An exhibition of art works by nearly 50 young people who are children of alcoholics is being held from 12 to 17 August from 11am to 6pm at Brighton Fishing Quarter Gallery.
The exhibition follows a competition called #FindYourOasis run by Brighton & Hove Back on Track. This project brings together Brighton & Hove City Council, local charity the Oasis Project and national charity Nacoa to offer specialist support and therapy to children of alcoholics.
Around 2.6 million children in the UK are affected by their parents’ drinking. With alcohol misuse on the increase nationally since the start of the pandemic it’s an increasingly big problem.
Back on Track programme manager Ceri Walker was herself a child of an alcoholic mother. She said: “Many children of alcohol-dependent parents feel totally alone with the problems they face.
“We know that being able to break the silence and open up about being a child of an alcoholic helps people to find support, make healthy choices, and live fulfilled lives.
“I know from personal experience how hard it is. I understand the betrayal often felt for our parents as we speak out, and the many, many years of secrets involved, often unspoken.
“If just one person realizes they aren’t the only one struggling then this event will have been well worth it.”
You can get support if you're the child of an alcoholic, or just someone find to talk to - or if you know of someone who is in this position.
Or you can:
- phone the Oasis Project on 01273 696 970
- send an email to info@oasisproject.org.uk