Grampian Family Support Forum

SFAD (Scottish Families Affected by Drugs) are looking for Aberdeenshire Family Members to meet together so they can build relationships with other families to develop new skills and increase their contact with decision makers.

They have supported the development of the Grampian Family Support Forum.

An event which was facilitated by Scottish Families Affected by Drugs called the Grampian Event took place in January 2010 at Mannofield Church in Aberdeen.

As a result of this event, and with the help of SFAD several representatives of Family Support Groups have come together and formed the Grampian Family Support Forum. We meet in Aberdeen every 4 to 6 weeks.

The Forum recognises that there are many barriers which prevent family members seeking support for themselves. The first issue we want to tackle is to try and break down these barriers. We would like to see more family support groups and more people attending the groups that already exist. However, we are aware that some families will prefer one to one support.The Scottish Government now recognises that families play an integral part in the recovery of the addict.

Our Forum is part of the Achieving Community Empowerment Programme which is funded by the Big Lottery Fund and managed by the Scottish Community Development Centre. We also receive funding from Aberdeenshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership. The area we represent is the Grampian region ie Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray.

The Forum recently applied to become partners in the Community Partnership Project with the Scottish Parliament and were successful. We are really looking forward to working with the Parliamentary staff who will open many doors for us during the forthcoming year.

However, our numbers are low and we need your help. New members do not have to be part of a Family Support Group. New members may have a family member or partner who has, is recovering from or has conquered drug addiction problems.

Our Forum believes that you do not have to be great to start but you have to start to be great!

Thank you for your help,

Grampian Family Support Group Member
Email: grampianfsgforum@yahoo.co.uk
Tel: 07511 682 824 

Garioch Family Support Group

Background

The group, funded by Aberdeenshire Council, started meeting in 2004 in response to a need identified by family members. It was felt that, while the drug user had the opportunity to get help from various agencies, parents and partners lacked support to cope with their feelings and the problems affecting their family. They wanted to be able to talk about their experiences in a safe setting and try to find ways of dealing more effectively with the situation.

There is also a CommunityDrugs Project.

Why should I come to the group?

If you are concerned about a relative's drug dependence, then why not come along to see if we can help. The group provides confidential support for parents/family members so that you feel more confident in dealing with situations. It gives an opportunity to talk through problems, learn more about drugs and their effects and explore different ways of coping.

What happens at the group?

Two workers help to facilitate the group, organising speakers and providing relevant information; however, much of the learning and support happens among group members themselves. Various topics have been covered in the meetings, including coping skills, drug awareness, etc, but the group is informal and the discussions tend to focus on issues raised that evening by group members.

When does it meet?

The group meets fortnightly on Wednesday evenings from 7.30 - 9.30, and is open to anyone living in Aberdeenshire. You can also come along at 6.30 to speak on a one-to-one basis with either of the workers before the group starts if you feel this would be easier.

What other help is there?

You can e-mail us with any questions at gariochfsg@yahoo.com Also, financial support can be given if you require help with transport or childcare costs.

How can I find out more?

To find out the venue and any other information, please phone the Community Learning Office - 01467 641444 or leave a message for the workers on 07902283177.

Why not take this opportunity to meet people who understand what you are going through and find new ways of coping. You would be made very welcome.

Deveron Support

Drug Dependency can take many forms...

Your family member, partner or friend may:

• Smoke or inject substances
• Snort or sniff substances
• Take pills
• Act strangely
• Have mood swings
• Sleep for long periods
• Have unexplained money issuess

Try not to:

• Panic
• Shout
• Criticise
• Keep it to yourself
• Be judgemental
• Blame yourself

It's not always easy to seek help...

You may feel:

• Alone and frightened
• Ashamed or guilty
• Trapped

Try to:

• Keep calm & stay positive
• Be supportive
• Look after yourself

You are not alone. Support is Available.

Someone to talk to, who listens and understands you. We offer confidential support and non-judgemental advice in a friendly, informal atmosphere.

We can help...

• Mutual support from real people with first hand experience
• Friendly and confidential advice

To find out more about the group contact us on:
T: 07762 411 332
E: dsgbanff@hotmail.co.uk