VOCAL (Voice of Carers Across Lothian), in conjunction with the Lothian Alcohol Problem Service, is running a training course for family members, partners and friends who are worried about someone’s drinking behaviour.
Offering vital support, information and advice, the course runs for three weeks from Wednesday 22 February, 6.30 – 8pm at Lothian Alcohol Problem Service, 29 Morningside Park, Edinburgh.
The training course builds on the experiences of family members who have attended previous courses and reported significantly reduced stress levels and improved self esteem.
These positive outcomes also impact on the person with the alcohol problem, as one family member explains: “The course helped me to see how making changes in my relationship with my brother, who has a drinking problem, benefits him too. I can’t believe how changing just one thing has had such a positive impact on his behaviour.”
Says a spokesperson: “With the Scottish alcohol death rate nearly six times the UK average, and alcohol related hospitals admissions increasing, support for family members who deal with the consequences of addiction is crucial.”
For more information or to book a place on this course, please contact Moira Scarcliffe on 0131 622 6262, email mscarcliffe@vocal.org.uk or visit www.vocal.org.uk/addictions
Notes to editors:
1. Carers and VOCAL
Carers look after relatives, partners or friends in need of help because they are ill, frail, have a disability or an addiction. The care they provide is unpaid.
VOCAL – Voice of Carers Across Lothian – is an organisation run by carers for carers. VOCAL manages the Edinburgh Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre and supports carers by providing information and advice, training, advocacy, counselling and carer workshops. Further information on VOCAL is available online: www.vocal.org.uk
2. VOCAL’s Family Support Addictions service
VOCAL’s Family Support Addictions service provides support to relatives, partners and friends who are affected by someone else’s addiction. The service was originally set up some years ago by family members. This service provides emotional support and information as well as monthly support groups and regular training courses delivered in partnership with the Alcohol Problems Service.
3. Facts and figures
- 90,000 deaths related to alcohol will occur over the next ten years. (Drinkaware)
- Since 1984 three times more 55-70 year olds have died because of alcohol dependency. (Drinkaware)
- 33,000 people die in the UK each year from alcohol related causes. That’s ten times as many people as die on the roads every year. (Drinkaware)
- In 2007/08 in Scotland there was an increase of seven per cent in alcohol-related hospital admissions (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/scotPerforms/indicators/alcoholRelatedAdmissions)
4. Contacts
Family Support Addictions, 0131 622 6262
Rosie McLoughlin, Information and communications manager, 0131 622 6666.
MEDIA RELEASE posted by VOCAL. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Rosie McLoughlin
Phone: 0131 622 6666
Email: rmcloughlin@vocal.org.uk
Website: http://www.vocal.org.uk/addictions
