‘People affected by someone else’s drinking or drug use are not alone’ – carers’ charity
Workshops for people affected by someone else’s alcohol or drug misuse are being held as part of Alcohol Awareness Week.
The workshops have been arranged by Carers Support West Sussex, the county’s leading charity for family and friend carers.
Alcohol Awareness Week, which runs until Sunday, has been set up to help people think about the impact that alcohol may have on their lives and those around them.
This year, the national campaign focuses on ‘Alcohol and Mental Health’.
Carers Support West Sussex will cover a whole host of related topics in the new workshop programme.
The charity said that caring for someone with alcohol or drug dependency was often very common, and yet many of these carers did not identify as such. As a result, the charity said, many of these people do not access help, leaving them feeling under supported or struggling to cope.
The charity hopes that the efforts of both the national Alcohol Awareness Week and its own workshop content will help carers both new and existing, to access useful information that will help make their daily lives easier.
Talking about the Alcohol Awareness Week workshops, Penny Jenkins, drug and alcohol team leader at Carers Support West Sussex said: “The often hidden misuse and dependency of alcohol and drugs can have a monumental impact on people’s lives, affecting those around them, their friends and families, too.
“People affected by someone else’s drinking or drug use might find it difficult to see just how much they have taken on in trying to support their family or friend.
“Family and friend carers of someone using alcohol or drugs can be worried about talking to others and feel they don’t know where to go for advice, or help.
“We want those affected by someone else’s drinking or drug use to know that they are not alone and we are here just for them.
“At Carers Support West Sussex we have a wealth of free and confidential support available, both during Alcohol Awareness Week, and year-round.
“The workshops in particular are a great way for people affected by someone else’s drinking or drug use, to develop their understanding of the issues, connect with others and to take some time for themselves.”
To book a place on any of the special Alcohol Awareness Week Workshops visit https:// www. carerssupport. org. uk/get- i nvolved/alcoholawareness-week
Any carers who may benefit from the support of Carers Support West Sussex should contact the charity by calling 0300 028 8888 or by sending an email to info@carerssupport.org. uk