An estimated seven million people in the UK are affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol misuse. Carers and family members are a ‘hidden’ group who provide ongoing treatment, often without training, support or financial reward and around the clock. They can sometimes lose sight of themselves and develop physical and mental health needs of their own.
In light of this, Safer South Gloucestershire commissioned The Drugs and Homeless Initiative (DHI) to provide a specific service for families and carers. “Families Also Matter” provides one-to-one counselling, support groups, couples counselling and training for professionals.
The service has been running since April 2006 and recognises the positive effect that appropriate family involvement can have on the treatment of and recovery from substance misuse.
Safer South Gloucestershire has provided additional funding for family members to begin their own recovery, by attending a three-day residential treatment programme at Broadway Lodge in Weston-Super-Mare.
A carer who recently attended this programme said: “Before I went on the programme I was hurt and angry after suffering in silence for many years. Listening to the speakers and joining in with the groups I felt different because I realised that I could at last say out loud to people what was happening in my life without being judged, blamed or mocked. These people understood and this gave me a renewed feeling of peace and sense of self worth. I would recommend it unreservedly to any family member who finds that they need help as a result of living with somebody else’s addiction.”
‘Families Also Matter’ recently ran its own weekend event to give carers the opportunity to focus on their needs by enjoying a range of complementary therapies, themed workshops and the chance to offer each other mutual support. A second weekend event is planned for September.
Family members in South Gloucestershire have also developed their own forum to offer support to each other outside of formal services and to ensure that their voices are heard in the delivery and development of services.
Please contact South Gloucestershire Drug & Alcohol Services on 0800 0733 011(free from a landline or callbox) for help and support for either yourself or someone you care about or for.
ENDS