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How you may be feeling
It can be really hard if you're worried about your parents drinking or think they might have a problem with alcohol.
You may:
- want to hide it and not want anyone to know
- be scared and worried about what is going to happen to you or your parent
- feel angry about what is happening
- feel confused about why your parent is drinking too much
It's important to remember that your parents' drinking is not your fault.
You're not on your own, and there is support available.
Who can you speak to for help
One-to-one support: Brighton & Hove Adolescent Service
One-to-one support for under-18s whose lives are affected by a parent or carer's alcohol use.
We have a dedicated family worker called Susan Kleinman. Before COVID-19, Youstina was working in schools and the community, and she's still available to talk to you more about what support you might need over the phone or through WhatsApp.
To contact Susan Kleinman:
- phone 01273 293 966 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
- send an email to Susan.Kleinman@brighton-hove.gov.uk
- visit the Ruok website
Groups and activities: Young Carers Project
While face-to-face support is currently not available for young people who look after a parent who is drinking a lot, the Young Carers project can still provide support over the phone.
To contact the Young Carers Project:
- phone 01273 746 222 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm), if you leave a message, they will get back to you
- visit The Carers Centre website
- message them on X or Facebook
Counselling: Young Oasis
Therapists work with people aged 5 to 18 who may be affected by a parent's drinking to help them find ways to cope with what is happening. Young Oasis can provide support over the phone.
To contact Young Oasis:
- phone 01273 696 970
- send an email to youngoasistherapy@oasisproject.org
- visit the Young Oasis Project website
National Helpline for Children of Alcoholics (Nacoa)
Information, advice and support for anyone affected by a parent's drinking. As well as a confidential helpline, you can read about the experiences of other children and young people and use the message boards.
Contact them by:
- phone 0800 358 3456, the free, confidential helpline is open:
- Monday, Friday and Saturday, 12pm to 7pm
- Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, midday to 9pm
- send an email to helpline@nacoa.org.uk
- visit the Nacoa website
There's information on Nacoa's website for anyone affected by their parents' drinking.