01/06/15
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DHI, 15/16 Milsom Street,Bath BA1 1DE
Families of those with drug or alcohol problems
come out of the shadows for National Carers Week
FOR EVERYPERSON grappling with drug or alcohol misuse, it’s estimated that at least five
others are affected:husbands, wives, partners, mothers, fathers, siblings, children, grandchildren, and friends.
As part of National Carers Week, DHI (Developing Health Independence) is organising a special event for the carers and families of those dealing with a drug or alcohol problemto share their experiences with peers and professionals.
Now in its 8th year, Reach Out isfree to families and carers. It will be held at Fry Club in Keynsham near Bristol on Thursday 11th June 2015 from 2.30 – 8.30pm.
Thousands of families and loved ones suffer in silence due to the stigma associated with caring for a family member struggling with substance misuse. Reach Out 2015 will help to break that silence and offer hope to those whose voices are so often unheard. One mother who has benefited from DHI’s Family Service said:
“I found it very hard initially to accept that my family situation had become so bad that I needed help. My feelings of shame and guilt as a mother were overwhelming, paralysing and were damaging my own health and other family relationships . By attending the group with others who are experiencing similar feelings of helplessness, sadness, fear and guilt I have been able to discuss my feelings and do a lot of crying in a safe and supportive place. The support of others in a similar situation is very powerful and the feeling of acceptance and lack of blame and shame has helped me to get some perspective on my own situation.
“Although my daughter’s problems continue, the support I have received and continue to receive from DHI helps me not to become consumed by her problems and my own guilt. This is a very important service and hugely valued by myself and other members of the group.”
John Taylor from Duran Duran is a keen supporter of DHI and its work. He was thekeynote speakerat Reach Out 2014 and says:
“Over the last year I have met many people who have experienced the tremendous benefits that DHI offer, from their facilities and programmes in and around Bath. Events such as these are vital to both the families and support communities dealing daily with issues of addiction. So often they feel isolated, unclear of how to proceed and silenced by the stigma they perceive to be attached to this widespread and indiscriminate disease. I believe DHI holds many keys to personal transformation.”
Rosie Phillips, DHI CEO, says:
“It is impossible to overestimate the effect of addiction on families and carers of those misusing. Many suffer anxiety, depression and poor health because of the stresses and strains in their lives. This conference brings them together, alongside drug treatment and other professionals, to enable them to shape services and get the best possible support. As well as supporting families and carers needing help in their own right the conference is also important for those in treatment, as all the evidence shows that those in treatment for drugs or alcohol are more likely to succeed in their treatment if families and carers are involved.”
On the agenda:
- A mother’s recovery. First-hand experience from one of our clients and an opportunity for families’ voices to be heard
- Practical help. How to access an online self-help toolkit devised for families and carers
- Keynote speech and Q & A. Vivienne Evans, Chief Executive of family drug support charity ADFAM, will deliver a fascinating look at the state of the sector. She will be joined by Ben Howlett MP for Bath and others for the Q&A panel
- On the sofa. A Q&A panel with peers and professionals
- A bit of light relief. Award-winning Natural Theatre Company work with clients and professionals to perform on the day
If you would like to know more about the conference, please call Jason Bhandari on 01225 478730 or email
The event is free but we ask people to let us know they are coming at:
FOR PRESS ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Rosie Phillips, Chief Executive, DHI. Tel: 077889555092 or email .
We are happy to provide more information and pictures. We can also provide editorial copy to run as is – in the form of news, features or interview. CEO Rosie Phillips is also happy to be interviewed in person.
We are sending you:
- A Reach Out 2015 logo
- A flyer for the event
- A picture of CEO Rosie Phillips
- A picture of supporter John Taylor at last year’s event
ABOUT DHI
Developing Health & Independence (DHI) is a registered charity. It operates across Bath, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and surrounding regions to challenge social exclusion by supporting people to achieve their potential and contribute to the richness and wellbeing of their community. Its approach is flexible, creative and person centred, valuing each individual and their circumstances as unique.
DHI tackles the root causes and consequences of social exclusion by providing practical and emotional support services.
ABOUT DHI’S FAMILIES AND CARERS SERVICES
DHI work with all those affected by someone else’s substance use by supporting them to learn more about drug addiction and treatment, and to learn new skills to better cope with problems as they arise. We also promote the benefit of familymembers becoming involved in the treatment of their loved one whenever this is appropriate, as this has been shown to be hugely beneficial to those in treatment.
We are able to see those affected by someone else’s addiction at sites throughout the Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire areas. Services include:
- One-to-one sessions with a Family Practitioner
- Facilitated group sessions with other people in similar situations
- Solution focused counselling with a counsellor
- Family meetings
- Peer run groups and support
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