Since 2017 Suffolk Family Carers has proudly been supporting family carers affected by another’s substance and/or alcohol misuse. This service has been provided in partnership with Turning Point.
Over the last 7 years our dedicated support team have helped over 560 family carers through a combination of 1:1 support, peer support groups & via our specialist focused workshops such as Navigating the Road to Recovery
Sarah Potter, Suffolk Family Carers Service Manager for Mental Health and Wellbeing Services said “It’s been great working with Turning Point during this time, to not only support family carers and affected others directly, but to raise awareness of some of the challenges that might accompany this particular kind of caring role. We would encourage anyone affected by another’s misuse of substances or alcohol to seek support for their own wellbeing.”
Starting 1st April 2024 Turning Point will be bringing support for family carers into their organisation as part of a new holistic offering. Whist we are sad to see the service leave us we couldn’t be more delighted that it is Turning Point who are picking it up. They are ideally placed to support both those affected by substance or alcohol misuse themselves, and the people that care for them.
Suffolk Family Carers will be working closely with Turning Point over the coming weeks to ensure there is a smooth transition of services with a minimum of disruption to family carers that are, or have been supported by us
- The dual diagnosis peer support group which currently meets at our Claydon offices on 1st Wednesday of each month will continue, with the meeting dates and location remaining unchanged. From the 1st April 2024 the group will be facilitated by Turning Point staff who may also attend the February and March sessions along with Suffolk Family Carers staff. All family carers affected by another’s substance or alcohol misuse are welcome to join this group, either before or after 1st April.
- Family Carers currently receiving support from Suffolk Family Carers will continue to do so until 1st April 2024. As this date approaches our advisors will discuss each family carers personal situation with them to determine the best way for support to continue with Turning Point.
- Family Carers referred to our service before the 1st April will receive support from Suffolk Family Carers if this is appropriate to their personal circumstances. Alternatively support will commence with Turning Point in April 2024.
From 1st April Turning Point will provide its dedicated support for family carers from offices in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds & Lowestoft. This service will be open to all family carers and will be separate from any support that may be being provided to the person who is affected by substance and/or alcohol misuse themselves. There will be no requirement for this person to be receiving services from Turning Point.
Family Carers will be able to refer themselves to Turning Point by contacting them directly. Please note that from 1st April Suffolk Family Carers will also refer family carers affected by another’s substance or alcohol misuse to Turning Point for specialist support. Family carers may continue to receive Information Advice and Guidance or Emotional support from Suffolk Family Carers for their general caring needs after this date.
