# data[].attributes.body
View the book online or order your own copy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
During the summer of 2021, Oasis invited children of alcoholics of all ages to enter a creative competition in partnership with Nacoa (National Association for Children of Alcoholics). Entrants wrote poems and sent in art to depict how it felt for them growing up with a parent that drank too much. This work was turned into an exhibition at Brighton's Fishing Quarter Gallery, and was open to the public to view.

We have now compiled all entries into the Find Your Oasis book, which we hope can be read by others to help them feel less alone.

Ceri Walker who compiled the book said:

"As a child I had a secret, I kept it hidden for so long, and protected it all costs, I could never let anyone know my mum drank too much. Over the years I've realised that I wasn't the only one and there is support out there, I realised so many others were struggling silently too. I created this book to give anyone affected by parental drinking a voice, a way to express how it feels, a creative outlet for their experience, and so that others would read it knowing they weren't alone in their struggles, and also in their healing.

If you would like a copy of the book please:

Make a donation here to help to support charities Oasis Project and Nacoa (Recommended £10 donation)

Please join us on Thursday 24 th February at 8pm for a Facebook Live with Oasis Project and Nacoa, with art and poetry from the book, from the authors and artists involved.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
During the summer of 2021, Oasis invited children of alcoholics of all ages to enter a creative competition in partnership with Nacoa (National Association for Children of Alcoholics). Entrants wrote poems and sent in art to depict how it felt for them growing up with a parent that drank too much.

# data[].attributes.body
We hope you find the report and resources we have brought together from the Brighton & Hove Back on Track Project helpful and thought provoking.

You can dip into any section of the report using the headings at the top of each column to guide you. We recommend you read this short introduction to the project and the following key recommendations first to give you an overview of the work.

This has been from the outset a partnership of services and organisations aiming to better meet the needs of families impacted by parental problem drinking.  There has been debate, learning challenge and success along the way. The learning has both helped us understand what works and challenged us to keep aiming higher.

New to the wonderful world of the Padlet?

We hope you find this format interesting and engaging – check out our practitioner videos talking about the way they work.

When you close this document you’ll be back on the front page.

Use the slide bar at the bottom of the page to move right and left across the columns - you’ll see each column has a heading at the top. Don’t forget to check out the University of Sussex evaluation findings on the far right column.

Use the scroll bars at the right hand side of each column to scroll up and down the column and then just click into each item.

We hope you enjoy the report

The Back on Track Steering Group             Nov 2021

# data[].attributes.body
OasisProject – Gender-specific substance misuse treatment for adults and therapeutic support for children/young people impacted by parental substance misuse Oasis Project - We give hope to people affected by drugs & alcohol.

Ru-ok? – Adolescent Substance Use and Sexual Health Service; Brighton and Hove City Council

Back on Track – YouTube

Change Grow Live -Adult Treatment Service

Change Grow Live | Charity | We can help you change your life

Young Carers Centre – Support and advocacy for young carers

The Carers Centre for Brighton & Hove — a member of The Carers Trust

Ethnic Minority Achievement Service– Support to children in school and their families; Brighton & Hove City Council

Ethnic Minority Achievement Service (EMAS) (brighton-hove.gov.uk)

Parental Conflict Programme – Citywide programme of training and interventions; Brighton and Hove City Council

Parent relationships (brighton-hove.gov.uk)

# data[].attributes.body
Back on Track is a two year Innovation Fund Programme funded project aimed at trialling a whole family approach to dealing with the impacts of parental alcoholism.

The Project which ran from April 2019 to the end of September 2021 took a partnership approach with a strong focus on providing support to children and young people in affected families alongside treatment and support to their parents and family members.

The project supported children and young people whose parents have not yet sought help for their drinking via the ru-ok?service offer as well as working therapeutically with those whose parents are in treatment and recovery through the Young Oasisoffer. The project also provided direct intervention for parents via a Family Practitioner sitting within Oasis whose role focused on engaging and supporting parents into alcohol treatment.

Having Young Carers Centreas a partner helped us to identify and support the needs of those children and young people who are carers for their parent/s and to explore together what being a Young Carer means in the context of parental alcoholism.

The adult treatment service team at Change Grow Livehas worked to ever increasing demand and caseloads over the course of Back on Track.   Nonetheless, it has engaged in additional training to better understand the impact of parental alcoholism on children and young people.  At a practice level the team continues to explore the needs of those adults in treatment who are parents.

The Ethnic Minority Achievement Servicehas a remit to support education engagement and achievement for children and young people in families which English as an Additional Language. This service has been working with families whose cultural references to alcohol can be problematic and where daily use of alcohol is normalised. Understanding the cultural context for these parents whose primary source of information may be from their home country is important in any signposting or support to treatment.

For the figures on what Back on Track achieved check out the information set ’Take a look at our figures’

# data[].attributes.body
What the project partners offered

·      Oasis Project Oasis Project - We give hope to people affected by drugs & alcohol.

Family Practitioner working with parents on a 1-1 basis to engage and support them into alcohol treatment and 1-1 therapy to children/young People 5-18 affected by a parent’s alcohol misuse.

·      RU- OK? Young people’s work Back on Track – YouTube

Young People Practitioner supporting children and young people affected by the parent’s drinking

·      Change Grow Live Change Grow Live | Charity | We can help you change your life

Adult Drug and Alcohol Treatment service offering one to one, group work, talking therapy

and prescribing.

·      Young Carers Centre The Carers Centre for Brighton & Hove — a member of The Carers Trust

Strengthening referral route to the offer; activities support and advocacy for young people impacted by parental drinking

·      EMAS Ethnic Minority Achievement Service (EMAS) (brighton-hove.gov.uk)

EMAS Back on Track Champion supporting all home liaison officers to have a considered approach for difficult conversations around use of alcohol with parents/carers.

·      Parental relationships Parent relationships (brighton-hove.gov.uk)

Parents as Partners groupwork intervention for parents in conflict where drinking is a factor

# data[].attributes.body
Young people affected by parental drinking have an average of 16 hours therapy at Young Oasis

# data[].attributes.headline
Key stats taken from Brighton & Hove JSNA 2019

# data[].attributes.subject
Key stats taken from Brighton & Hove JSNA 2019

# data[].attributes.body
-Brighton and Hove has an estimated rate of 1.84% of alcohol dependant adults
-This places the city 21st highest place out of 151 local authorities

-An estimated 41.9% of adults in the city are drinking over 14 units of alcohol a week
-This places the city 4th highest out of 149 local authorities

# data[].attributes.headline
The qualities of a Back on Track practitioner

# data[].attributes.subject
The qualities of a Back on Track practitioner

# data[].attributes.headline
A taster of the feedback from parents, young people and practitioners 

# data[].attributes.subject
A taster of the feedback from parents, young people and practitioners 

# data[].attributes.body
Rate per 100,000 of the population

England           35.7

South East       31.7

B&H                 38.5

Brighton & Hove have the 9th highest rates out of 64 South East region areas

# data[].attributes.headline
Public Health Safe and well at school survey

# data[].attributes.subject
Public Health Safe and well at school survey

# data[].attributes.body
The Safe and Well At School Survey (SAWSS) is an anonymous online survey in partnership between Brighton & Hove City Council and the University of Sussex. The SAWSS invites all primary and secondary schools in the city to take part every two years. There are a core set of questions that are included each time.Public Health then produces interactive profiles for each school and works with them to identify and support schools with improvements.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Back on Track secondary school powerpoint presentation

# data[].attributes.body
This will be taught by PSHE staff to all secondary school children. All of these staff will first undertake the Back on Track training, so that they have a clear understanding of issues children of alcoholics face, how to have difficult conversations with parents, and also to support them as the subject can be quite triggering

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Brighton & Hove Annual report June 2021 final_

# data[].attributes.headline
Complete local evaluation of Back on Track 

# data[].attributes.subject
Complete local evaluation of Back on Track 

# data[].attributes.headline
Adfam families, drugs and alcohol training evaluations

# data[].attributes.subject
Adfam families, drugs and alcohol training evaluations

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Back on Track training evaluations - October 2021

# data[].attributes.body
A series of Facebook lives for Raising Teens page, with Make Good Trouble and special guests for
Teenage drinking - When to worry?

Adult drinking - Why do we drink?
Impact on children - When does our drinking start to impact a child?
Parent conflict and alcohol - Is drinking causing conflict within the family?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Make Good Trouble | Inspiring teens and parents everywhere to understand each other better and to be the change they want to see in society.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Our series of Raising Teens Facebook Live discussions about alcohol and how it affects families was developed in association with Brighton & Hove's Back on Track service, which offers support for families when a parent is drinking too much.

We have been joined by practitioners from RU-OK? and Oasis Project as well as those directly affected by issues with alcohol addiction.

Join us on our Make (Good) Trouble Facebook page for all our Facebook Live discussions. Our next Live chat is on Wednesday 23 June at 2pm.
Episode 1: Teen drinking
We spoke to Luci Hammond from ru-ok? about teen drinking and how parents can better communicate with their teens about alcohol. Ru-ok? is an organisation which offers free advice and support to under 18s affected by substance misuse in Brighton & Hove. This discussion took place on 10 June 2021.
Episode 2: The impact of parental drinking
We spoke to counsellor, Sober Dave, and Sarah Acheson from Oasis Project about how a parent's drinking can impact their teens. Oasis Project is a charity that supports families affected by drugs and alcohol. The discussion centred on how lockdown and the pandemic might have had an impact on parents' drinking and what the knock-on effect has been on children. Dave talked candidly about his experiences of drinking, how that affected his family and relationships, and his decision to go sober. This discussion took place on 17 June 2021.
Episode 3: When does a parent's drinking start to impact children?
In the third in our series of live discussions about parenting and alcohol, we talk to Sue Kleinman, Family Worker from Back on Track, and mother and daughter Suzanne and Lola about their experiences. This discussion took place on 23 June 2021.
Read the transcript: When does a parent's drinking affect children? Episode 4: Conflict and language around alcohol in families
In our last discussion we were joined by Josh Connolly, ambassador for NACOA, for a frank and supportive discussion about how we can open up discussions about alcohol and how to avoid conflict. Importantly, Josh gave us a real insight into how children are affected by a parent who drinks. He shared his story, of having a father who was an alcoholic, and then his own struggle with drink and becoming a father himself. And I think the most astonishing thing Josh told us in his interview was that "one in five children are living with a parent that drinks hazardously, so enough to harm the people around them".
Help and support
Back on Track, brighton-hove.gov.uk/back-track-brighton-hove, support for families in Brighton & Hove when a parent is drinking too much.

Oasis Project is on Twitter @Oasis_Project_, on Facebook facebook.com/OasisPrjct and Instagram @oasis_project_. Their website is at: oasisproject.org.uk
Also Young Oasis provides a place of safety and support for children and young people who have been affected by a family member's drug or alcohol misuse.
Oasis Project also links with One Stop, Brighton's specialist midwifery team for pregnant women/people where alcohol or other substances are a concern. They offer care and support by a multi-disciplinary team.

RU-OK? offers free confidential advice, guidance, support and information on drugs, alcohol and sexual health for under 18s in Brighton & Hove, their parents / carers or concerned others.

NACOA, National Association for Children of Alcoholics, offers advice and information, including a helpline 0800 358 3456, message boards and online chat.

BeSober is a non-profit community organisation helping individuals to manage and control their alcohol intake and to transform their mindset, health and wellbeing around alcohol.

You can find Dave Wilson on Instagram as @soberdave, and Twitter as @soberdaveuk and on his website: davidwilsoncoaching.com. He also has a podcast called One for the Road.

Find out more about Josh Connolly on his website: joshconnolly.co.uk. Follow Josh on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

Join our Facebook Group, Raising Teens. Our private Facebook group offers a safe space to ask for help, to share your parenting challenges, and to find and offer support to other parents. We also run Q&A advice sessions on all kinds of parenting subjects - so no one feels alone.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Raising Teens: Families and alcohol | Make Good Trouble

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our series of Raising Teens Facebook Live discussions about alcohol and how it affects families was developed in association with Brighton & Hove's Back on Track service, which offers support for families when a parent is drinking too much. We have been joined by practitioners from RU-OK?

# data[].attributes.body
A competition for anyone affected by their parents drinking

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Here's an example from Ceri Walker, an Oasis staff member with lived experience
The Glimpse I had of you - Ceri Walker
It's all too easy to look back on the chaos of my childhood with anger and sadness but now I understand addiction better, so now.....

I just want to say thank you Mum

Thank you for the four years you gave me before alcohol crept in, thank you for carrying me, for keeping me safe inside you, for feeding me milk for my first year, sounds to me like we once had a wonderful bond.

Thank you for waiting for me at the school gates on the days you could get there, you never knew the excitement I felt when I saw you as I peeped round the door, it wasn't very often, sometimes weeks or months went by, but I want you know I just loved it, I still remember your blue hoody, it was so cosy to snuggle into,

Thank you for being so brave when you knew it had all got too much, it must have been hard to let me go, but in your own way you made sure I was safe. Sometimes it just wasn't right for me to be with you, and Grandad did a great job, he wasn't you though, and I secretly cried too most days,

Thank you for trying again and again, repeatedly to stay sober, you were so strong to do it, and the side effects of that were the most painful to watch! You were a warrior in those times, and I was with you, holding your hand through the chaos that ensued...you even once said out loud that you knew there was a problem, I can't imagine how hard that must have been!

Thank you for the ridiculous chats, we talked about anything, there was no slurring, you didn't judge, you cared, I know you did deep down, and that's taken me 15 years to say, but I get it now and do you know why?

Because I'm recreating those magical glimpses of you with my babies, those tiny special moments are running through me, and as much as you have broken me, and made me worry of the Mum I am, I also love the Mum I am becoming because of you!

I laugh until I cry with them, I'm ridiculously silly with them, I get on their level sometimes so there is no parent and child, just a stream of magic that we're all part of, and that's from you, and I know once you felt it too,

I know we started with a bond, a strong attachment, because if not why can't I think of the grandparent you'd be without my chest aching, literally a breath taking physical pain?

I will always try to separate my memories of you from the drink, and remember the sober times, however small they were, and I'll tell them about the real you, just my Mum,

Tomorrow I may feel different, no two days are the same, but today I just want to thank you.....

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Glimpse I had of you - Ceri Walker It's all too easy to look back on the chaos of my childhood with anger and sadness but now I understand addiction better, so now.....

# data[].attributes.headline
Back on Track training– Starting Conversations with Parents about their alcohol use

# data[].attributes.subject
Back on Track training– Starting Conversations with Parents about their alcohol use

# data[].attributes.body
This course is aimed at any frontline staff who might be working with families, who may have an opportunity to speak to them about their alcohol use, focusing on the skills that staff who may not have had experience or knowledge of alcohol and substance misuse can use if they have concerns about a family they are working with, and where they can signpost and refer parents and families to in Brighton and Hove. Led by Oasis Project senior therapist, there will also be an opportunity to discuss past or current situations where you might have had concerns about a parents alcohol use.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Back on Track online training session Sep 2021 v3

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Oasis Project - We give hope to people affected by drugs & alcohol.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Oasis Project is a substance misuse service for women and their children based in the heart of Brighton. We give hope to people affected by drugs & alcohol.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Carers Centre for Brighton & Hove - a member of The Carers Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Providing family Carers with emotional support, advice and a well-deserved break from their caring roles since 1988

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Parents as Partners flyer - March 2021 ONLINE

# data[].attributes.headline
EMAS work with families and barriers faced

# data[].attributes.subject
EMAS work with families and barriers faced

# data[].attributes.headline
Back on Track can help families where a parent is drinking too much alcohol to get the help they need. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Back on Track can help families where a parent is drinking too much alcohol to get the help they need. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Back on track key learning and what good looks like

# data[].attributes.subject
Back on track key learning and what good looks like

# data[].attributes.body
Back on Track Key Learning

The most important take away

All professionals and services working with parents, families children and young people should assume that any child or young person living with a parent who is problem drinking is being harmed by that behaviour.

What Good Looks Like

All services

•      Honest, non-judgemental emotionally supportive practice is embeddedwithin a wide range of services encountered by families - there is a good understanding of the context and lived experience of children, young people and families impacted by parental alcoholism.

•      There is dedicated time within roles to build and maintain links between schools, social services and community provision that links the support for children, young people and their parents and family – from universal services such as school all the way through to specialist alcohol treatment services.

•      Places of triage and assessment in the system are alert to identifying the needs of children and young people where parents are identified as having alcohol issues but may not be in treatment.

•      When a parent is identified as having an issue with alcohol, places of triage and assessment in the system identify children and young people as potential Young Carers and refer children and young people for support as appropriate.

Alcohol Treatment and Support Services

•      Support and treatment is delivered with an explicit understanding of the human need for autonomy competence and relatedness by building understanding and expertise, trust, and authenticity within the working relationship.

•      Trauma-informed recovery approachesare co-produced with clients - Converging goals around desired treatment outcomes which are informed by an understanding of the underlying psychological issues and potential trauma experiences of those experiencing alcohol misuse issues.

•      An understanding of socioeconomic and sociocultural context is embedded in the design and delivery of services for families impacted by alcohol misuse – Recognising that structural inequalities relating to experiences of poverty, class culture and gender can and do impact on the development of alcohol addiction problems as well as the take-up of services.

•      Services deliver a whole-family intervention which is designed to work through individual recovery and resilience journeys for family members on tofamily resilience – this will likely involve the wider family and friends structure and recognise the importance of kinship care in ensuring children and young people’s wellbeing.

•      Services that provide adult support and treatment for alcoholism identify children and young people in the family as potential Young Carers and refer children and young people for support as appropriate.

•      Young people’s substance use treatment and prevention services, recognise the impact of parental alcohol use upon their child’s use of substances and work with the whole family wherever possible.

Commissioning

·      Adult treatment commissioning includes a dedicated family service element that provides for a whole family response to parents and carers entering treatment with therapeutic support for children and young people and parental/kinship relationship support.

Workforce

·      Training for practitioners working with families affected by parental problem drinking is delivered in the context of the relationship with parents, children and young people and the wider family. Some roles may work only with parents others may work with the whole family or only with children and young people.

·      Entry level training on the impacts of parental problem drinking on children and young people, how to identify the issue and engage clients around is mandatory for professionals in all services working with parents, children and young people and families

·      Teacher training includes entry level training on the impact of parental problem drinking on children and young people and how to engage parents to provide signposting to support.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/back-track-brighton-hove

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Support for families when a parent is drinking too much

It can be a huge step to recognise that you as a parent are drinking to a concerning level.

It can also be hard for children and young people who are worried about a parent's drinking to know who to speak to.

Back on Track can help families where a parent is drinking too much alcohol to get the help they need.
Some families will find their circumstances harder during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are can still offer them support.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It can be a huge step to recognise that you as a parent are drinking to a concerning level. It can also be hard for children and young people who are worried about a parent's drinking to know who to speak to.

# data[].attributes.headline
120 Health visitors were trained at the Healthy child Programme Forum 

# data[].attributes.subject
120 Health visitors were trained at the Healthy child Programme Forum 

# data[].attributes.body
Young Oasis therapy services manager

# data[].attributes.body
We found the need to address the recognition of caring roles for young people living with alcohol dependent parents.  Often social workers weren't considering the caring elements of having that experience - such as looking after siblings, cleaning etc.  As a non-therapeutic service we can provide additional space for respite.  This allowed the development of an additional role for one of our workers to link with Children's services and other partners across the city to support that recognition and referral and this is now underway.

# data[].attributes.headline
Meet Youstina - RUOK Family Practitioner

# data[].attributes.subject
Meet Youstina - RUOK Family Practitioner

# data[].attributes.body
This pack of 8 cards was developed by relationship experts.

To request a set be posted direct to you or parents you work with, please email parent.relationships@brighton-hove.gov.uk

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Getting On Better pack

This pack of 8 cards was developed by relationship experts OnePlusOne, in partnership with Brighton & Hove City Council.

The cards can help you think about your relationship in a new way, with ideas on how to improve communication and reduce conflict. Parents can look through the cards either together or separately.

There are two cards for separated parents and six for couples. They are designed to be used without any guidance from professionals. Four of the cards have links to animated videos, which explain the card in more detail.

Watch Scarlett and Anton speak about how the Getting On Better cards helped their relationship.

Watch Anton & Scarlett describe how they used one of the cards.

To request a set be posted direct to you or parents you work with, please email parent.relationships@brighton-hove.gov.uk with:

your name

your address

the number of packs requested

whether the pack is for a couple, separated parents or both

Please note: These can only be posted to addresses within Brighton & Hove.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Getting On Better Cards: Relationship self-help

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This pack of 8 cards was developed by relationship experts OnePlusOne, in partnership with Brighton & Hove City Council. The cards can help you think about your relationship in a new way, with ideas on how to improve communication and reduce conflict. Parents can look through the cards either together or separately.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Parent relationship courses

There are a range of courses and programmes available to help parents improve their relationship.

If you are unsure which of these courses is most suitable, you can take the Parent Relationship Questionnaire.

Parents as Partners

Parents as Partners is a free course for couples who want to improve their relationship for the good of their children. It gives parents going through difficulties the opportunity to work out how to move forward.

Over 16 weeks the group will learn new ways to communicate and how to resolve conflict through a mixture of video clips, creative activities and discussions.

The course has been proven to help parents:

manage the challenges and stress of family life

improve the quality and effectiveness of how they communicate

strengthen family relationships and improve children's wellbeing and success

reduce conflict and disagreements in their relationship

To find out more you can view a flyer for this course, phone 01273 292 901 or send an email to parent.relationships@brighton-hove.gov.uk.

Partner Support

The Parenting Team offer 3 free sessions with a Triple P trained Parenting Practitioner if relationship difficulties are affecting a couple's ability to parent together. These cover:

ideas on working with your partner as a team and solving problems together

practical suggestions to help you improve the way you communicate with your partner, especially about parenting issues

identifying and planning ways to improve your relationship

To find out more phone 01273 294 471 or send an email to triplep.parenting@brighton-hove.gov.uk or View the parenting team site.

Coping with Stress and Alcohol: (Free online course)

This course has been designed especially for couples whose relationship is affected by their alcohol use.

The course covers:

Understanding and coping with stress

Finding better and more successful ways of arguing

It takes 30 mins to complete and works best when parents do it together as a couple.

If you are a professional working with a couple whose relationship is affected by their alcohol use, you can support them access the course by using this Practitioner Guide

The Marriage Course

The course is for any couple looking to invest in their relationship, whether married or not. Couples watch a series of films over 7 weeks exploring a range of topics including:

the art of communication

resolving conflict

the impact of family - past and present

The venue is set up in the style of a restaurant, couples sit at a table for two giving them space and privacy to use the discussion questions help parents identify solutions to the challenges in their relationship.

The cost is £95 per couple, which includes a 2-course dinner for two each evening plus the course journal and handouts. Bursaries are available. For more information send an email to relationships@stpetersbrighton.org or visit The Marriage Course website.

** Please note: This course is run by an external organisation. Brighton & Hove City Council does not endorse or quality control external courses.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There are a range of courses and programmes available to help parents improve their relationship. If you are unsure which of these courses is most suitable, you can take the Parent Relationship Questionnaire . Parents as Partners is a free course for couples who want to improve their relationship for the good of their children.

# data[].attributes.body
Take a look at the staff trained

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Training attendance Nov 2021 (version 1)

# data[].attributes.headline
#Findyouroasis exhibition coverage on ITV Meridian news 

# data[].attributes.subject
#Findyouroasis exhibition coverage on ITV Meridian news 

# data[].attributes.body
#Findyouroasis exhibition launch coverage on BBC South East today

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.embed_code
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nacoa UK (@nacoauk)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
30.04.2019 meeting with young carer and mother

# data[].attributes.body
Toolkit is feedback from social media campaign during Alcohol Awareness week, asking people how they spend time instead of drinking, and ways they found to cope during lockdown

# data[].attributes.body
In partnership with Nacoa

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
'I hope children and young people call Nacoa and finally feel heard', Ceri Walker.

Launching the Brighton #HeretoListen campaign

This week, Nacoa and Back on Track proudly bring the #HeretoListen campaign to Brighton.

Hundreds of poster images by the world renowned The Postman Art and Broken Hartist are being pasted up all over the famous seaside hotspot. They will help children affected by their parent's drinking know that they are not alone.

In the time between March and June, over 200 posters and billboards will display renderings of the childhood photos of Nacoa supporters, Ceri Walker and Beckie Burkhill. This includes around 150 bus stop ads that will run throughout the whole of the Easter Holidays.

Some mums and dads drink too much...

We're here to listen.

Beckie and Ceri are both passionate and prominent advocates for children affected by their parent's drinking. Beckie has created fashion campaigns, designed books, and shared her story about her experiences growing up with a parent who drinks too much.

Ceri Walker, the mastermind of the project, is a communications assistant for Nacoa and the project co-ordinator of Back on Track. She says about the project: 'As a child I felt alone, like I was the only person in the world who felt like this, and now I want that same little girl to show anyone struggling that there is hope, there is support, and Nacoa are there to listen.

'I hope they call Nacoa and finally feel heard. I hope one day they feel able to access local services too. These things take time, and trust, and I hope they realise that getting support can be really helpful for the whole family: that they don't need to keep the secret anymore.'

Children of alcohol-dependent parents in lockdown

Calls to the Nacoa helpline doubled last year in national lockdown. Overall calls for help have gone up a 40% since March last year. Worryingly, helpline handlers are reporting an intensification of the problems faced by these children.

'I recognise that particularly after lockdown there may be many young people who have been through some difficult times, but still feel unable to ask for support. Their parent isn't accessing support yet, they may still be in denial, and the young person may not even realise that there is support out there for them', said Ceri.

We need to make this hidden issue visible. Young people need to know that help is there for them. Share pictures, posters, your own feelings. Nacoa UK is on all social media platforms to help people discover and share.

@nacoauk
If you're struggling right now with your parents drinking or know someone who is please tell them about Nacoa #childrenofalcoholics #fyp #brighton
♬ Umbrella - Vl4s

Back on Track helps families where a parent is drinking too much alcohol to get the help they need. In Brighton and Hove they offer one to one support and therapy for under 18s whose lives are affected by a parent or carer's alcohol use.

Nacoa is the national helpline charity for everyone affected by their parent's drinking. Last year it received over 30,000 requests for help through its confidential helpline.

You can download, print, and display your #HeretoListen poster by tapping here for Beckie in yellow and here for Ceri in blue.

Now read: Ceri's 'Dear Ceri (9 years old)'.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Launching the Brighton #HeretoListen campaign - Nacoa

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
'I hope children and young people call Nacoa and finally feel heard', Ceri Walker. This week, Nacoa and Back on Track proudly bring the #HeretoListen campaign to Brighton. Hundreds of poster images by the world renowned The Postman Art and Broken Hartist are being pasted up all over the famous seaside hotspot.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/news/2021/if-youre-worried-about-your-parents-drinking-nacoa-and-back-track-are-here-listen?language=bsl

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Around 2.6 million children in the UK are affected by their parent's drinking.

In Brighton & Hove alone there are at least 1700, but unfortunately there could be many more children that feel unable to ask for support.

#HereToListen is a new campaign to let children and young people who are affected by their parent's drinking know that support is available.

After the success of a similar campaign in Bristol, Brighton & Hove City Council's Back on Track project and national charity Nacoa have worked with renowned street artists The Postman and Broken Hartist to launch #heretolisten in Brighton & Hove.

The campaign features striking images of Nacoa volunteers Ceri Walker and Beckie Burkhill when they were children with the words; 'some mums and dads drink too much, Nacoa are here to listen'.

The message is a simple one that will hopefully catch the attention of the many children who are currently getting no support. We hope they look again and realise that the helpline is there for them.

Ceri Walker works with both Nacoa and Back on Track and organised the campaign. She explained: "When I was a child I thought I was the only one struggling with my mum's drinking, keeping it a secret at any cost in order to protect my mum, now I hope children see my face and realise they aren't alone, support is there for them, and getting support can be a positive step for the whole family."

The partnership between Nacoa and the Back on Track project is to help reach more of the hidden children in Brighton & Hove. If they don't feel able to speak at school or to another adult yet, maybe calling Nacoa's confidential helpline could be their first step, and in time hopefully they will feel able to get support from local services.

The campaign runs from March until June. Posters can currently be seen all along the seafront and large billboards are on display on London Road and Sackville Road. Over Easter they will pop-up on 150 digital screens, and on more bus stops as schools return after Easter.

If you are struggling during this pandemic

It can be really hard if you're worried about your parent's drinking, or you think they might have a problem with alcohol. It can be even harder if you and your family are at home together most of the time due to Covid-19.

You may want to hide it and not want anyone to know.

You might be scared and worried about what is going to happen to you or your parent.

You might feel angry about what is happening or confused if you can't understand why your parent is drinking like this.

Some children worry that it's their fault, but it's really important you know that this is not the case.

Please know that you're not on your own and there is support available. You may worry about asking for help but it really is a positive step

Get support in Brighton & Hove with Back on Track

The Back on Track project can support families when a parent or carer drinks too much. It can help children, young people or adults to find the right support for them, whether that's one to one support, therapy, emotional support or advice.

Back on Track is made up of partners Oasis Project, RUOK, Young Carers Project, and works closely with Nacoa.

Get support from Nacoa

Nacoa run a confidential helpline, offering free advice and support to anyone, of any age, affected by their parents drinking. They also work with professionals. Nacoa.org.uk has message boards, others personal experiences, research and resources.

More information

More like this

If you're worried about your parent's drinking, you're not alone. Support is available.

The council will be able to offer food vouchers to local families over the Easter holidays thanks to additional funding from the government.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
If you're worried about your parent's drinking, Nacoa and Back on Track are here to listen

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Around 2.6 million children in the UK are affected by their parent's drinking. In Brighton & Hove alone there are at least 1700, but unfortunately there could be many more children that feel unable to ask for support. #HereToListen is a new campaign to let children and young people who are affected by their parent's drinking know that support is available.

# data[].attributes.headline
Removal of alcohol from school PTA events case study 

# data[].attributes.subject
Removal of alcohol from school PTA events case study 

# data[].attributes.body
West Hove Infants school case study

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
West Hove Infants School PTA event case study

# data[].attributes.headline
Alcohol Innovation Funding – Service User Focus Group 2019

# data[].attributes.subject
Alcohol Innovation Funding – Service User Focus Group 2019

# data[].attributes.body
POCAR group at Oasis

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.facebook.com/BHruokservice
Website: https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/ru-ok

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/parent-relationships

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Managing conflict

Conflict is a normal part of any parent relationship.

It only starts to become a problem when conflict is frequent, intense and not resolved well. The latest research tells us that conflict is harmful to children and affects their mental health, behaviour and success at school.

This website is for parents whether together, separated or considering separation, who want to find ways to improve their relationship and get on better.

It is also for professionals across the city who are supporting parents to reduce conflict.

Parental Conflict or Domestic Abuse?

Parental conflict and domestic abuse are two separate things, but it can sometimes be difficult to work out if your relationship is abusive or just in a bad place.

As a general guide, if your relationship with your partner, ex-partner or a member of your family is abusive:

they will want to hold all the power and control

you might be fearful of them

their abuse will have happened more than once, or you will notice patterns

Helpful websites

Parent Relationship Spectrum

This guide from the Stefanou Foundation is designed for professionals when trying to work out if a relationship is healthy, has conflict or is abusive.
Parent Relationships Spectrum
Help with domestic abuse

Find out where to get help if you, or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse.
Help with domestic abuse
Rise

Answer the quick questions on this local website about abusive behaviours.
Rise - Am I Being Abused? Respect
Domestic abuse site and helpline specifically for men.
Respect - What We Do
Galop (LGBT+)

Anti-violence charity, making life safe, just and fair for LGBT+ people.
Galop - How we can help

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Conflict is a normal part of any parent relationship. It only starts to become a problem when conflict is frequent, intense and not resolved well. The latest research tells us that conflict is harmful to children and affects their mental health, behaviour and success at school.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Ethnic Minority Achievement Service (EMAS)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Support for pupils with English as an additional language

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
How we can help

We believe everyone has the ability to change. We offer recovery-focused drug and alcohol support in Brighton and Hove

Our team is a varied group of health specialists, medical professionals, psychologists, peer mentors and volunteers. Many of us have lived experience of the journey you are on. Together with you, we will design the support and treatment to help you achieve your goals.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Info - Brighton and Hove Recovery Service

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We offer recovery-focused drug and alcohol support. We also have a family and carers support team.

# data[].attributes.body
Young Carers team manager

# data[].attributes.body
National helpline for children of alcoholics

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Providing information, advice and support for everyone affected by a parent's drinking

1 in 5 people in the UK are affected by their parent's drinking. #URNotAlone

Providing information, advice and support for everyone affected by a parent's drinking

1 in 5 people in the UK are affected by their parent's drinking. #URNotAlone

Free helpline

If you would like to talk to someone, our free confidential helpline is here for you.
helpline@Nacoa.org.uk

The Nacoa promise

We are here to listen

We won't judge

We are here to help for as long as you want

What you say will remain confidential

Calling the helpline

Instant chat

If you prefer, we also offer an instant chat service.
Coming soon

Message boards

Share your experiences and talk to others in our online message boards.
Message boards

Make a difference.

... we are here to help. With your help we can help no child feel like they are on their own.

£10

5 information packs for professionals working with children of alcoholics.

£60

Free phone calls for a week.

£400

Train a new volunteers helpline counsellor.

£800

Keeps the helpline running for 6 weeks.

Become a Member for £25/year

For just £25 a year, you can join us as a Nacoa member. Receive invites to big events and our AGM. Have your say in our management. And get your iconic Nacoa t-shirt.

Become a Member

Keep in touch

To find out more about our events and activities, subscribe to our mailing list

We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Nacoa: Helping everyone affected by their parent's drinking - Nacoa

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
1 in 5 people in the UK are affected by their parent's drinking. #URNotAlone 1 in 5 people in the UK are affected by their parent's drinking. #URNotAlone If you would like to talk to someone, our free confidential helpline is here for you.

# data[].attributes.headline
Meet Dan - Reducing Parental Conflict team

# data[].attributes.subject
Meet Dan - Reducing Parental Conflict team

# data[].attributes.body
3 couples have completed the Parents as Partners on-line programme where alcohol was identified as an issue

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Parents as Partners flyer - March 2021 ONLINE

# data[].attributes.body
Teens, parents and booze

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Raising Teens - Teens, Parents and Booze - BBC Sounds

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Catch up on your favourite BBC radio show from your favourite DJ right here, whenever you like. Listen without limits with BBC Sounds.

# data[].attributes.headline
Healthy child Programme Forum 2020 presentation

# data[].attributes.subject
Healthy child Programme Forum 2020 presentation

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Back on Track in Brighton and Hove launch event 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Back on Track in Brighton and Hove launch event 5th July slide pack

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Back on Track in Brighton and Hove launch event July 2019

# data[].attributes.body
A resource to be used alongside secondary school lesson plan

# data[].attributes.body
A resource to be used alongside the secondary school lesson plan

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
'Let Down My Disguise' - Finding help when a parent drinks too much