Purpose
We are a Wiltshire charity working with families challenged by someone else’s drug and alcohol dependency, supporting them to bravely build a better life.
Vision
We want to reach every family impacted by drug and alcohol dependency, so they can speak out, free from stigma, and receive the support, care and help they need.
Values
Listen
We want families to be heard. To do this we must listen with empathy, thoughtfulness and optimism. We listen to what our families and colleagues say. We listen with curiosity and apply creative and constructive thinking to all we do, asking questions to help us understand and connect.
Care
We want families to feel valued and supported. To do this, we must be thoughtful, empathetic and kind. We will be respectful and inclusive in our actions. We understand the little things that made our families and friends smile before the chaos of drug and alcohol dependency.
Be Practical
We want families to receive the help that works for them. We will be professional and act with integrity in all we do. We will be practical and realistic in finding the best way forward for our families.
Show Determination
We want families to be helped. To achieve this we must do the hard things, for both our families and our colleagues, by engaging a positive outlook and a resilient attitude. When others have stopped, or given up, we will still be by their side. Sticking with them, committed to helping them achieve their goals, at their pace, for their chosen future.
Research shows that addiction has a detrimental effect on all those involved, and it damages families. If someone you care about is abusing drugs or alcohol, you are affected at every level. Normal daily life can be difficult, people often feel isolated, others don’t seem to understand their situation, and it can be hard to see a way forward.
We offer one-to-one and group support, allowing clients to work on reducing negative feelings like stress, loss, guilt, shame and hopelessness. Once being more able to manage emotions and cope with their situation, they experience higher levels of confidence, self-esteem and mental wellbeing. Clients surveyed by us report that their situation improved both during and after accessing our services.
In our work with families of people who use drugs and alcohol, the death of a loved one is a familiar concern. Sadly, for some this concern becomes a reality. The counsellors at Families Out Loud are trained to offer support to people in this situation. Bereavement support focuses on self-care and coming to terms with individual experiences of loss.
