![Over 400 referrals made by NSPCC about parental substance misuse in the North East last year Over 400 referrals made by NSPCC about parental substance misuse in the North East last year](https://i2-prod.chroniclelive.co.uk/incoming/article13454039.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/0_Childline-report.jpg)
A charity made 406 referrals to agencies in the North East last year after being contacted by adults worried about the impact of a parent or carer’s alcohol or drug use on a child.
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) makes a referral when concerns reported to the helpline are considered to be serious enough to warrant further investigation or if it is felt a family needs support.
The NSPCC is releasing these figures as it joins with the National Association for the Children of Alcoholics (NACOA) to let children who are experiencing parental substance misuse know that they are not alone, and support is available. Help and support is also available for parents who are concerned about the impact of theirs or another adult’s substance misuse on a child.
According to NACOA, which organises Children of Alcoholics Week (February 9 – 15), one in five children in the UK are affected by their parent’s drinking.
And, last year, 5,981 children in the North East who were subject to a Child in Need assessment were identified as having a parent who misused alcohol. A Child in Need Assessment identifies the needs of the child and ensures that families are given the appropriate support to help them safeguard and promote the child’s welfare.
Parents who regularly take drugs, drink, or both in large quantities over a long period of time, can have chaotic, unpredictable lifestyles and may struggle to recognise and meet their children’s needs, increasing the risk of harm.
Although this does not necessarily mean that a child will experience abuse, it does make it more difficult for parents to offer safe and loving care. This can lead to abuse or neglect and have a serious impact on a child’s emotional wellbeing.
A parent or carer misusing alcohol and drugs can have negative effects on children at different stages in their lives. During pregnancy, drinking and drug use can put babies at risk of birth defects, premature birth, being born underweight and withdrawal symptoms.
In later years, parental substance misuse can put children at risk of behavioural or emotional problems; poor attendance at school or low grades; physical and emotional abuse or neglect; or being exposed to criminal activity.
Childline delivered 440 counselling sessions last year with children and young people from across the UK who worried about their parent’s substance misuse. One 13-year-old child who contacted Childline said: “Mum changes completely when she drinks: she shouts at everyone and can get violent. When this happens, I have to look after my younger siblings and protect them. It’s hard to live in an unstable home like this; I never know if she’ll be in a good mood or not.”
Kamaljit Thandi, NSPCC Helpline Director, explained: “Parental substance misuse can have a truly devastating impact on the lives of children and the effects can last long into adulthood.
“Parents who drink or take drugs to excess may have difficulty looking after their children and responding to their needs. Some may lose consciousness, leaving no other responsible adult present to care for their child and ensure their safety. The stress upon children of having parents who misuse substances can cause impaired development and problems with learning and memory.
“While we want children to know they are not alone and there is help available to them, we all can play a part in looking out for potential signs of a child’s distress and the NSPCC Helpline is there to provide support for families who are struggling.”
Hilary Henriques MBE, Chief Executive of NACOA, added: “Imagine coming home from school and dreading what you might find. Imagine having no friends because you’re too embarrassed to bring them home in case Mum or Dad are drunk, or worse. You have no-one to turn to because everyone denies there is a problem.
“When alcohol is the family secret, children and adults often believe that talking is being disloyal to their family and try to hide the problem from the outside world. Children often take on responsibility for their parent’s drinking and behaviour, believing it’s something they’ve done.
“Some children spend their childhoods trying to do the impossible; stop someone else drinking. Talking to someone who understands and doesn’t judge can be lifesaving. When they know this is not their responsibility and that only the person drinking can make that choice, the burden of ‘failing’ is lifted from their shoulders, opening up an opportunity to live their own lives, irrespective of whether their parent continues to drink.”
The charities want to remind children that it is not their fault if their parent or carer drinks, and they do not have to keep it a secret. It is not down to them to stop their drinking. They have the right to feel safe and loved at home and they do not have to cope alone.
Talking to someone they trust can help them see they are not alone and could help them find the support they need. They could try talking to a friend or someone else in the family, a teacher or school nurse or a doctor, or a Childline counsellor.
Talking about it does not mean they will get their parent into trouble but if they are worried they can speak to Childline confidentially.
Childline is there 24 hours a day, free and in confidence, on 0800 1111. NAOCA’s Helpline is available for everyone affected by a parent’s drinking – children, adults and professionals. They can be reached on 0800 358 3456 or at helpline@nacoa.org.uk.
How to access support if you need it
If this piece has affected you and you want to talk to someone, there are helplines and support groups available, many of them 24/7.
The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to.
- Samaritans (116 123 in UK and Ireland) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity based in England providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
- If U Care Share is a suicide prevention and postvention support charity. For free confidential text support text IUCS to 85258.
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James’ Place provide free, life-saving treatment for suicidal men, and those identifying as male, in the North East. Men can refer themselves or be referred by a professional including those working in health and community services, or by a friend or family member.
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