A free event for those affected by the drugs or alcohol use of a loved one is taking place in Keynsham on Thursday 9 June. Hosted by the South West charity Developing Health & Independence (DHI), 15th annual Reach Out conference offers a safe, welcoming space for people to meet and hear from others who are going through similar situations.
Reach Out will take place during Carers Week at Somerdale Pavilion, Tiberius Road, Keynsham, on Thursday 9 June from 1:30-4:30pm.
The theme of the event will be Tough Love to Empathy – and Everything Between! The programme for the day will feature:
- Personal stories
- Interactive panel discussion
- Afternoon tea and coffee
The event will include input from Project 28, the young people’s drug and alcohol service in Bath & North East Somerset, which provides advice, guidance and one-to-one sessions for young people who are having problems with drugs and/or alcohol.
To find out more and register for Reach Out visit: www.dhi-online.org.uk/about-us/news/reach-out-2022
Rosie Phillips, Chief Executive of DHI, said, “Reach Out is all about bringing people together. There is still significant stigma attached to the families and carers of those who misuse drugs or alcohol, and many suffer anxiety, depression and poor health because of the stresses and strains in their lives. Too often they suffer in silence.”
Jenny, a family member who got support from DHI, added, “I still remember the first group I attended. It was such a relief to know I wasn’t alone and there were other families who knew exactly what we were going through. I got counselling, support from others in similar situations and practical advice for how to set boundaries. This not only allowed me to survive this time, but I believe that those boundaries helped my daughter to finally get into recovery.”