The Lifeline Kirklees Family Drugs Service offers help to family members who are affected by drug, alcohol and solvent use. This is offered in the form of advocacy, counselling, group work and family mediation to help lessen the impact of drug use on the family and reduce the risk of family breakdown.

The Family Drug Service also focuses on the needs of young people aged between 5 and 13 years who have parents/ carers or siblings with a substance misuse issue. This is offered in the form of groupwork, individual counselling, group counselling, mentoring and provision of activities that increase self-esteem and support outside the home environment. The service is flexible to meet the needs of the family and will provide home visits if appropriate.

The service was the first of its kind in the country when it was set up in 2004.

Service Manager Tom Brailsford, from Lifeline Kirklees, said: “Our aim is to be a rapid response unit and one-stop shop for families affected by substance mis-use.”

The three-year project was funded by the government’s Children’s Fund.

For more information contact Helen Woods on 01484 353353 or helen.woods@lifelinekirklees.org.uk