If you are a parent or carer, we have a range of support available for your child who may be being affected by your alcohol or drug use.
For professionals working within Family in Focus (formerly Early Help), a Bristol Children’s Centre or Children and Family Services we can provide information, advice and guidance, as well as training to professionals about substance use and families. You can contact our Family Team on 0117 987 6009.
Children Affected By Substances
Our BDP Youth Work team provide a Children Affected By Substances (CABS) service to anyone aged 11 – 19 years old* who are affected by their parent’s or carer’s alcohol or drug use.
Support is provided through 1-to-1 sessions, which aim to support your child reducing risks and building their resilience.
CABS can be accessed across a range of locations in Bristol including schools, colleges and other youth services. We can also work flexibly and meet young people in alternative community settings. If they attend college or school outside of Bristol or have left education we can meet them in different venues.
If you are a professional who wants to refer a young person, you can fill out a referral form found on our lead partner service, Creative Youth Network’s website. You will see the option for help for a young person using drugs or alcohol or if affected by someone else use towards the end of the form.
For more information, or if you are a parent or carer, please contact our team on 0117 987 6009.
*Up to 25 years old where there are Learning Difficulties and Disabilities
Complex needs
If a young person has involvement with Social Care services, the social worker can refer you to the specialist team at the Drugs and Young People’s Project.
Youth Groups
Our Family Team run a free and confidential youth group for children and young people who are living with a family member who uses alcohol or drugs. To find out more, please contact our Family Team on 0117 987 6009.
Our youth group is an opportunity to get out for the evening and have some fun with other young people. We have groups for 5 – 10 year olds and for 11 – 16 year olds, covering the whole of Bristol. We have dinner together and do activities including arts and crafts, outdoor play, cooking and 1-to-1 time if a young person wants to take some time out.
All groups are held for two hours one week-day evening a week, twice a month for 5 – 10 year olds and monthly for 11 – 16 year olds. Transport is arranged to get the young person there and take them home again, either by car or minibus.
