A group which focuses on supporting the family and friends of people with drug and alcohol addictions has relocated to Hurst Road, Horsham, with added services.
The Families and Friends Network, run by volunteers with the support of West Sussex County Council’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT), is a place to get advice and also talk through any frustrations they may have with loved ones who have addictions.
After being in Park Barn, North Street for seven years, the service recently relaunched in the Horsham Youth Centre with new drop-in sessions being offered on the first and third Tuesdays of every month, between 6.30pm and 8pm.
Lead volunteer Carol Buckle said a gulf develops between loved ones in these circumstances with people feeling frustrated that they cannot help them with their addictions.
“When a person in their family misuses drugs or alcohol they don’t want to listen to them equally you cannot make them listen to you. But if you can get inside their head and see what makes them continue to use alcohol or drugs it will help you help them.”
Trainee social worker Janie Reeve, 19, described some of the changes she has seen in people. “It empowers them and helps them feel back in control. We can signpost them to different services or help them find strategies to help them cope better.”
The next drop-in session is on Tuesday February 5. For more information visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/daat or phone 01243 382641.
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