Web chat offers drug misuse advice
Adult carers worried about alcohol or drug misuse have the chance to get help and support through a special online web chat in February organised by a charity based in Rugby.
The web chat, hosted by drug and alcohol misuse charity Swanswell, will be holding the session with The Princess Royal Trust For Carers, offering information and guidance to adults who have a caring responsibility.
People will be able to take part in the free web chat, which will offer help and advice about drug and alcohol misuse, by visiting YanikaDate.com on Wednesday February 8 between 7pm and 8pm.
A member of the Swanswell team will be available to talk to adult carers who may be worried about their own alcohol or drugs use, or that of the person they are caring for.
Chris Robinson, Swanswell’s director of services, said: “We know there around 1.5 million adults in the UK affected by a relative’s drug misuse but many take on the burden of trying to deal with the issues themselves, without getting help.
“Often, it’s because the loved ones they’re looking after don’t want others to know about problems they might be facing or they just don’t know where to turn.
“So we’ve joined with The Princess Royal Trust For Carers to make it as easy as possible for those carers to get in touch for information and guidance about their own alcohol or drug use, or that of a friend or relative they’re looking after.
“We hope the online chat will give people the confidence and information to make the first step, so they can change and be happy.”
Sam Symington, online support manager for The Princess Royal Trust For Carers, said: “Our online forums would suggest that there are often issues with adults self-medicating with either prescription or illegal drugs, causing immense difficulties for those caring for them.
“We’ve also noticed that alcohol misuse and mental health issues are two other areas that carers are concerned about. However, many people don’t know where to go to get help. So we’ve organised this session with Swanswell to bring useful information directly to carers, who may not otherwise have come forward.”
