Charity targets support at children affected by alcoholism

Wednesday 20 December 2017

Role play, games and group discussions will be used in a new support programme for children with parents or siblings addicted to alcohol and drugs.

The four-day programme has been described by Silkworth Lodge as a "first of its kind."

It will be available for children aged between seven and 12 years old, who are growing up in a family that has been hurt by alcoholism and other drug addictions.

It’s aim is to provide education and support through role-play exercises, group discussions and games to help the children communicate and acknowledge the impact the addiction has on them.

Parents and family members of the children can also join them on the programme which is to be launched in March.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Silkworth Charity Group, Jason Wyse, says, "...addiction is a family illness whereby the alcoholic/addict is the first of many who feel the impact of the addiction, children and other family members however are often the last to be helped. It is often the case that the focus is on the alcoholic/addict where there are many treatment options available to them, particularly here in Jersey, but what happens to significant others who have to witness the chaos and destruction that the illness of chemical dependency brings?

"...the Children’s program now enables us to provide the full range of support to all those within the family unit where chemical dependency is prevalent and ultimately give those children that are often helped last, the voice and environment to express their feelings and understand more and importantly to understand that they are not alone."