Support for Children and Young People
Having a parent who uses drugs or alcohol can have an effect on children. We understand that because parents use drugs or alcohol does not mean they are a "bad" parent, but there are certain things that they need to change to make their children feel better.
Holding Families can provide different types of support for children and young people in the service ranging from one to one work, group work and drop-ins. The idea of this support is so we can help children to talk about their feelings about their parent or carers with their worker, and about any other things they would like some help with.
Our Young People’s Workers are experiences and are able to work with children in a way that they will feel comfortable with. This might be talking, using craft, drawing pictures or supporting to get involved in activities they have an interest in.
How does parent’s using drugs or alcohol affect children?
Some of the ways children might be affected by their parents drinking or drug use are:
- Parents may try to hide their problems from them which can be upsetting and confusing for children who often know they are using substances anyway
- Children might think that their parents are using drugs or alcohol because of something they have done
- Children might feel upset, angry, embarrassed and scared when their parents use drugs or alcohol
- Children might not know how to tell their parents how they feel
- Parents can say things they don’t mean when they have used drugs or alcohol which is hurtful to them or make promises they cannot keep
How to get help
If you are a parent, carer, child or young person and you need our help, please phone Early Break Bury/Rochdale on 0161 7233880 or Early Break East Lancs on 01282 604022 and ask to speak to someone from the Holding Families Team.
If you are a professional and you wish to make a referral, please complete the Holding Families referral form with the parent(s) and send it into us at info@earlybreak.co.uk. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about the service.
If you are concerned about the safety of a child or young person, please contact your local children's safeguarding team or the police if you believe a child has been harmed.
If you live out of area, the following websites are useful for finding services but if you need any help, please call us or email us:
http://www.adfam.org.uk/find_a_local_support_group
http://www.starsnationalinitiative.org.uk