. I thought, if there’s another Hannah and Amber out there, could this work help them?
At first, I thought if I sell just one Hann Bag, I’ve done something. But now, I think it’s about reducing stigma. If someone sees Hannah’s story and decides to set up a donation or has a better conversation with someone they love, that’s a win.
Addiction and homelessness are so complex, and creating awareness around that really matters. It’s about helping others understand, and maybe even change how they react when someone they love is struggling.
And it’s about creating something lasting in Hannah’s name. She was loved. She mattered. I want people to know that.
You already do so much for Homeless Oxfordshire. Why did you decide to become an ambassador for our Her Way Home appeal?
Women often get overlooked in homelessness statistics because they’re hidden, or staying in unsafe places to avoid the streets. So it’s really powerful to see them finally being recognised, seen and offered a safe space and tailored services.
I think Hannah would have thrived at Homeless Oxfordshire’s Women’s Project and I’m excited to see this service grow and support more women.
The wellbeing events I’ve seen would’ve been right up her street! She used to sign up for hand massages at our local village school fundraisers! But I think the biggest thing would’ve been having her own room, a safe space to be herself.
I also think she would’ve really benefited from a peer community – someone to talk to, share a meal with, watch a film. And then still have her own space to retreat to. That balance is so important.
I hope women supported by Her Way Home get the chance to feel like themselves again. That they get the space, care, and time to rebuild themselves and their lives.
Your mum must be so proud of everything you’re doing to build a legacy in Hannah’s name…?
At first, I think she thought I was a bit mad – especially with the more physical fundraisers! But she’s always been very supportive.
One of the biggest moments was when she came into Homeless Oxfordshire’s O’Hanlon House hostel for the first time since Hannah died and saw the plaque on the wall in her memory. That meant a lot to her.
I think, for both of us, it’s about making sure Hannah isn’t forgotten.
Hannah was obviously so loved, which can leave people wondering why your family couldn’t take Hannah in. How do you respond to questions about that?
It’s always hard to answer.
There were little signs – things you question – but she’d brush them off. She didn’t want us to worry. So we didn’t know the extent of her addiction until it had already hit crisis point.
You carry guilt. But her needs were complex. She needed professional support – support we couldn’t give. It wasn’t safe for her, or for us, when she was under the influence.
Addiction is not a straight line. It’s a serious illness.
What advice would you give to someone who is supporting a loved one through addiction or homelessness?
It’s not your fault. You’re not responsible for fixing it all. Don’t carry the guilt.
You matter too. And while you can love and support someone, you’re still allowed your own life.
Just be kind – to them, and to yourself.
