Swanswell offers another chance for young carers to get online advice about substance misuse
Young carers worried about alcohol or drug misuse have another chance to get help and support through a special online chat being hosted by Swanswell next week.
Organised with Carers Trust, Swanswell - a national recovery charity which wants to achieve a society free from problem alcohol and drug use - will be offering information and advice to people up to 19-years-old, who have a caring responsibility.
A member of the Swanswell team will be available to answer any questions about the young carer’s own use of alcohol or drugs, or that of the friend or relative they care for.
The free, confidential chat will be available at YCNet – www.youngcarers.net – on Monday 11 March 2013 between 4.00pm and 5.30pm after last minute technical difficulties led to the session being re-arranged from 04 February 2013.
Chris Robinson, Swanswell’s Director of Services, said: ‘Young people who care for a friend or relative affected by alcohol or drug misuse often avoid talking about the issues they are facing because they’re worried about what others will think.
‘In many cases, they’re told by the person they’re looking after to keep the problem behind closed doors, so we’ve joined with Carers Trust to offer an easy way to access confidential support that could make a real difference to their lives.
‘It’s the second year we’ve offered this service – last year we helped a number of young people get advice and support about a range of issues including alcohol misuse, sensible drinking levels and misuse of over-the-counter painkillers.
'Hopefully this year, we’ll be able to help even more young carers with issues around alcohol or drug misuse.’
Sam Symington, Online Support Manager for Carers Trust, said: ‘We’re delighted to be working with Swanswell again to offer vital support to young carers across the country.
‘Around 700,000 of the seven million carers in the UK are children1 and many of those will have access to the internet, so it’s really important that we use this technology to provide access to help and information they may otherwise not be able to get in person.
‘Our partnership with Swanswell gives young carers the opportunity to speak to someone who can help, without having to leave their home and the feedback from last year has been very positive.’
For more information or supporting photographs, contact Stuart Goodwin:
Swanswell
Suite5, Hilton House
Corporation Street
Rugby
Warwickshire
CV21 2DN
Tel: 01788 559 422
Email: stuart.goodwin@swanswell.org
About Swanswell
At Swanswell, we believe in a society free from problem alcohol and drug use; that everyone deserves the chance to change and be happy.
We’re a market leading charity with an exciting programme of innovative new service developments and a team of committed people who are working hard to achieve our ambitions.
Swanswell has a number of offices across the country including Coventry and Warwickshire, Birmingham, Barnsley, Sandwell, Leicestershire and Rutland. Visit Swanswell at: www.swanswell.org.
Join the conversation, follow Swanswell on twitter at www.twitter.com/Swanswell.
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