Community Family Support Signposting London RAPt (Rehabilitation for Addicted Prisoners Trust) The Foundry, 2nd Floor 17/19 Oval Way London SE11 5RR Tel: 020 3752 5560 Fax: 020 7691 7612 Email: info@rapt.org.uk Web: www.rapt.org.uk Blog: http://raptblog.rapt.org.uk Produced by RAPt
Community Family Support Signposting A person's drug or alcohol misuse has a big impact on people close to them. Family members and friends can find their own health and well being badly affected. People close to a drug or alcohol user can find themselves trapped in the trauma of addiction; feeling responsible, but unsure how to help. They are often desperate for advice and support themselves. There are a range of community services that can help family members, partners or friends to regain control over their own lives, whether or not the drug or alcohol user is also receiving help. Many services offer advice and information, along with support groups or individual counselling and signposting to other relevant and complementary services. Some people find it very difficult to access support; they may have a fear of sitting in a group, or talking one to one about their problems. However, seeking support can be an important first step in helping not only themselves but also the person they are trying to support. Useful tools can be developed to help people cope with difficult issues, and this in turn can have a knock on effect by helping ease the problem. Many community services offer one to one counselling support or guidance on the phone for those family members or friends who just want an initial chat and are possibly anxious about attending a support group. Staff who work in the treatment sector know how difficult it can be to talk about the issues family and friends may be experiencing as a result of a relative or friend s substance misuse. They aim to be sensitive, understanding and committed to helping you find the right support. This booklet includes a list of both local and national organisations that may be able to help you.
Practising Self-Care When someone close to you has addiction problems, your own health and well-being can suffer. Here are some suggestions for making small changes in your own life. For more information you may find our Practising Self-Care booklet helpful. Let your loved one face his or her own consequences: By constantly protecting your loved one, you may be preventing them from getting the help they need. You can explain to your family member, I care about you, but I cannot take on your responsibilities. Try to focus on your own physical and emotional health: This is not a selfish act, but sets a good example of self-care to others in your family, including the addict. Reserve time exclusively for you, for example taking a long bath; going for a walk; cooking your favourite meal or making time to see a friend who makes you laugh. Try to change negative thinking to positive: Remember all of the values and skills that qualify you as a caring individual. Being a wife, mother, brother or friend does not diminish just because someone in your life has turned to drink or drugs. Give yourself credit for doing the best that you can with the knowledge and skills you have at this time. Conserve your personal energy: Think about how much energy you spend doing things for others; trying to change someone else can be exhausting and sometimes impossible. Begin to change your focus, and then use your conserved energy for your own needs. Projections and expectations: Sometimes it is hard to avoid the fear of what might happen in the future. Try to turn your focus to yourself, keep your expectations realistic and work towards changing your reactions to problems, without getting into arguments or conflict. Ask for help: Don t be afraid to reach out to others when you need assistance, help, or a shoulder to cry on. As well as emotional help, you may also need practical support such as with housing, money, visits and children. Get informed: Joining a support group or attending an information session or drop-in for family members or friends can be a good way to find out more about addiction and treatment. Support groups may help you to meet others going through similar issues, and they may have new coping strategies that might work for you too. Knowledge is definitely power. Families and friends who can learn about drugs and alcohol, and their effect on the user, are better placed to deal with substance misuse and addiction. The following pages will give you an overview of the services available to families in your local area, who can provide support and information. Break free from isolation or feeling embarrassed: Getting involved in healthy activities outside of the addictive environment is crucial. If you are having trouble maintaining friendships, a support group may help. Look for opportunities to spend time with people who are positive, who help you move away from negativity, and who leave you feeling good about yourself. Self-Care
Services for carers of those with substance misuse problems A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support. Anyone can become a carer; carers come from all walks of life, all cultures and can be of any age. Many feel they are doing what anyone else would in the same situation; looking after their mother, son, or best friend and just getting on with it. Caring for someone with a drug problem can be very stressful, but there are many organisations that can support you. Many people who care for someone in their family or close friendship circle who has an addiction wouldn t consider themselves as a carer, but this might be you. Substance misuse is much stigmatised and by association so are those who care for drug and alcohol users. By not talking about your feelings and experiences in relation to caring for a user, you may be adversely affecting your own emotional and mental well-being. The following are some organisations that specifically support carers and offer a range of services you may not be aware of. These may include help with exploring financial assistance or finding out about support groups in your area where you can meet other carers dealing with similar challenges. They also signpost to organisations that employ staff who will be sensitive to your needs and will direct you to the best forms of support on offer. The Carers Trust The Carers Trust helps people who have taken on a caring role and who may need help in doing so. The organisation s website has lots of information on how to make contact with your local Carers Service. They will be able to help you locate a range of services (many local carers' services have specialised substance misuse carer support services) as well as help you access additional support in your local area. You may be entitled to some financial support. This will be ascertained by requesting a Carer s Assessment. You are entitled to one if the person you care for is eligible for community care services. If you are unsure about this, then your local carers centre will be best placed to help you to find out and the Carers Trust can point you in the right direction. You can contact the Carers Trust using the information below. Simply explain that you are looking to find out what kinds of support might be available to you as someone who has taken on a caring role for an individual who has a drug and alcohol dependency. Telephone: 0844 800 4361 Website: http://www.carers.org Carers Direct The NHS Direct site has information on how to access local support if you are a carer, including information specifically relevant to those caring for someone with a substance misuse issues. http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/drugs/pages/caring-for-a-drug-user.aspx Telephone: 0808 802 0202 Website: www.nhs.uk/carersdirect/guide/kinds/pages/- caring-for-drug-misuse.aspx
Regional Services Barking and Dagenham Daybreak Drug Project Daybreak is an open access resource centre for families affected by addiction. If a member of your family has an addiction of any kind, you can drop in or phone Daybreak (within opening hours). All advice and support is free of charge. St Lukes Daybreak Centre, Dagenham Road, Dagenham Essex RM10 7UP Telephone: 020 8595 2010 Email: office@daybreakdrugproject.org.uk Website: http://www.daybreakcounselling.org.uk/ Camden Camden Families and Partners Support Service The Camden Families and Partners Support Service provides help for people affected by someone else's drug or alcohol use through one-off meetings or short term counselling. Advice and information is also available. 7-8 Early Mews, Arlington Road London, NW1 7HG Telephone: 020 3227 4959 Ealing EACH Counselling EACH provide workshops for family members/friends to promote an understanding of addiction and recovery processes, to help support people in addiction. EACH Ealing, Vine House, 1 & 2 Factory Yard, Hanwell, W7 3UG Telephone: 020 8579 4529 Email: info@eachealing.org.uk Website: www.eachcounselling.org.uk Fulham Relative Connections Relative Connections offer a specialised group meeting for partners, families and significant friends who are concerned or affected by another person s excessive or problematic use of alcohol or drugs. Partners, children, parents, brothers and sisters, or anyone close to a person with substance misuse issues can be affected and sometimes overwhelmed by the changes in the person and their lives. The Relative Connections group offers a way forward, through support and education, providing an opportunity to talk over the problems you face. Addictions Family Therapy Service, Drug Treatment Centre Chelsea & Westminster Hospital 369 Fulham Road, London, SW10 9NH Telephone: 020 3315 6111
Greenwich Family Support Groups and Information Sessions Information and skills sessions: 1-3pm at the Beresford Project, 36-42 Hare St, Woolwich. Held on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, and 6 to 8pm at CDP Linx, 23 Anglesea Road, Woolwich, (every second Monday - please call beforehand to confirm details). Family support group:1-3pm at the Beresford Project, 36-42 Hare Sreet, Woolwich. Held on the last Monday of the month and from 6-8pm every second Monday at CDP Linx, 23 Anglesea Road, Woolwich (please call beforehand to confirm details). Kate Foy at CDP LINX Telephone: 020 8854 2859 Victoria McLaughlin at CRi Telephone: 020 8316 0116 Harrow EACH Counselling Service Those affected by a partners or family members drug or alcohol use can access the following services: - Advice and information - Individual counselling for family members or carers - Relative and carer support groups Group members are able to share their experiences, gain confidence and encouragement and provide support to one another. Members can also learn coping strategies to help empower one another, with the aim of raising self-awareness about the impact addiction has on the family. Signal House, 16 Lyon Road, Harrow Middlesex, HA1 2AG Tel: 020 8861 3884 Email: info@eachharrow.org.uk Website: http://www.eachcounselling.org.uk Haringey The Chrysalis Haringey drug and alcohol users family and friends support group. Every Monday from 6.30-8.30pm at The Haringey Club, opposite Hornsey Station (please call beforehand to confirm details). 50 Tottenham Lane, London, N8 7EE Telephone: BUBIC on 020 8808 6550 Email: chrysalis@bubic.org.uk Website: http://www.bubic.org.uk Islington The Families, Partners and Friends Service 332c Goswell Road, London, EC1V 7LQ Telephone: 020 3657 7405 Fax: 020 7833 1419 Email: casafpf@blenheimcdp.org.uk
CASA Family Service CASA Family Service helps children, young people and families experiencing difficulties because of parental use of alcohol or other drugs. Parental substance misuse can have a huge and long lasting impact on everyday life, as well as on relationships for everyone in the family, particularly for children and young people. CASA Family Service offer a free and confidential service for: Families living in the Borough of Islington who have a child or children aged 18 or under Parents, children and young people who need support and advice about how to lessen the impact of parental alcohol or other drug use on family life Professionals working with families affected by parental alcohol or drug use CASA work with the whole family to build and strengthen parent-child relationships and to help lessen the difficulties caused by drinking and drug use. They offer advice about local alcohol and drug services, practical support around every day parenting and family issues and individual or group support for young people who have a caring role in their family because of parental alcohol or drug use (Islington & Camden Boroughs). CASA Family Service 86 Durham Road, London, N7 7DT Telephone: 020 7561 7490 Mobile: 07947 117 928 Email: cfs@blenheimcdp.org.uk Grandparents Support Group Islington Family Action run a support group for grandparents. The group meets on alternate Wednesday mornings from 10.30am until 12 noon (please call to confirm details). This is an informal support group, where grandparents share experiences and discuss issues faced on a day-to-day basis. New members are welcome, but it would be helpful if the referrer contacts Carol Orr in the first instance. Carol Orr Development Worker - Family and Friends Project Family Action Islington 608 Holloway Road, London, N19 3PH Telephone: 020 7272 6933 Email: carol.orr@family-action.org.uk
Newham Families and Carers Service The Families and Carers Service offers practical and therapeutic support to family members of carers whose lives have been affected by the substance misuse of someone close to them. The project works with family members, partners, friends or carers who are over 18 and living in the London Borough of Newham. DASL,Capital House, 134-138 Romford Road, Stratford, London, E15 4LD Telephone: 020 8257 3068 Email: heathermcadam@dasl.org.uk Website: http://www.dasl.org.uk Regents Park DrugFam DrugFam holds confidential weekly support groups, which provide an opportunity for members to share their feelings, problems, ideas and information with others who are undergoing similar experiences. Family Support Group 140 Harley Street, London, W1G 7LB Monday 6.30-8.30pm Queens Park Nar-Anon Family Groups Nar-Anon Family Groups are self-help support groups for families and friends of compulsive drug users. Members meet anonymously to gain an understanding of the user's behaviour and how to cope. Sharing in the experiences of others can provide guidance in coping with day-to-day crises. Nar-Anon is a 12-Step fellowship, and the meeting below is open - newcomers are especially welcome! Meetings Saturday's 10.30am to 11.45am in Queens Park. Parking available. St Lukes Church, Fernhead Road, London, W9 3EH Telephone: 0845 5390 193 Email: info@nar-anon.co.uk Website: http://nar-anon.co.uk/
Middlesex HAGAM (Hillingdon Action Group for Addiction Management) HAGAM provides drug and alcohol counselling, treatment and support services for substance misuse, as well as support for anyone who has been affected by someone else s alcohol or drug use. They run a peer support group for individuals who are affected by someone else s use of drugs or alcohol. The group share their experiences, exploring addiction and treatment options, and discussing the impact of substance use on others and the role of the carer. Discussions around relationship issues, stress and crisis management are also included. Groups run from 7-8.30pm every Monday (please contact the Uxbridge branch for more details). Hayes branch Unit 4 Sandow Commercial Estate, Sandow Crescent, Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 4QH Telephone: 020 8848 3456 Email: help@hagam.org.uk Wandsworth Family Members and Friend Support Service Uxbridge branch Old Bank House, 64 High Street, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 1JP Telephone: 01895 207788 Email: help@hagam.org.uk Wandsworth Carers Centre runs a group for people to share experiences in a friendly and supportive environment. Meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of every month at the Wandsworth Carers' Centre, from 11am - 1pm at 46 Balham High Road, London, SW12 9AQ (please call to confirm details). Abi McNeil, Wandsworth Carers Centre, 46 Balham High Road, London, SW12 9AQ. Telephone: 020 8675 0811 Email: info@wandsworthcarers.org.uk Waltham Forest Family and Friends Support Group Turning Point run family and friends support groups, held on alternate Thursday evenings (6-7.45pm) 1 Beulah Road, Walthamstow, E17 9LG (please call to confirm details). Chris Savva 1 Beulah Road, Walthamstow, E17 9LG Telephone: 020 8509 1888 Email: chris.savva@turning-point.co.uk Westminster (North) Carers Support Group (Westminster Drug Project) North Westminster Drug and Alcohol Service run a support group for anyone living with, or who has lived with, an addict. The group is held from 6-7.30pm every Tuesday (please call to confirm details). Rebecca Thompson, 209a Harrow Road, London, W2 5EH Telephone: 020 7286 8001 Email: Rebecca.Thompson@wdp-drugs.org.uk Westminster (South) South Westminstser Drug & Alcohol Service South Westminster Drug and Alcohol Service run a counselling and support group for those living in, or who have a family member living in, South Westminster. Exact times and days for groups can be received by contacting Mark Dronfield on the telephone number below. Mark Dronfield, 2-4 Old Queen Street, London, SW1H 9HP Telephone: 020 7287 8743 Email: Mark.Dronfield@turning-point.co.uk
Wembley EACH Counselling EACH offer counselling and support/advice to partners and family members who are struggling to cope as a result of someone else s substance misuse. Wembley Centre for Health and Care, 116 Chaplin Road, Wembley, HA0 4UZ Email: info@eachbrent.org.uk Telephone: Tel: 020 8795 6050 Website: http://www.eachcounselling.org.uk Adult Children of Addicts Group For any adult son or daughter over the age of 18 years who has, or is being affected by a parent s addiction. 10 The Broadway, Woodford Green, Essex IG8 0HL Telephone: 020 8220 0132 Direct: 020 8504 9174 Email: info@1ne.org.uk Website: http://www.1ne.org.uk/ Woodford, Essex One North East Relatives and Friends Service One North East Relatives and Friends Service are based in Essex but will work with family members from any borough throughout London. They offer the following services: The Relatives Group: This is for anyone living with, or who has lived with, an addict. All group members are expected to make a commitment to attend the group for at least 6 weeks. Individual Counselling: These 50 minute sessions are held between the times of 9.45am and 3.30pm, from Monday to Friday. The length of time required for counselling is determined between the client and counsellor. Wood Green and Tottenham Area Family and Friends Support Group Alternate Saturdays 11-1pm. Wood Green Library 187-197A High Rd, London, Greater London, N22 6XD Karen Wright Telephone: 020 8885 6195 Email: Karen.Wright@cri.org.uk Contact details 10 The Broadway, Woodford Green, Essex IG8 0HL Enquiries: 020 8220 0132 Carers direct line: 020 8504 9174 NE Teens: Jane on 0208 220 0132 Email: info@1ne.org.uk Relatives Service: Joan or Donal on 020 8504 9174
Action For Prisoners Families (APF) APF provides information on local family support services. They also produce a number of leaflets and other publications aimed at prisoners families. Telephone: 020 8812 3600 Website: http://www.prisonersfamilies.org.uk Grandparents Plus Grandparents Plus provides peer support, advice and information to grandparents and family members who are raising children when parents are unable to. We help people to access benefits and other sources of financial assistance, including small grants for essential household items. We also provide legal information and signpost to other organisations where relevant, and provide general support and assistance with a wide range of problems faced by family carers. Telephone: 0300 123 7015 Email: advice@grandparentsplus.org.uk Website: http://www.grandparentsplus.org.uk
Prisoners Families and Friends Service This service offers telephone information and support. Telephone: 0808 808 3444 Email: info@prisonersfamilies.org.uk Website: http://www.pffs.org.uk POPS (Partners of Prisoners and Families Support Group) POPS provides information and support to the families of offenders, from their earliest contact with the Criminal Justice System, through to release and beyond. POPS was established by family members and has maintained a user-led approach to service delivery and development ever since. Telephone: 0161 702 1000 Email: mail@partnersofprisoners.co.uk Website: http://www.partnersofprisoners.co.uk Twitter: @POPSFamilies
National Services Adfam UK Adfam is the only national umbrella organisation working specifically with and for families affected by drugs and alcohol. Adfam provides support materials and training specifically for families and professionals, and have a database of support groups and helpline numbers for any family members needing advice and guidance. Address: Adfam, 25 Corsham Street, London, N1 6DR Telephone: 020 7553 7640 Email: admin@adfam.org.uk Website: http://www.adfam.org.uk/ Al-Anon Family Groups Al-Anon Family Groups provide support to anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else s drinking, regardless of whether that person is still drinking or not. Al-Anon run support groups all over the UK and can signpost you to your local support group meeting. Telephone: 020 7403 0888 (Helpline available 10am - 10pm, 365 days a year) Email: enquiries@al-anonuk.org.uk Website: http://www.al-anonuk.org.uk/ Alateen Alateen is for teenage relatives and friends of alcoholics. By attending meetings, young people are helped to gain an understanding of the illness and feel the benefits of realising they are not alone. Web: www.al-anonuk.org.uk
Families Anonymous Families Anonymous and Al-Anon run groups in lots of different areas all over the UK. These organisations are fellowship based, which means that they follow a structure similar to the 12-Step model that is run in some of the RAPt treatment units (both inside prison and in the community). Many family members and friends find that gaining an understanding of a 12-Step programme is very useful to them in terms of helping deal with their own feelings and management of the situation with their loved one. For others, attending a 12-Step family support fellowship also gives them a sense of how a fellowship programme works, and if they are supporting someone who is currently attending one, what it involves. Although it can be daunting attending a support group, it can be helpful to remember that everyone seeking support has been a newcomer at some point or another. Sometimes, it can also be helpful to find a friend or another family member to attend with you for support. FA run support groups all over the UK and can signpost you to your local support group meeting. The helpline number is 020 7498 4680 (local 0845 1200 660). The local number is cheaper from a landline outside London, but more expensive from a mobile. Calls to the helpline are normally answered on weekdays (1pm 4pm and 6pm 10pm), and on weekends (2pm 10pm). The helpline is manned by volunteers who are FA members, and who therefore have direct experience. If you fail to speak to someone, please leave a message or email FA via their website (below). A volunteer will get back to you as soon as the messages are collected. FA will not leave a message for you and will only talk to you in person. Website: http://famanon.org.uk/ Children of Addicted Parents and People (COAP) Children of Addicted Parents and People (COAP) is an online community of support for young people from the ages of 11 to 30. It brings together young people who are mutually affected by parental and family drug and alcohol abuse, as well as other addictions, such as gambling. COAP run a welcoming, safe, and supportive online community; letting young people know they are not alone in their experiences. For many young people, the current path may seem to be one of loneliness, despair and confusion. Through the COAP message boards, young people can gain support, information and advice regarding issues that arise as a result of addiction in their family. COAP also run an online counselling service which is free to access. For more information on COAP and their services contact: COAP (Children of Addicted Parents and People) 32 Threadneedle Street London EC2R 8AY Telephone: 020 7763 6270 Email: info@coap.org.uk Web: www.coap.org.uk