New support service for carers of people with alcohol and drug problems launches this autumn

A new service to support carers of people with alcohol or drug problems in Devon launches this autumn following a report highlighting the difficulties they face finding help and advice.

The new service is a joint initiative between Recoverylink CIC, which runs a recovery peer-mentoring programme for alcohol and drug dependents leaving treatment, and the Devon Carers service. It is funded by Devon County Council and Devon’s two NHS local Clinical Commissioning Groups.

It will include a peer-support buddying scheme, which matches people who are struggling to cope with caring for a family member or friend with drink or drug problems with someone who has experienced similar difficulties but found ways to manage their own lives successfully despite the circumstances.

The project will also help more carers of substance misusers overcome the shame and stigma they often experience, and to recognise themselves as carers in their own right, enabling them to access a range of services specifically designed for carers.

Training programmes will raise awareness among support agencies of the importance of carers and the positive role they can play in turning the cared for’s life around.

Funding for the new project comes following a report, ‘Building Resilience and Personal Recovery – A Consultation with Carers of Alcohol and Drug Dependents on current and future support’, produced jointly by Recoverylink and Devon Carers last year.

The report found that:
• Over 80% of those consulted did not ask for help because of the shame and stigma attached to having addiction within the family;
• 75% had had to deal with financial difficulties and debt and 60% had left jobs or turned down career advancement due to their caring role;
• 70% said they had had difficulty getting information from professionals about the cared for even when permission for this had been granted, and 80% said they did not feel listen to by the cared for’s support workers;
• Almost all (90%) said they gained confidence by talking to someone with similar experiences and 70% would welcome flexible, one-to-one support;
• None of those consulted had been told by professionals that they were entitled to be identified as carers and enjoy the legal rights of an identified carer.

“For each individual with addiction problems four to five others are significantly affected, more often than not family members and children,” says Recoverylink director Tom Gard.

“Recoverylink supports people with addiction problems to build early recovery and abstinence, but we also believe that those impacted by caring for a problematic drinker or drug user are equally entitled to their own recovery.”

Matthew Byrne, manager of Devon Carers, added: “Devon Carers provides information, support and short breaks for carers, but carers of people with drug and alcohol problems have proved particularly hard to reach.

“Many don’t even see themselves as carers; they just think they are doing their duty. Add in the shame and stigma of addiction and it is very easy to become isolated.

“Devon Carers are delighted to be working with Recoverylink to ensure carers of people with drug and alcohol problems are able to access the services we offer.”
Ian Hobbs, Devon County Council’s Senior Commissioning Manager for social care, said: “The Council and its NHS partners recognises the vital role that carers play and wants to do all that is possible to support them. Our carer support service is recognised by the Carers Trust for its high quality and we are continually looking for ways of improving our services.

“This particular group of carers has been identified as one that has historically not accessed the support that is available and we are pleased to be able to work with Recoverylink to ensure that they are aware of all that is on offer.”

If you have lived experience of caring for someone with addiction problems and could spare a couple of hours a week to help someone struggling to cope, please contact Recoverylink on 01392 256907 or e-mail info@recoverylink.org.uk. For more information visit http://www.recoverylink.org.uk/carers/