The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Fife service to help raise awareness in little-known disorder
Anew service to provide support for parents and carers of people with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is to be launched in Fife next month.
The Fife Alcohol Support Service (Fass), based in Kirkcaldy, says it will be the first service of its kind in east central Scotland to offer local peer and one-toone help for sufferers of the life-long condition and their relatives.
Evidence points to the fact that the little-known disorder, which can occur in a person whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy, is three to six times more prevalent than autism yet little diagnosed.
Even so, Fass says it knows already of at least 20 families in Fife caring for someone with FASD, and will use a £10,000 grant via the National Lottery Community Fund to fill the gap it believes exists in provision.
Fass treasurer Robert Gibson said: “It’s important to stress that this service is for anyone.
“FASD is by no means a condition always linked to heavy drinking during pregnancy.
“In fact the latest health advice states that no amount of alcohol is safe at any time during pregnancy.
“We really want to raise awareness of this issue and help local parents and carers who have had very little support to date.
“Early intervention can improve a child’s development.
“By raising awareness of the condition we’ll improve diagnosis in general and early diagnosis in particular.
“By supporting and educating the local community in Fife we’ll improve opportunities for many children.”
FASD causes difficulties in relationships, education, employment and independent living.
Poor self-regulation and angry outbursts are common and, because of a lack of understanding of the condition, it can be extremely isolating for parents and carers.
Donald Grieve, project manager of Fass’s Curnie Clubs, which combat loneliness and isolation among the adult population in Fife, said: “It’s great that we’re already set up to be able to help isolated or lonely adults who may have had no one to turn to for support.
“We will work hand in hand with FASD Fife to beat isolation and transform lives.
“At Fass we really can provide a holistic service for people – from prevention through to moving on.
“Our staff are professionals, but we see in Curnie Clubs that it’s often being around others who understand our situation that is an almighty relief and incredibly empowering.
“People must not let stigma get in the way of accessing this new FASD Fife service.”
Kate Still, chairwoman of the National Lottery Community Fund, added: “I would like to congratulate Fass on their award: theirs is an important project and will support people now and in the future when they can physically come back together to make great things happen in their community.”
More details are available by contacting the Fass office in Kirkcaldy’s Tolbooth Street.
“Early intervention can improve development