When someone in the family has alcohol or drug problems it can affect everyone in the family. Gloucestershire Young Carers offers support for the whole family with the focus on the children. We believe in putting the ‘young’ back into ‘young carer’, ensuring that children are never expected to take on adult responsibilities.
Young carers have told us that they see caring responsibilities in a very different way to adults. They have described ‘keeping out of the way’, ‘trying not to make things worse’ or to make their parents more stressed than they already are. Often, young people blame themselves for the problems in the home. Frequently, young carers describe how they want to protect their family from ‘interference’ by services and agencies.
Information and advice
Parents, Pints & Pills – our information booklet designed by young carers for young people living with someone with a drug or alcohol problem.
Orson is a Gloucestershire Young Carers’ leaflet that explains about alcohol in the family to children of junior school age.
Mosquito Mission
A group of young carers, supported by Gloucestershire Young Carers who work together to advise professionals on what they should be doing to support families where alcohol or drugs cause problems. Achieved through involving the young people in presentations, media work, marketing and consultations. Mosquito Mission are currently working in partnership with the University of Gloucestershire Social Work Department, Gloucestershire Constabulary and Change, Grow, Live (adult substance misuse services).
Individual support for young carers dealing with substance misuse in the family
We can provide 1:1 support if needed through out Social Prescribing service. We can also support or represent the young person at multi-agency meetings.
Support for parents dealing with substance misuse issues
Young Carers tell us that one of the best ways to support them is to help their parents to get the support that they need. We support parents by signposting or referring them (with their consent) to agencies that can offer direct help.
Access to other GYC services
see Services at a Glance for our full offer.
Please call us on 01452 733060 to discuss with one of our team.
Info on referral can be found on our how to refer to us page.
E-LEARNING on impact of parental substance misuse
NACOA – Providing information, advice and support for everyone affected by a parent’s drinking
WHEN A FAMILY IS IN TROUBLE by Marge Heegard -An excellent photocopiable resource book for those working with children
