Addicts’ families take centre stage

Relatives, friends and carers of people with drug and alcohol issues are invited to a free event in Brighton on Thursday 25 July.

The Silent Voices conference at the Brighthelm Centre will be a chance for the families and friends of people who use drugs and alcohol to spend some time concentrating on their own needs, meet others in the same position and find out where they can get help and support.

The event is also open to professionals working in the field.

There will be a keynote speech from Professor Angie Hart from Brighton University, who is an expert on how families can become more resilient, as well as personal stories, workshops and information stalls. Refreshments and lunch will be provided free of charge.

To find out more and to book your place visit www.silentvoicessussex.info.

Brighton & Hove City Council’s deputy director of public health, Peter Wilkinson, said: “Alcohol and drugs misuse ruins the lives of whole families, not just the substance users.

“Families and friends not only care for people misusing drugs and alcohol, but also have a vital role in helping people to recover from their problematic use and to improve their health and wellbeing and participation in society.

“A great deal is expected of families and friends in these situations and events such as this one help support them with the challenges they face.”

The conference is a part of the Communities And Families Tackling Addiction (CAFTA) project, joint funded by Brighton & Hove City Council and the EU’s Interreg IVA 2-Seas Programme. Visit www.caftablog.org for further details or phone Sue Bowes on 01273 292949 or Steven Hartley on 01273 292961.