Scottish Government

Description of needs

Ways in which services can respond

1.1 Advice and information

People at risk of developing alcohol problems, or who want help, and their families and friends, need information about what kinds of support and treatment is available and where to find it.

• Provide information for young people about alcohol and its effects, and sources of advice and help in mainstream health promotion and youth work in schools and youth projects.

• Providing information and self-help materials in a range of forms and from a range of sources e.g. leaflets, web sites, local media.

• NHS 24.

• Local helplines.

• Community-based advice and drop-in centres, providing advice on general matters e.g. housing, financial and debt counselling services, as well as advising on where to seek help with alcohol problems.

• Provide information for young people about alcohol and its effects, and sources of advice and help in mainstream health promotion and youth work in schools and youth projects

1.2 Support for children, families, carers and friends

Those close to people with alcohol problems may need a wide range of advice and support to tackle issues such as:

• Family conflict and relationship or sexual problems.

• Financial difficulties.

• Domestic abuse.

Children living with parents who have alcohol problems may need support and care from other adults including their extended family or professionals. They may experience problems in school, witness domestic violence, suffer parental neglect or lack of supervision and be at higher risk of physical or sexual abuse. Schools must be alert to developing problems, and child health and social work services should assess children's needs carefully.

• Education staff trained and supported to identify and appropriately respond to signs of problems in children associated with alcohol problems in their parents.

• Community self help groups such as AlAnon.

• Counselling services, including specialist counselling, often run by voluntary organisations.

• Providing practical support for children and carers including befriending, respite care and help with caring responsibilities.

1.3 Workplace alcohol policies

Employers should develop policies that prevent alcohol problems as well as addressing problems after they arise. Sensible and appropriate use of alcohol as this affects the working day should be defined.

• Individual and family support and child protection services to promote and safeguard children's welfare.

• Taking advantage of support offered by SHAW, HEBS and others to develop workplace alcohol policies.

• Sensitive and discreet occupational health services providing advice or support when required by employers.

It's happening already: the Barnardo's Hopscotch Project providing services to the communities of Angus and Perth & Kinross supports children affected by alcohol and drug problems, and their families. Counselling and solution focused approaches are used with children and young people and their parents or carers, alongside a
one-to-one befriending service, health education and group activities. The project works in conjunction with other support services and schools.

Contact: Colleen Gibb, Hopscotch, Arbroath

SHAW's funding has been increased by 2m (450,000 in 2001/2 and 750,000 in 2002/3 and 2003/4) to create more health promoting workplaces. Specific targets linked to that funding include doubling SME participation by 2003, involving 40% of the workforce by 2006, and supporting employers to develop occupational health strategies and plans which include enlightened approaches to substance misuse.