How To Help A Gay Person With A Drug And Alcohol Problem

Transcription

1 Adfam leading national organisation that helps families affected by drug and alcohol use Including Diverse Families Programme London Cristina Osorio Programme Co-ordinator

2 The evidence Key role families can play in substance misuse treatment: prevent and/or influence the course of the substance misuse problem improve substance related outcomes for the user help reduce the negative effects of substance misuse problems on themselves as well as other family members [Copello, Templeton and Velleman, 2006]

3 Scale Approximately 7 million people in the UK are affected by someone else s drug and alcohol use (Adfam)

4 Scale (cont) There are 250,000 children of problematic drug users (Hidden Harm) and 1.3 million children affected by parental alcohol misuse (Alcohol Concern)

5 Including Diverse Families Background: We Count Too good practice and quality standards (Adfam/Home Office 2005) Identified: Under represented groups Opportunities to develop effective services Funding: Three year programme funded by the Big Lottery Fund London: Men LGBT families (families of LGBT users and LGBT people affected by someone else s drug/alcohol use) South West: Rural Communities BME (including refugees and asylum seekers)

6 Including Diverse Families - aims Increase awareness, understanding and skills of the family support sector, in meeting the needs of LGBT families & men affected by someone else s drug/alcohol use Develop confidence and skills of workforce to deliver quality services Facilitate and share existing good practice through networking events, training and a toolkit

7 LGBT consultation LGBT Young People LGBT Families Professionals: Drug and Alcohol Family Support LGBT *important to find out the issues for young LGBT people in relation to drug and alcohol use and also issues for LGBT users as this is what immediately affects the family and what they would often ask information about

8 Families Double stigma sexuality and drug/alcohol Family breakdown / severed relationships Emotions Worry about sexual activity LGBT culture/fashion and language (alien) Confidentiality Cultural, ethnicity and religious backgrounds Worry about services ability to help

9 Services Are they really prepared for same sex families prejudice, policies Hetero-normative view of family, LGBT family patterns are not recognised Support group might not be appropriate format Faith community less inclined to talk about sexuality issues Not given a chance to talk about sexuality might be difficult for family to initiate conversation Lack of relevant materials BME on the agenda but not LGBT No positive messages not aware if services are LGBT friendly Same sex couples might find it hard to engage with support services, fear of SS involvement and judgement on parental ability

10 Taking Including Diverse Families forward! Training Making links and networking Partnerships LGBT toolkit

11 LGBT: some practical tips Services need to recognise the multiple stigma and the needs of partners and parents of drug and alcohol LGBT users When working with families, ask questions in a way that heterosexuality is not assumed Liaise with LGBT organisations explore referral pathways and cross-training opportunities Display LGBT information & positive statements Challenge homophobia staff and service users

12 What next? Consultation Report Advisory Group professionals and family members with expertise on men and LGBT issues Men s Event key speakers, case studies, share good practice and network Workshops Good Practice promote good practice and inclusive services