Parents with drink/drug problems on the increase

CHARITY SAYS IT IS REFERING TWICE AS MANY FAMILIES SINCE VIRUS STRUCK

News Reporter

THE number of cases of children living with parents addicted to drugs or alcohol has more than doubled during lockdown, the NSPCC has reported.

Before the pandemic, the NSPCC in the East Midlands used to report about 48 families per month to the police or social services.

Between April 2020 and January this year, it made 104 referrals a month.

Kam Thandi, head of the NSPCC Helpline, said: “The pandemic and lockdowns have created a perfect storm for families affected by this problem.

“We’ve not only seen a rise in contacts and referrals, we’re also seeing families who weren’t previously known to children’s services requiring help.”

The helpline, 0808 800 5000, is for anyone to report concerns about a child and the charity can then decide whether or not to pass the information it receives on the police, social services or some other agency.

The NSPCC said it feared the lack of funding for the public sector means local authorities cannot handle the growing scale of family issues.

Ms Thandi said: “The pressures on families at the moment are unprecedented and it is no surprise parents and carers are struggling with substance misuse.

“To keep our children safe, it’s vital that those who are relying on drugs and alcohol seek help. The government must invest more in local services.

“Our frontline practitioners have told us many parents and carers are struggling to access specialist support services which will help them recover from the impact of the pandemic.”

She said due to the pandemic, children are much more affected by problems at home and have far less contact with adults outside their families.

Nearly seven in eight families had at least one person increase their drinking, drug-taking or gambling during the first lockdown, one survey found.

Vivienne Evans, chief executive of Adfam, a charity which provides support to families affected by drug, alcohol or gambling addiction, said: “The usual daily challenges associated with a parent or family member’s alcohol or drug problem – fear, domestic abuse, isolation, loneliness, and mental stress – are being exacerbated by the lockdown measures.

“With the right kind of support, children and young people can navigate this challenging time. We urge families not to wait until breaking point.”

Call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or visit: